Floor Covering Installer

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Work Tasks

• Put in new carpet, vinyl, and tile floors
• Measure the area and plan the layout of the flooring, thinking about what would look and wear best
• Lay and tack tape, a cushion, or an underlay under carpets
• Roll out, measure, cut, and fasten the carpet
• Work in various buildings for flooring contractors and stores, home improvement contractors, and for themselves
• Work with floor covering materials, underlay, tape, needles, thread, tacks, nails, stripping, cutting tools, measuring tools, hand tools, and stretchers

Salary, Size & Growth

• $41,000 average per year ($19.75 per hour)
• A medium occupation (40,800 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow slowly (0.1% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training and a clean background
• Employers Prefer: A high school diploma, 18 years of age or older, a driver's license, and an apprenticeship in laying floor coverings
• Skills/Courses: Courses in applied math, shop, and mechanical drawing; able to measure, cut, and install materials
• Certification/Licensing: A license is needed to handle asbestos.