Tile Labor Cost Calculator
Your job
Estimated labor cost
$600.00 – $1,080.00
- Rate range for this job
- $5.00–$9.00/sq ft
- Installer hours (est.)
- ~9.6 hrs
- Working days (1 installer)
- ~2
Collect three quotes and compare the prep scope line by line, not just the totals.
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Tools the pros use for this job
DIY Tool Kit
Doing it yourself? One kit covers every tool this job needs.
Leveling System
DGSL Tile Leveling System with Plier, 600 Tile Spacers 1/8" and 200 Wedges
$35.09
Check price on AmazonThe cheapest way to make DIY work look like pro work.
Laser Level
Pros never start a wall without one. Neither should you.
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Prices as of Oct 10, 2026, 6:33 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Want the whole job priced, materials included? See the tile installation cost guide.
Writing up a quote? Start from our free tile estimate templates.
Do this math on the job site — in the free app
Smart Tile Calculator for Android: offline, in your pocket, free.
How this calculator works
We combine a per-square-foot labor range for your surface with a prep adder (backer board ~+$2/sq ft, leveling + board ~+$4/sq ft) and a regional multiplier — metro labor runs ~35% above the national average, rural ~15% below.
The hours estimate is for one experienced installer. Showers are slow because waterproofing has cure times between coats; a 60 sq ft shower surround is genuinely a 2–3 day job even though the tiling itself takes hours.
Frequently asked questions
What is a fair labor rate for tile installation?
Nationally, $5–$9 per sq ft for a standard floor is fair; $10+ for showers and intricate work. Quotes dramatically below that range usually mean skipped prep — ask specifically about backer board and waterproofing.
Do tilers charge by the hour or by the square foot?
Almost always by the square foot for installation, with hourly or flat fees for repairs, demo, and prep. Get the prep scope in writing — that is where quotes diverge most.
How long does a typical tile job take?
A 120 sq ft floor: 1–2 days of setting plus a grout day. A full shower: 3–5 days including waterproofing cure time. Grout always needs 24–72 hours before use, which stretches every timeline.
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- How to Measure a Room for Tile (Step by Step)Measure any room for floor or wall tile: handle closets and alcoves, convert inches to decimals, subtract fixtures, and add the right waste percentage.
- Choosing the Right Tile Size for Your RoomHow tile size changes a room: when 12×24 beats 4×4, why small rooms can take large tile, grout line math, and the flatness rule for big formats.