Concrete Finisher Careers & Salary Information
Concrete finishers smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete for floors, walls, sidewalks, and roads. Good finishers are always in demand, and decorative concrete work can command premium rates.
National Salary Overview
Concrete Finisher Specialties
Concrete Finishers can specialize in different areas, each with its own pay scale and career path.
Flatwork Concrete Finisher
Finishes horizontal concrete surfaces like floors, sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots. The most common concrete finishing specialty.
Decorative Concrete Specialist
Creates stamped, stained, polished, and exposed aggregate concrete finishes. Artistic skill commands premium rates on high-end residential and commercial jobs.
Concrete Pump Operator
Operates truck-mounted and line pumps to place concrete in hard-to-reach locations. Requires CDL and specialized training, and pays well.
Precast Concrete Worker
Produces concrete components in a factory setting, including walls, beams, and architectural panels. More controlled conditions than field work.
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Concrete Finisher Salary by State
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Frequently Asked Questions
Concrete Finisher salaries in the United States vary based on experience, certifications, and whether you work union or non-union. Entry-level concrete finishers typically earn around 60-70% of the median wage, while experienced professionals and those with master-level credentials can earn 25-50% above the median.
Entry-level concrete finishers in the United States typically start at the lower end of the pay range, which reflects apprentice or helper-level positions. As you gain experience and complete your training program, your pay increases significantly within the first 2-3 years.
Yes. Union concrete finishers earn 15-30% more per hour on average than their non-union counterparts. When you factor in benefits like pensions, healthcare, and annuity contributions, the total compensation gap is even wider. However, union availability varies significantly by region.
The path to becoming a fully qualified concrete finisher depends on the route you take. Apprenticeship programs typically last 3-5 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Trade school programs can be completed in 6-24 months, though you will still need field experience to reach journeyman level.
Concrete Finisher work offers solid pay, strong job security, and doesn't require a four-year degree. The national job outlook shows steady demand, and the ongoing skilled labor shortage means qualified concrete finishers have strong bargaining power. The work can be physically demanding, but many professionals find the trade rewarding and well-compensated.
Certifications can significantly boost a concrete finisher's earning potential. Industry-recognized credentials, advanced specializations, and safety certifications all help you stand out to employers and command higher hourly rates. Master-level licenses typically result in the biggest pay increases.