Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles
O*NET 47-2042.00 · SOC 47-2042
Floor Layer is a strong career choice. Median pay is $56k a year with +9% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 2,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Spread and smooth resilient sheet flooring over prepared subfloors.
- →Apply adhesive evenly to subfloor before laying flooring material.
- →Cut vinyl or linoleum sheets to fit room shapes and obstacles.
- →Seam flooring sections together for a smooth, continuous surface.
- →Roll installed flooring with heavy rollers to eliminate air bubbles.
Education & How to Get In
Floor Layer roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Floor Layer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Floor Layer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Floor Layer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles is projected to grow 9% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·48% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Floor Layer make?
The median Floor Layer earns $56k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Floor Layer jobs?
Our model puts Floor Layer at 39 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 48% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Floor Layer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 9% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 2,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Floor Layer?
Most Floor Layer roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Floor Layer?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Floor Layer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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