Across U.S. metros, tile setters typically earn $355 more a year than roofers (1%). In the 114 metros where BLS publishes both, roofers earn more in 72 and tile setters in 42.
| Roofer | Tile Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $50,140 | $50,495 |
| Lowest metro median | $24,100 | $34,970 |
| Highest metro median | $105,270 | $88,730 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +5.3% | +9.8% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 12,000 | 3,300 |
| Self-employed | 20% | 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.) | 162 | 138 |
| Metros with pay data | 265 | 120 |
On safety, roofers report more injuries that cause missed work (162 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 roofers out-earn tile setters the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where tile setters out-earn roofers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, roofers earn more in 26 states and tile setters in 21. The gap favors roofers most in North Dakota ($17,120) and tile setters most in Maine ($20,600).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Working at heights: very often for roofers, occasionally for tile setters. Outdoors, in all kinds of weather: very often for roofers, sometimes for tile setters.
| Roofer | Tile Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Sometimes |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Very often | Sometimes |
| Working at heights | Very often | Occasionally |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Often | Occasionally |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Often | Very often |
| Hazardous conditions | Often | Rarely |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Often |
| Sitting | Rarely | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Roofer
Cover roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, or related materials. May spray roofs, sidings, and walls with material to bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections of structures.
Tile Setter
Apply hard tile, stone, and comparable materials to walls, floors, ceilings, countertops, and roof decks.
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