Across U.S. metros, carpenters typically earn $5,660 more a year than tile setters (11%). In the 120 metros where BLS publishes both, carpenters earn more in 104 and tile setters in 16.
| Carpenter | Tile Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $56,155 | $50,495 |
| Lowest metro median | $29,750 | $34,970 |
| Highest metro median | $95,280 | $88,730 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +3.9% | +9.8% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 62,800 | 3,300 |
| Self-employed | 25% | 21% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | No formal educational credential |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 165 | 138 |
| Metros with pay data | 390 | 120 |
On safety, carpenters report more injuries that cause missed work (165 vs. 138 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where carpenters out-earn tile setters the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where tile setters out-earn carpenters the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, carpenters earn more in 38 states and tile setters in 9. The gap favors carpenters most in Maryland ($17,290) and tile setters most in Pennsylvania ($10,860).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Working at heights: often for carpenters, occasionally for tile setters. Hazardous conditions: occasionally for carpenters, rarely for tile setters.
| Carpenter | Tile Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Often | Sometimes |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Working at heights | Often | Occasionally |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Sometimes | Occasionally |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Very often | Very often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Rarely |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Often |
| Sitting | Rarely | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Carpenter
Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.
Tile Setter
Apply hard tile, stone, and comparable materials to walls, floors, ceilings, countertops, and roof decks.
Compare one trade across two cities →