Across U.S. metros, concrete finishers typically earn $6,750 more a year than tile setters (13%). In the 117 metros where BLS publishes both, concrete finishers earn more in 99 and tile setters in 18.
| Concrete Finisher | Tile Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $57,245 | $50,495 |
| Lowest metro median | $27,610 | $34,970 |
| Highest metro median | $104,450 | $88,730 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +1.6% | +9.8% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 13,600 | 3,300 |
| Self-employed | 2% | 21% |
| Typical education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 25 | 138 |
| Metros with pay data | 334 | 120 |
On safety, tile setters report more injuries that cause missed work (138 vs. 25 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 concrete finishers out-earn tile setters the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where tile setters out-earn concrete finishers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
What each trade does
Concrete Finisher
Smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete, such as floors, walks, sidewalks, roads, or curbs using a variety of hand and power tools. Align forms for sidewalks, curbs, or gutters; patch voids; and use saws to cut expansion joints.
Tile Setter
Apply hard tile, stone, and comparable materials to walls, floors, ceilings, countertops, and roof decks.
Compare one trade across two cities →