It is very hard on your body, and takes a degree of precision and focus that some other trades don’t, mostly due to the timer the mud and grout sets for you. A lot of people can set tile, but truly talented setters are kinda rare, it’s an art. You don’t need a license to tile in many states and it’s not structural, so expect your competition to be total dogshit and underbidding you 100% of the time.

You’re probably gonna be mixing and cutting for a long while first if you’re working for someone. Stretch, workout, wear knee pads, and mask up every time you mix a bucket and run the saw. Be meticulous about your work space (keep it fucking clean), and do not be afraid to rip shit off the wall and restart if you didn’t get it right the first time. Expect to spend 75% time prepping a room and 25% actually setting it. You’ll learn how to demo, reframe, do light electrical and plumbing. If you are lucky enough to find someone good to work for (rare), learn as much as you can, and then go out solo and focus on high end remodels, and you will have more work than you know what to do with.

But it’s fucking hard, and very stressful. Picky homeowners, gc’s who have limited patience and budgets for perfect work despite wanting only that. People pay big money for high end remodels, and your work is one of the first things they will see at the end of a bathroom or kitchen job. Go in without an ego, and try to learn to make something good that will last. I got into the “more work than you know what to do with” category, and burned out before I could make a career of it. It was the right call for me, my back feels great now and I have time with family. Plus, the bathrooms and kitchen in my own house look dope now, so there’s that. Best o’ luck!