How much does a carpet layer or tile installer make?

Answer 1

First of all - installers are paid per sq/ft and rates depend on the product they're installing. I've been an installer for 10 years and I've never earned less than 75,000 a year. and I know guys that earn 150,000 a year. 10-20% goes to supplies. and the guys that make 150,000 a year often have one or two apprentices working for them that they pay about 20K a year.

Right now laminate installers earn about 2.00/sf and they install about 600 to 800 sf a day. I don't know any installer that installs less than 1500 sf a week. and the guys that do that, only work two or three days a week.

Top earners are Tile guys. most of them earn +90K if they keep a 9-5 work day, 5 days a week.

It's one of the lesser known trades. if you don't believe me, go to your nearest flooring store and ask them. it is a 2 year apprenticeship with an experienced installer, or there are some trade schools that are offering the training formally. this is not necessary, but if you can't find an installer to take you on, this is the way to go.

Answer 2

In Australia I have been a carpet layer for 20 years depending on what you want to specialize in depends a lot on what you earn. Domestic carpet layers(houses) can earn up to $2500 AUD a week once you count in incidentals like moving old carpet, moving furniture and stairs.

As a commercial installer you are generally working with bigger areas therefore heavier workloads and rolls. You will require a apprentice/ Offsider. Commercial layers are quite capable to earn in excess of $4000 plus a week.

You need to allow 10%-15% for materials to come off these amounts.

I have known a number of installers in Australia to make $250K a year laying carpet. It is one of those trades that people don't generally think about as an excellent . If you are contemplating this as a career it can be very rewarding ,however my advice is stick it out ,at the start the lifting and workload puts a lot of physical and mental strength on the body.