Floor Layers (Except Carpet, Wood, Hard Tiles) Salary & Career Guide 2025
Floor layers who install resilient flooring, linoleum, rubber, and similar materials earn a median $56,460 per year, according to the latest BLS data. The average annual pay is $61,760, or about $27 an hour. Most workers fall between $37,600 and $96,700, with the top 10% exceeding six figures.
How much Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles earn
National median salary for floor layers is $56,460 per year. The mean hourly wage is roughly $27. The typical range spans from $37,600 at the 10th percentile to $96,700 at the 90th percentile. These figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Pay varies significantly by experience, location, and specialty. Those who work on large commercial projects or in high-cost areas tend to earn more. Union membership can also boost compensation.
Pay by state
Alaska pays the most, with an average salary of $92,860. Massachusetts follows at $79,280, then Hawaii at $77,280. Illinois ($69,880) and New York ($61,360) round out the top five.
The lowest-paying states include Alabama ($38,730), Oklahoma ($38,030), and Montana ($37,710). Cost of living partially explains the difference, but floor layers in the Southeast generally earn less than those in the Northeast or West Coast.
How to become Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tile
Most floor layers learn through on-the-job training or a formal apprenticeship, which typically lasts 2 to 4 years. High school diploma or equivalent is the minimum requirement. Some community colleges offer certificate programs in flooring installation.
Key steps include:
- Complete a flooring apprenticeship (often through a union or contractor association) or work as a helper for an experienced installer.
- Learn to install resilient materials like vinyl, linoleum, rubber, and sheet flooring. Precision cutting and subfloor preparation are core skills.
- Consider certification from organizations like the International Certified Flooring Installers Association (CFI) for credibility and higher pay.
- Some states require a contractor’s license for independent work; check local licensing boards.
Job outlook
Employment of floor layers is projected to grow 9.5% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 2,700 openings per year across the U.S., largely due to replacement needs from retirements and workers leaving the field. The current workforce numbers 23,640 workers.
Demand will come from new construction and remodeling of commercial buildings, hospitals, and schools, where resilient flooring is popular for durability and ease of maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for floor layers (except carpet, wood, and hard tiles)?
The median annual salary is $56,460, with a mean wage of $61,760 (about $27 per hour).
Which states pay floor layers the most?
Alaska ($92,860), Massachusetts ($79,280), Hawaii ($77,280), Illinois ($69,880), and New York ($61,360) are the highest-paying states.
What is the job growth for floor layers?
Employment is projected to grow 9.5% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average, with about 2,700 openings each year.
How do I become a floor layer?
Typically you need a high school diploma and then complete a 2-4 year apprenticeship or on-the-job training. Voluntary certification can improve job prospects.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles data.