How to Get Into Flooring: Becoming a Flooring Installer With No Experience
How to get into flooring as a career
In this article
The easiest way to get into flooring is to start as a helper for a flooring installer or company, learn on the job, and add training or certifications for carpet, tile, LVP or hardwood. After a few years many installers work as subcontractors and later start their own flooring business.
Step 1: Start as a helper
Look for helper or apprentice jobs with flooring companies, flooring stores, remodelers and tile setters. You'll move furniture, rip out old floors, prep subfloors and learn to cut and lay material.
Step 2: Learn the main skills
- Measuring rooms and calculating material with waste
- Subfloor prep, leveling and moisture testing
- Cutting and laying LVP and laminate
- Carpet stretching and seaming
- Tile setting and grouting
- Trim, transitions and stairs
Step 3: Get training and certifications
Manufacturer training, union apprenticeships (carpenters and floor layers), tile setter programs and carpet installer certifications all help you get better-paying work.
Step 4: Build your tool kit
Start with knee pads, utility knives, tape measure, tapping block and pull bar, then add saws, tile tools and carpet tools over time.
What flooring installers make
| Stage | Typical pay |
|---|---|
| Helper | Entry-level hourly |
| Experienced installer (employee) | Around $40,000 – $60,000+ |
| Subcontractor | Paid per square foot; strong installers often earn more |
| Business owner | Varies with crew and volume |
Pay varies widely by area, specialty and union membership.
Step 5: Go out on your own
Once you're fast and accurate, get insured and subcontract for stores and builders, then win direct homeowner jobs.
Next steps: How to start a flooring company and How profitable is a flooring business?.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get into flooring with no experience?
Get hired as a helper for a flooring installer or company and learn on the job.
Do you need a license to install flooring?
Employees usually don't. If you contract directly, your state may require a contractor license.
How long does it take to become a flooring installer?
Most people become competent in one to three years.
Is flooring a good career?
Yes, with steady demand and a clear path to subcontracting or owning a business, though it's hard on your knees.
How much do flooring installers make?
Experienced employees often make around $40,000 to $60,000+, and skilled subcontractors can earn more.
Want a flooring company website that books free estimates built for your business?
I design and build fast, modern websites that turn visitors into customers, with booking, WhatsApp and automations built in. Tell me about your business.
Start a conversationWritten by Sachin Rawat
AI & automation engineer · websites, apps and motion design
I build AI agents, automations, websites, apps and motion design for businesses. These guides answer the questions people actually search, written from hands-on experience building them.
Work with meMore stories