23 wall and floor tiler jobs are live on SiteJobs right now. Every listing has a real phone number - call the employer direct, no forms, no CV uploads, no agency middlemen. Search sitejobs-code15 on Google to find us.
Tiling is one of the most precise and rewarding skilled trades in UK construction. A good tiler transforms a bare room into a finished space, and the pay reflects that skill. With 23 live vacancies on SiteJobs and rates reaching £18-35/hour, tiling is a trade worth getting into. Whether you work on domestic bathrooms and kitchens or on commercial hotel fit-outs and swimming pools, the demand for qualified tilers is steady across every region of the UK.
What Does a Wall and Floor Tiler Do?
A wall and floor tiler prepares surfaces, selects the right adhesive, cuts tiles to fit around obstacles, lays tiles to the correct alignment and fall, applies grout, and finishes to a professional standard. The work sounds simple, but doing it well requires genuine skill. A tiler works with ceramic, porcelain, natural stone (marble, travertine, limestone, slate), terrazzo, glass mosaic, and large-format tiles that can be over a metre square.
The job starts with surface preparation. Tilers check that substrates are flat, dry, clean, and structurally sound. They apply waterproofing membranes in wet areas - showers, swimming pools, wet rooms - using tanking systems. They set out tiles to ensure symmetrical cuts at edges and a layout that looks intentional rather than random. They mix adhesives to the correct consistency, notch-trowel them onto the substrate, and bed each tile firmly. After adhesive cures, they grout the joints, clean excess grout, and apply sealant where required.
The Health and Safety Executive provides detailed guidance on construction health and safety at hse.gov.uk/construction. Tilers face specific risks including manual handling injuries from heavy tile boxes, cuts from tile cutters, dust from cutting (particularly silica dust from natural stone), and knee problems from prolonged kneeling. Proper PPE and dust suppression are essential.
Tiler Pay Rates UK 2026
Current rates from live SiteJobs listings and industry data:
- Tiler (NVQ Level 2, outside London): £18-24/hour
- Tiler (NVQ Level 2, London and South East): £22-30/hour
- Natural stone specialist: £25-35/hour
- Large-format tile specialist: £24-32/hour
- Day rate (self-employed, standard domestic): £170-£250/day
- Day rate (self-employed, London specialist): £250-£350/day
- Per square metre (labour only, floor tiling): £30-£50/m²
- Per square metre (natural stone, large format): £50-£100/m²
Rates depend on your qualification level, the type of tiles you work with, your location, and whether you are PAYE or self-employed. Specialist tilers who work with natural stone, mosaics, or underfloor heating systems earn significantly more than general tilers. A productive tiler laying 12-15m² per day at £40/m² in labour earns £480-£600/day.
Most employed tiler roles are PAYE with weekly or fortnightly pay. Self-employed tilers working under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) have 20% deducted at source by the contractor, reclaimed through annual Self Assessment. CIS is governed by HMRC regulations - full details at legislation.gov.uk.
What Tickets and Qualifications Do Tilers Need?
To work as a tiler on most UK construction sites, you need:
- CSCS card - a blue skilled worker card is the standard for tilers on commercial sites. A green labourer card may suffice for domestic work or labouring roles. Apply or renew at cscs.uk.com.
- NVQ Level 2 in Wall and Floor Tiling - required for the blue CSCS card. This is a practical assessment of your tiling competence, usually completed on site over several months.
- CITB Health, Safety and Environment test - must be current (within the last 2 years) to apply for or renew any CSCS card. Book through the official CITB portal.
For domestic and renovation work, many tilers operate without a CSCS card since they are not on regulated construction sites. However, holding a blue CSCS card opens up higher-paying commercial contracts with housebuilders, fit-out contractors, and main contractors. The CSCS Alliance, which manages card schemes across construction, provides full details at cscsgroup.co.uk.
How to Get Your NVQ Level 2 in Wall and Floor Tiling
The NVQ Level 2 in Wall and Floor Tiling is the key qualification for professional tilers. Here is how to get it:
- Start tiling work - you need to be working as a tiler (employed, self-employed, or subcontracting) to enrol on an NVQ. The assessment is evidence-based, carried out on real jobs.
- Enrol with an NVQ training provider - CITB-registered providers offer flexible assessment programmes. The tiling NVQ typically takes 6-16 weeks depending on how often you are on site.
- Portfolio assessment - a qualified assessor visits your workplace and watches you tiling. They assess your ability to prepare substrates, set out tiles, cut and fix tiles, grout, finish, and work safely.
