Carpet Installers
Carpet installers lay and install carpet from rolls or blocks on floors, and install padding and trim flooring materials. They work in residential and commercial buildings, measuring spaces, cutting materials, and securing carpet to subfloors. The work requires precision, physical strength, and attention to detail.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against carpet installers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A carpet installer's week involves measuring rooms, moving heavy rolls of carpet and padding, cutting materials to fit, and using tools to stretch and secure carpet to floors. Installation may require removing old flooring, preparing the subfloor, and trimming edges. Jobs often span multiple days as installers work through different properties, managing their own schedules and coordinating with customers about completion timelines.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCA. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You'd likely succeed in this work if you prefer practical, hands-on tasks and like following established procedures and standards. People who do well here tend to be detail-oriented, enjoy seeing finished results from their labor, and appreciate work that follows predictable patterns and methods.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $64,590 | $115,180 | $120,810 | 390 |
| Minnesota | $81,350 | $85,910 | $85,910 | — |
| Alaska | $72,040 | $76,790 | $76,960 | 70 |
| Tennessee | $57,920 | $74,510 | $75,590 | 50 |
| Nevada | $42,690 | $67,040 | $79,080 | 710 |
| New Hampshire | $54,660 | $65,600 | $79,630 | 60 |
| Missouri | $49,010 | $63,960 | $90,330 | 230 |
| Wisconsin | $49,330 | $60,830 | $65,170 | 420 |
| Hawaii | $47,730 | $58,710 | $60,100 | — |
| Kansas | $55,270 | $57,920 | $62,390 | 70 |
| Oregon | $47,150 | $57,800 | $75,770 | 520 |
| Maryland | $53,030 | $57,030 | $61,260 | 250 |
All 45 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Residential Carpet Installer (CFI) — International Certified Floor Installers
- Certified Commercial Carpet Installer (CFI) — International Certified Floor Installers
- Certified Commercial Carpet installer - Advanced — International Certified Floor Installers
- Certified Carpet Master Installer (CFI) — International Certified Floor Installers
- Carpet Repair and Reinstallation Technician (RRT) — Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against carpet installers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-2041.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.