Carpet Installers

SOC code 47-2041 · O*NET-SOC 47-2041.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades

Carpet Installers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$50,340

a year

Hourly

$24.20

per hour

10th$35,450Median$50,34090th$82,140

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$56,990

$27.40 per hour

Middle 50%

$41,970 – $66,320

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$35,450 – $82,140

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

13,780

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $35,450; $17.05/hr
25th percentile: $41,970; $20.18/hr
Median percentile: $50,340; $24.20/hr
75th percentile: $66,320; $31.89/hr
90th percentile: $82,140; $39.49/hr

What does a carpet installer do?

Lay and install carpet from rolls or blocks on floors. Install padding and trim flooring materials.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Plan the layout of the carpet, allowing for expected traffic patterns and placing seams for best appearance and longest wear.
Join edges of carpet and seam edges where necessary, by sewing or by using tape with glue and heated carpet iron.
Cut carpet padding to size and install padding, following prescribed method.
Cut and trim carpet to fit along wall edges, openings, and projections, finishing the edges with a wall trimmer.
Stretch carpet to align with walls and ensure a smooth surface, and press carpet in place over tack strips or use staples, tape, tacks or glue to hold carpet in place.
Roll out, measure, mark, and cut carpeting to size with a carpet knife, following floor sketches and allowing extra carpet for final fitting.
Nail tack strips around area to be carpeted or use old strips to attach edges of new carpet.
Inspect the surface to be covered to determine its condition, and correct any imperfections that might show through carpet or cause carpet to wear unevenly.

How to become a carpet installer

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 69% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)69%
Less than a High School Diploma22%
Some College Courses7%
Post-Secondary Certificate1%

Common questions

How much does a carpet installer earn?

The national median is $50,340 a year. The full range runs from $35,450 at the 10th percentile to $82,140 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a carpet installer without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Monitoring3.1/5
Mathematics3.0/5
Critical Thinking3.0/5
Active Listening2.9/5
Speaking2.9/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
Mathematics3.4/5
Administration and Management3.4/5
English Language3.3/5
Building and Construction3.3/5
Production and Processing3.1/5
Education and Training3.0/5
Mechanical2.9/5

Transferable strengths: Coordination, Quality Control Analysis, Time Management, Social Perceptiveness, Judgment and Decision Making.