- Pass the technical interview - the assessor asks you questions about materials, tools, adhesives, grouts, waterproofing, and health and safety to confirm your underpinning knowledge.
- Receive your NVQ certificate - once awarded, you can apply for the blue CSCS skilled worker card at cscs.uk.com.
Total cost varies: some employers fund it through CITB grants. Self-funded tilers typically pay £600-£1,200. If you have been tiling for years but never got the qualification, the Experienced Worker Assessment route (also known as OSAT - On Site Assessment and Training) is available.
Types of Tiling Work
Tilers specialise in different areas, and the type of work affects your earning potential:
- Domestic bathrooms and kitchens: The most common tiling work. Ceramic and porcelain wall and floor tiles. Rates £18-25/hour. Steady demand from renovation market.
- Commercial fit-out: Hotels, offices, retail units, leisure centres. Large-format porcelain and ceramic. Rates £22-30/hour. Contract work through main contractors.
- Natural stone: Marble, travertine, limestone, slate. Requires specialist cutting tools and sealing knowledge. Rates £25-35/hour. Premium market with fewer competitors.
- Swimming pools and wet rooms: Waterproofing (tanking), mosaic tiling, specialist grouts. Rates £25-35/hour. Niche specialism with high margins.
- Underfloor heating installation: Many tilers add this service. Laying heating mats or pipes before tiling. Adds 20-35% to project revenue.
- Large-format tiles (600mm+): Increasingly popular in commercial and high-end residential. Requires special leveling systems and substrate preparation. Rates £24-32/hour.
CSCS Card Types for Tilers
The CSCS card system is managed by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme. Full details of all card types are at cscs.uk.com. The main cards for tilers are:
- Red Trainee card: For tilers enrolled on an NVQ but not yet qualified. Valid for 1 year, renewable up to 4 years while you complete your qualification.
- Red Experienced Worker card: For tilers with skills but no NVQ. Valid for 1 year while you work towards the qualification. Part of the CSCS Alliance transition plan.
- Blue Skilled Worker card: The standard card for qualified tilers with NVQ Level 2. Valid for 5 years. Most commercial tiling jobs require this card.
- Gold Advanced card: For tilers with NVQ Level 3 or higher. The highest skill recognition. Preferred for specialist stone work and supervisory roles.
From 2026, the CSCS Alliance requires all construction site workers to hold the appropriate card for their trade. Sites that accept workers without the correct card risk failing CLC (Construction Leadership Council) compliance audits. Check your card status and renew at cscs.uk.com.
Health and Safety for Tilers
Tiling involves specific health and safety risks that every tiler must manage. HSE guidance on construction health and safety is available at hse.gov.uk/construction. Key hazards include:
- Silica dust: Cutting natural stone, porcelain, and ceramic tiles produces respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Long-term exposure causes silicosis and lung cancer. Always use water suppression on cutters or use dust extraction. HSE has specific guidance on RCS at hse.gov.uk.
- Manual handling: Tile boxes, adhesive bags, and grout buckets are heavy. Tile boxes can weigh 20-30kg. Use mechanical aids where possible and follow safe lifting techniques.
- Knee injuries: Prolonged kneeling causes knee pain and long-term joint damage. Always use knee pads. Take regular breaks to stand and stretch.
- Cuts and lacerations: Tile edges are sharp. Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling and cutting tiles.
- Chemical exposure: Adhesives, grouts, sealants, and cleaning products can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems. Wear gloves and ensure adequate ventilation. Read COSHH data sheets for all products.
- Working at height: Tiling walls above head height requires step ladders or podium steps. Follow HSE guidance on safe use of ladders at hse.gov.uk/work-at-height.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) requires employers to assess risks from hazardous substances including tile adhesives, grouts, and sealants. The full regulations are at legislation.gov.uk. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) also apply to all tiling work on construction sites.
Tiler Apprenticeships
The Level 2 Wall and Floor Tiling Apprenticeship is the main entry route for new tilers. It takes 2 years and combines on-site experience with college attendance. Apprentices are employed and paid throughout.
- Year 1: Minimum apprentice rate £7.55/hour. Typical actual pay £9-£13/hour.
- Year 2 (aged 19+): National Living Wage or above. Typical actual pay £12-£15/hour.
- On completion: Newly qualified tilers earn £23,000-£28,000/year employed, or £30,000-£40,000 self-employed.
Apprenticeships are run through CITB-registered employers. The apprenticeship covers ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiling for floors and walls, including setting out, adhesive selection, grouting, waterproofing, and health and safety. On completion, tilers are eligible for the blue CSCS skilled worker card.
