Tiling is one of the finishing trades that turns a construction project into a polished, functional space. From bathrooms and kitchens to commercial lobbies and swimming pools, tilers are in demand across Perth’s residential and commercial construction sectors.
What Does a Tiler Do?
A tiler (also called a wall and floor tiler) installs ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and other tile products on walls, floors, and other surfaces. Daily work includes:
- Preparing surfaces — cleaning, levelling, waterproofing, and priming
- Measuring and setting out tile layouts
- Cutting tiles to size using wet saws, angle grinders, and tile cutters
- Mixing and applying adhesives and mortars
- Laying tiles in patterns and ensuring level, plumb, and even spacing
- Grouting and finishing joints
- Sealing natural stone and porous tiles
- Waterproofing wet areas (bathrooms, showers, laundries) — often done by the tiler or a specialist waterproofer
Types of Tiling Work
Residential Tiling
The bread and butter of tiling in Perth:
- Bathrooms, ensuites, and laundries
- Kitchen splashbacks
- Living area and entrance floor tiles
- Outdoor areas — patios, pool surrounds, alfresco areas
- Feature walls
Commercial Tiling
Larger-scale projects with stricter specifications:
- Hotel and restaurant bathrooms and kitchens
- Shopping centre common areas
- Office building lobbies and amenities
- Hospital and aged care wet areas
- School amenities blocks
Specialist Tiling
- Swimming pool tiling: Underwater tiling requiring specialist adhesives and techniques
- Large format tiles: Tiles over 600mm require different handling and installation methods
- Natural stone: Marble, granite, travertine, and slate — premium materials requiring careful handling
- Mosaic tiling: Intricate patterns and designs, often in feature areas
- Industrial tiling: Chemical-resistant tiles for factories and processing plants
Tiler Salary in Perth
Employed Tilers
- Apprentice (1st year): $25,000 to $30,000
- Apprentice (4th year): $45,000 to $55,000
- Qualified tiler: $65,000 to $90,000
- Experienced tiler (commercial): $80,000 to $110,000
- Tiling foreman: $100,000 to $130,000
Subcontract Tilers
Many tilers in Perth work as subcontractors, charging per square metre:
- Standard floor tiles: $35 to $55 per sqm (labour only)
- Wall tiles: $40 to $60 per sqm
- Large format tiles: $50 to $75 per sqm
- Natural stone: $60 to $100+ per sqm
- Mosaic and feature work: $70 to $120+ per sqm
A busy subcontract tiler in Perth can earn $100,000 to $150,000 or more depending on the volume and type of work.
How to Become a Tiler in Perth
Apprenticeship
The standard pathway is a Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling (CPC31420), completed through a 3-year apprenticeship combining on-the-job training with TAFE studies.
During your apprenticeship you’ll learn:
- Surface preparation and levelling
- Tile cutting and shaping
- Adhesive selection and application
- Layout planning and setting out
- Waterproofing (may require additional certification)
- Working with different tile types and materials
- Reading plans and specifications
Entry Without an Apprenticeship
Some tilers enter the trade through:
- Working as a tiler’s labourer: Learning on the job while assisting a qualified tiler
- Pre-apprenticeship courses: Short courses introducing tiling fundamentals
- RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning): If you have informal tiling experience, you may qualify for RPL assessment
However, a formal apprenticeship gives you the best foundation and the recognised qualification that many employers and clients require.
Waterproofing Certification
In WA, waterproofing of wet areas must be carried out by a licensed waterproofer or a tiler with the appropriate waterproofing competency. Many tilers add waterproofing to their skill set, which increases their value and earning potential. The relevant unit is CPCCOM3006 — Carry out levelling of solid surfaces for tiling, and the waterproofing units within the Certificate III.
Tools of the Trade
Tilers invest in their own tools. A typical tiler’s kit includes:
- Wet saw (tile saw) — the most important and expensive tool
- Angle grinder with diamond blade
- Manual tile cutter
- Tile nippers
- Notched trowels (various sizes)
- Spirit levels and laser level
- Mixing drill and paddles
- Grout float
- Spacers and levelling systems
- Measuring and marking tools
- Knee pads — essential for long-term knee health
A full professional tiling kit costs $3,000 to $8,000 depending on quality.
What Makes a Good Tiler
- Precision: Tiling is a finishing trade — every edge, line, and joint is visible. Attention to detail is everything.
- Patience: Rushing tiling work shows immediately. Good tilers take the time to get layouts right before laying a single tile.
- Physical fitness: Tiling involves a lot of kneeling, bending, and lifting heavy tiles and materials.
- Problem solving: No room is perfectly square. Tilers constantly adjust layouts to deal with out-of-square walls, uneven floors, and awkward spaces.
- Aesthetic sense: Understanding how tile patterns, colours, and grout lines come together to create a finished look.
Find Tiling Jobs Through Perth Trades Recruitment
Perth Trades Recruitment connects qualified tilers with residential and commercial tiling opportunities across Perth. Whether you’re looking for steady subcontract work or an employed position, we can help you find the right fit.
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Contact Perth Trades Recruitment to find tiling jobs in Perth.