Tile installation cost in North Carolina (2026)
Tile installers in North Carolina charge $5.52–$11.04 per square foot for labor — 8% below the national average of $6–$12. Add mid-grade porcelain and setting materials and a typical floor lands at $11.02–$23.54 per square foot installed.
Labor rates in North Carolina
| Job type | North Carolina labor rate |
|---|---|
| Floor, straight layout | $5.52–$11.04 / sq ft |
| Floor, pattern or large format | $7.73–$14.90 / sq ft |
| Kitchen backsplash | $10.49–$19.87 / sq ft |
| Shower surround | $13.25–$24.29 / sq ft |
| Old tile demolition | $1.93–$4.42 / sq ft |
What common projects cost in North Carolina
| Project | Installed cost in North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Bathroom floor (45 sq ft) | $496 – $1,059 |
| Kitchen backsplash (30 sq ft) | $331 – $706 |
| Kitchen floor (180 sq ft) | $1,984 – $4,237 |
| Shower surround (110 sq ft) | $1,212 – $2,589 |
| Living area floor (400 sq ft) | $4,408 – $9,416 |
City rates in North Carolina
Why North Carolina prices look like this
Tile labor tracks the local trades market: licensing requirements, demand for remodels, union presence, and cost of living. With a labor index of 0.92,North Carolina sits 8% below the national average — so the material side of your quote matters more here, and a DIY install saves more than average if you can handle the cutting and layout.
Get your own number
Put your real measurements into the tile cost calculator for an itemised estimate, the labor calculator to sanity-check installer quotes, and the tile quantity calculator for the shopping list.
