How to Become a Marble Setter

Quick Facts

  • Average Salary: $45,000/year
  • Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Required Experience: Entry-level through apprenticeship
  • Licensing: Required in most states
  • Job Outlook: 3% growth (2020-2030)

What Does a Marble Setter Do?

A Marble Setter is a skilled professional in the construction industry. A critical part of the Structural Trades sector, these craftsmen are in charge of cutting, polishing, and setting marble slabs for both interiors and exteriors of buildings. This often involves creating attractive entrances, patios, bathrooms, kitchens, or monument statues out of marble.

Marble Setters spend their workdays in various locations, depending on the project. They might work in residential properties during renovations, on construction sites for new buildings, or in outdoor settings when erecting monuments. They use specialized tools to measure, cut, and fit marble slabs to specific measurements with impressive precision.

Their primary responsibility is to craft beautiful and durable marble surfaces that are a testament to their skill and artistry. This job requires physical strength, a keen eye for detail, patience, and craftsmanship. If you enjoy practical, hands-on work and have a passion for creating lasting, tangible beauty, a career as a Marble Setter could be a perfect fit!

Skills Required

Technical Skills

  • Manual Dexterity
  • Ability to use hand and power tools
  • Knowledge of materials, methods, and tools involved in construction
  • Measurement and calculation abilities
  • Understanding of building and construction codes
  • Ability to read blueprints

Soft Skills

  • Communication and teamwork
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Physical stamina and strength
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management skills

Education and Training Requirements

Required Education

  1. High School Diploma or Equivalent: A high School Diploma or GED equivalent is generally expected. Courses in mathematics, mechanical drawing, and woodworking are beneficial.
  2. Pre-Apprenticeship Training: A course at a technical school or community college prior to getting an apprenticeship can give you a basic understanding of the trade.
  3. Apprenticeship Program: Enter a formal apprenticeship, which includes both on-the-job training and in-class instruction. Length of the program can vary but typically lasts four years.
  4. Journeyman Status: Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, marble setters become journey workers.
  5. Certification: Though not required, certification can demonstrate competence and lead to advancement and higher pay. The International Masonry Institute offers certification for marble setters.
  6. Continuing Education: As construction techniques evolve, ongoing training and education in new tools, materials, and methods keeps marble setters current with industry trends.

Licensing and Certification

State Requirements

Required in most states

Salary and Job Outlook

How to Get Started