Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles

SOC code 47-2042 · O*NET-SOC 47-2042.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles pay

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

Median pay

$56,460

a year

Hourly

$27.15

per hour

10th$37,600Median$56,46090th$96,700

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

Average pay

$61,760

$29.69 per hour

Middle 50%

$45,660 – $73,840

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$37,600 – $96,700

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

23,640

nationwide

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

10th percentile: $37,600; $18.08/hr
25th percentile: $45,660; $21.95/hr
Median percentile: $56,460; $27.15/hr
75th percentile: $73,840; $35.50/hr
90th percentile: $96,700; $46.49/hr

What do floor layers, except carpet, wood, and hard tiles do?

Apply blocks, strips, or sheets of shock-absorbing, sound-deadening, or decorative coverings to floors.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Cut covering and foundation materials, according to blueprints and sketches.
Trim excess covering materials, tack edges, and join sections of covering material to form tight joint.
Cut flooring material to fit around obstructions.
Roll and press sheet wall and floor covering into cement base to smooth and finish surface, using hand roller.
Lay out, position, and apply shock-absorbing, sound-deadening, or decorative coverings to floors, walls, and cabinets, following guidelines to keep courses straight and create designs.
Sweep, scrape, sand, or chip dirt and irregularities to clean base surfaces, correcting imperfections that may show through the covering.
Measure and mark guidelines on surfaces or foundations, using chalk lines and dividers.
Inspect surface to be covered to ensure that it is firm and dry.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 90% 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)90%
Less than a High School Diploma6%
Post-Secondary Certificate4%
Some College Courses0%

Common questions

How much does a floor layers, except carpet, wood, and hard tiles earn?

The national median is $56,460 a year. The full range runs from $37,600 at the 10th percentile to $96,700 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 floor layers, except carpet, wood, and hard tiles 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

Active Listening3.1/5
Speaking3.1/5
Critical Thinking2.9/5
Monitoring2.9/5
Active Learning2.8/5

Knowledge areas

Building and Construction3.9/5
Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
Mathematics3.8/5
Mechanical3.4/5
Production and Processing3.3/5
Design3.1/5
English Language2.9/5
Education and Training2.9/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management, Complex Problem Solving.