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Flooring

Flooring installation including hardwood, tile, and carpet

$48k/yr median+4% growth (10-yr)12,200 openings/yrFast entry (<1 yr)

Wages & Job Outlook

$48k
Median wage
per year
$34k
Entry wage
per year
$79k
Top 10%
per year
12K
Annual openings
jobs per year
+4% projected job growth over 10 years — about average.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024) and Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024–34 projections.

Work-Life & Stability

Schedule
Full-time, project-based hours
Environment
indoor
Overtime
rare
Physical demand
high
Travel
Travel typically required
Hazard level
Moderate hazard
Moderately cyclical

Overview

Flooring installers lay and finish hardwood, laminate, tile, vinyl, and carpet in residential and commercial buildings. Each material requires specialized skills and tools.

Day in the Life

Deliver materials to job site. Prep subfloor (leveling, patching). Install flooring system per manufacturer specs. Sand and finish hardwood if applicable. Inspect finished work and clean up. Drive to next job.

How to Get Started

Registered Apprenticeship

apprenticeship

IUPAT and FCICA training programs for flooring installation

Duration: 2–4 yearsCost: Low / minimal tuition

On-the-Job Training

on-the-job

Most flooring installers learn directly from experienced installers

Duration: 1–3 yearsCost: Low / minimal tuition

Certification-First

certification-first

NWFA (hardwood) or NTCA (tile) certifications command premium pricing

Duration: weeksCost: Moderate tuition
Find local flooring training near you
Programs, apprenticeship openings, and American Job Centers
Find training →

How to Pay for Your Training

Multiple funding programs can offset or eliminate the cost of training. Here are the most commonly applicable ones.

WIOA Individual Training Account (ITA)
Federally funded training voucher for eligible adults and dislocated workers. ITAs pay for approved programs at WIOA-eligible providers (ETPs). Amounts set by local Workforce Development Boards — typically $3,000–$12,000 per year depending on workforce area. Apply at your nearest American Job Center (CareerOneStop).
Up to $12,000
Apply →
Federal Pell Grant
Need-based federal grant up to $7,395/year for eligible students at accredited colleges and trade schools. Does not need to be repaid. Eligible programs include accredited community colleges, for-profit trade schools (UTI, Lincoln, etc.), and union training centers that are accredited institutions.
Up to $7,395
Apply →
Workforce Pell Grant (SAVES Act)
Starting July 1, 2026, Pell Grant eligibility expands to high-quality short-term workforce programs (8–15 weeks) at eligible institutions. For the first time, trade training programs under 600 hours are Pell-eligible — including many HVAC, electrical, and welding certificates. Students earn the same need-based amount as longer programs.
Up to $7,395
Apply →
GI Bill (Post-9/11, Chapter 33) — Apprenticeship
Post-9/11 GI Bill covers On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Registered Apprenticeship programs. Veterans receive a monthly housing allowance (MHA, based on E-5 w/dependents BAH at program location) that scales up as they advance through the apprenticeship. Covers full 3–5 year apprenticeship programs.
Up to $3,200
Apply →
See all programs you may qualify for →

Career Ladder

Flooring Helper

$32k/yr
0–1 yrs exp.

Preps subfloor, carries materials, assists lead installer

Flooring Apprentice

$40k/yr
1–3 yrs exp.

Learning cuts, patterns, and specialty material handling

Flooring Installer

$52k/yr
3–8 yrs exp.

Works independently on all standard flooring types

Master Flooring Installer

$65k/yr
8+ yrs exp.

Handles complex patterns, specialty materials

Flooring Contractor

$80k/yr
5+ yrs exp.

Owns flooring installation business

Licensing by State

StateRequired?License typeIssuing body
CAYesC-15 Flooring and Floor Covering ContractorCSLB (Contractors State License Board)
TXNo––
FLNo–Florida DBPR / CILB (no flooring license issued)
NYNo––
ILNo––
PAYesHome Improvement Contractor (HIC) RegistrationPennsylvania Office of Attorney General (HICPA)
OHNo––
GANo–GA Secretary of State - State Licensing Board for Residential & General Contractors (flooring exempt)
NCNo–NC Licensing Board for General Contractors (no flooring-specific license)
MIYesMaintenance & Alteration Contractor license (floor covering / carpentry classification)Michigan LARA (Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs)
WAYesConstruction Contractor Registration - Specialty Contractor (flooring)Washington State L&I (Department of Labor & Industries)
AZYesC-8 / L-8 Floor Covering (residential R-8; dual CR-8)AZ ROC (Arizona Registrar of Contractors)
VAYesFlooring and Floor Covering (FLR) specialty - Class A/B/C contractorVirginia DPOR - Board for Contractors
NJYesHome Improvement Contractor (HIC) RegistrationNJ Division of Consumer Affairs (Office of Consumer Protection)
TNYesContractor License (flooring as classification / 'prime' contractor)Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

Time to Enter

Time to journeyman3 yrs
Fast-entry trade — earning wages in <1 year possible

Wages (BLS 2024)

Entry (10th pct)$34k
Median$48k
Top 10%$79k

BLS OEWS May 2024. Wages vary by state and employer.

Compare all trades side-by-side →Find training funding →

Own a flooring business?

Provisional · 1 source

What it's worth today — the starting point for weighing any exit.

Peak Business Valuation
Appraisal / small business
1.8×–3.2×
× SDE

Provisional — a single citable source so far; treat as directional until we add a second.

Full valuation breakdown →Explore exit paths →

Ways out for flooring owners

Compare all →
Sell to Private EquityMaximizing price · Commonly 4–9 months from first conversation to close.Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)Reward employees · Commonly 6–12 months to establish; ownership transfers over many years.Family SuccessionKeep it in the family · Best run over 3–10 years; rushed handoffs are where regret concentrates.

Industry Associations

  • FCICA
  • NWFA
  • NTCA

Physical Requirements

  • Kneeling for extended periods
  • Carrying heavy materials
  • Working in confined spaces
  • Precise hand tool use

Recommended Software

Jobberper-userCompanyCamper-userQuickBooks for ContractorssubscriptionHousecall Prosubscription
All Flooring software →
Compare top tools →

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