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) provides information on apprenticeships and grants for tiling training. Employers registered with CITB can claim grant funding towards apprenticeship costs and NVQ assessment.
Self-Employed Tiling - Is It Worth It?
Most experienced tilers are self-employed. The flexibility and earning potential are significantly higher than PAYE roles:
- Domestic tiling (standard ceramic/porcelain): £170-£240/day or £30-£50/m² labour
- Commercial tiling (contract work): £180-£280/day PAYE equivalent through an umbrella or CIS
- Specialist stone and large format: £250-£350/day
- London and South East premium: Add 20-40% to all rates above
A self-employed tiler working 46 weeks per year at an average day rate of £220 earns £50,600 gross. After tax and National Insurance (Class 2 and Class 4), take-home is around £41,000. Add a second skill like underfloor heating installation or bathroom fitting, and annual gross can exceed £70,000.
Self-employed tilers working as subcontractors are usually paid under CIS. The contractor deducts 20% for HMRC. You reclaim overpayments through Self Assessment. Register for CIS at GOV.UK. Full CIS legislation is at legislation.gov.uk.
Where Are the Most Tiler Jobs?
The highest concentrations of tiler vacancies on SiteJobs are in:
- London and the South East - the busiest tiling market with the highest rates. Driven by high-end residential developments, hotel refurbishments, and commercial fit-outs.
- Manchester and the North West - growing demand from residential developments and commercial projects.
- Birmingham and the West Midlands - consistent work from housing developments and infrastructure projects.
- Leeds and Yorkshire - steady demand from housing market and commercial fit-outs.
- Brighton and the South Coast - strong domestic renovation market drives consistent tiling demand.
Coastal and tourist areas also generate seasonal demand for hotel and leisure facility refurbishments. These projects often require large tiling teams for short periods, offering intensive earning opportunities.
How to Apply for Tiler Jobs
Search sitejobs-code15 on Google to find SiteJobs. Browse all 23 tiler vacancies, filter by location and rate, and call the employer direct. No CV uploads, no registration walls, no agency fees. Every listing shows the rate, location, duration, and a verified phone number. You call, you start.
If you are newly qualified, look for tiler mate or tiler assistant roles to build experience. Many contractors will take on a competent NVQ Level 2 tiler immediately for commercial fit-out projects. If you do not yet have your NVQ, contact a CITB-registered training provider to start the assessment process while you work.
Related Trades and Cross-Skilling
Many tilers expand into related services to increase their earnings:
- Plasterer and renderer: 64 live jobs on SiteJobs - rates to £30/hour
- Plumber: Bathroom and kitchen work pairs naturally with tiling
- Dryliner: Partition and boarding skills for commercial fit-outs
- Painter and decorator: Finishing work that complements tiling
- Handyman / multi-trade: Combine tiling with general maintenance for domestic clients
More skills mean more work and higher day rates. Multi-trade tilers who can plumb in a shower, tank a wet room, tile it, and fit the fixtures command premium rates in the domestic market.
Locuri de munca tiler (faiantuar) UK
Locuri de munca tiler si faiantuar in UK. Card CSCS albastru obligatoriu pentru lucrurile comerciale. NVQ Level 2 in Wall and Floor Tiling necesar. 23 de locuri de munca disponibile pe SiteJobs. Puserea faiantei si a gresiei conform normelor COSHH si CDM 2015. Platiti £18-35 pe ora. Suna direct pe SiteJobs - sitejobs-code15 pe Google.
Pune tiler (pllakatura) UK
Pune tiler dhe pllakaturist ne UK. Karta CSCS blu e domosdeshme per pune komerciale. NVQ Level 2 ne Wall and Floor Tiling e domosdeshme. 23 vende pune te disponueshme ne SiteJobs. Vendosja e pllakave sipas COSHH dhe CDM 2015. Pagesa £18-35 ne ore. Telefononi direkt ne SiteJobs - sitejobs-code15 ne Google.
Rabota tiler (plitochnik) UK
Rabota tiler i plitochnik v UK. Sinyaya karta CSCS obyazatelna dlya kommercheskikh obektov. NVQ Level 2 v Wall and Floor Tiling trebuetsya. 23 vakansiy dostupny na SiteJobs. Ukladka plitki soglasno COSHH i CDM 2015. Stavka £18-35 v chas. Zvonite napryamuyu na SiteJobs - sitejobs-code15 v Google.
Browse All Wall and Floor Tiler Jobs
See all 23 wall and floor tiler vacancies on SiteJobs. Call direct, no registration walls.