All new construction projects require flooring to be installed during building—even existing structures and buildings need repairs and renovations every few years. Flooring decisions can affect the appearance and atmosphere of homes and commercial properties, which is why having competent professionals do the job is vital to the project’s success.
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Flooring installers play a big role in residential and commercial projects, and are responsible for installing flooring systems according to a project’s specifications and plans. So how much do floor installers make, and how do you become one?
What are floor installers?
Floor installers are workers who install floor coverings (including carpet, linoleum, vinyl, and hardwood) in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings. They may be self-employed, or employed by construction firms and installation companies.
When working with clients, they’re tasked with performing inspections and advising clients on the most appropriate flooring solutions.
The main qualities of the job include:
- Working indoors
- Working with your hands
- Physical labor, requiring you to be fit and strong
- Measuring things
- Design aspects, meaning you’ll have to have an eye for color
Responsibilities of floor installers
Flooring installers are responsible for a variety of tasks, including:
- Demolishing existing flooring for re-design and renovation
- Inspecting and repairing damaged floors
- Measuring surfaces and preparing them to be covered
- Planning the layout of flooring
- Installing flooring trims and bases
- Accurately estimating labor and material costs
- Advising clients on flooring maintenance and care
Working conditions
A 40-hour work week is standard for flooring installers, but during peak periods, they may have to put in overtime. The amount of overtime can vary, depending on where they work. For example, working nights is not uncommon when renovating public buildings like offices that are occupied during the day.
Flooring installers work primarily indoors alongside a team of other workers. Since the job is so physically demanding, requiring kneeling and lifting heavy materials for long periods of time, it’s imperative that workers remain fit and do stretches every so often to reduce strain.
Workers must be trained on safety and are required to take special precautions to guard against injuries.
But the question remains: how much do carpet installers make?
How much do floor installers make?
According to Glassdoor, when it comes to the question of ‘How much do flooring installers make?’, workers on the low end (usually entry-level employees) make a salary of $39,000 per year, while workers on the high end with more seniority and experience make $91,000 per year.
The average base pay for floor installers is $60,000 per year.
How much do floor installers make per hour?
According to Indeed, based on data collected from their job postings, the average pay for floor installers is $24.56 per hour in the United States. Overtime pay averages $5,625 per year.
Some common benefits that floor installers receive when working with companies in a 401(k), dental insurance, health insurance, vision insurance, and paid time off.
The highest paying American cities for flooring installers are Los Angeles, California at $26.94 per hour; Houston, Texas at $25.10 per hour; and Phoenix, Arizona at $25.04 per hour. It’s important to note, however, that pay often scales to the cost of living in an area.
Becoming a flooring installer
Thinking about starting a career in flooring installation? Here’s what you’ll need.
An apprenticeship
To be certified and be able to legally work as a flooring installer, you’ll need to complete a two to three-year apprenticeship program that includes classroom studying, on-the-job training under the supervision of a certified professional (i.e., a journeyperson), and technical exams.
Apprenticeships allow you to earn a wage while learning, paid by the hour while on the job site. Wages usually begin at 50% of a typical journeyperson’s hourly rate, increasing the longer you stay on until you’ve reached the full rate.
Once you’ve earned a journeyperson certificate, you’re qualified and ready to work as a flooring installer.
(Optional, but helpful) A degree
While it’s not necessary to have a college education to become a flooring installer, a Bachelor’s Degree in engineering or a similar field can make you more desirable to employers and allow you to rise above the competition.
While earning your degree, it’s important to focus on developing skills and search for professional experiences relevant to the industry or field. This will ensure you’re prepared when applying for entry-level jobs and entering the workforce. Internships while you’re a student are a great way to acquire the skills necessary for flooring installation.
(Also optional, but helpful) Certifications and licenses
Unlike other professionals like electricians, certifications and licenses aren’t a hard requirement for working in the field, but help demonstrate to employers that you’re competent and dedicated to developing your expertise.
They’re also useful if you’re looking to start your own business or work as an independent contractor, since they validate your skills. To know what certifications and licenses are available in your area, contact your state’s licensing authority.
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