Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles
Floor layers install shock-absorbing, sound-deadening, or decorative floor coverings by applying blocks, strips, or sheets to floors. This work takes place in commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, offices, and other facilities. The job requires attention to detail and physical stamina to stand and bend throughout the day.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against floor layers, except carpet, wood, and hard tiles and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A floor layer's week involves measuring and preparing floor surfaces, cutting materials to size, and adhering coverings using adhesives, fasteners, or other methods. Tasks include inspecting subfloors for damage, removing old flooring when needed, and ensuring new materials are properly aligned and secured. The work is physically demanding, requiring frequent bending, kneeling, and standing while working with tools and handling materials.
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 tend to prefer working with concrete tasks and seeing tangible results from your effort. You do well in structured environments with clear procedures and enjoy solving practical problems, making this career suitable if you value methodical work and reliable systems over constant change.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $85,110 | $92,860 | $93,270 | 70 |
| Massachusetts | $65,610 | $79,280 | $109,460 | 1,060 |
| Hawaii | $58,880 | $77,280 | $86,520 | 210 |
| Illinois | $51,960 | $69,880 | $91,090 | 1,330 |
| New York | $52,000 | $61,360 | $73,840 | 880 |
| California | $48,080 | $61,210 | $88,690 | 4,330 |
| Pennsylvania | $48,880 | $60,050 | $82,510 | 720 |
| New Jersey | $57,660 | $59,840 | $118,840 | 700 |
| Ohio | $49,500 | $59,470 | $72,850 | 850 |
| Minnesota | $44,690 | $59,380 | $99,160 | 490 |
| South Dakota | $46,250 | $58,930 | $69,220 | 180 |
| Nevada | $40,730 | $58,540 | $72,760 | 560 |
All 44 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Commercial Resilient Flooring — International Certified Floor Installers
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against floor layers, except carpet, wood, and hard tiles and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-2042.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.