Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Concrete Finisher
What concrete finishers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Arrive early to check forms, grade and rebar before the first truck. From there, the day usually includes set and check forms and reinforcement, place and spread fresh concrete, and screed concrete to grade. Days start very early, especially in hot weather, and pours can’t wait, so overtime is common. Work slows in freezing and rainy weather.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a concrete finisher working full time.
- Arrive early to check forms, grade and rebar before the first truck.
- Place concrete from the chute and pump, spreading it with rakes and come-alongs.
- Screed the slab to the forms and bull float the surface.
- Wait for bleed water to leave, then edge and groove the slab.
- Run power trowels to a smooth, hard finish.
- Saw-cut control joints in yesterday’s pour.
- Apply curing compound, clean tools and strip forms on an older pour.
Where concrete finishers work
Finishers work outdoors and inside buildings under construction. The work involves kneeling, bending, heavy lifting and long days on your feet, often in heat. Wet concrete can cause chemical burns.
Hours and schedule
Days start very early, especially in hot weather, and pours can’t wait, so overtime is common. Work slows in freezing and rainy weather.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Set and check forms and reinforcement
- Place and spread fresh concrete
- Screed concrete to grade
- Float and trowel surfaces by hand and with power trowels
- Edge and cut control joints
- Apply finishes such as broom, stamped or polished
- Cure, seal and protect new concrete
Tools you’ll use every day
- Screeds and bull floats
- Hand trowels, edgers and groovers
- Power trowels
- Concrete saws
- Vibrators
- Knee boards and rubber boots
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Start without formal education
- Steady demand from building and infrastructure
- Overtime pay on big pours
- Satisfying, lasting results
What’s hard
- Very early starts and long days
- Hard on knees and back
- Chemical burns from wet concrete
- Weather-dependent schedules
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I don’t mind very early mornings
- I like fast-paced physical work
- I can read conditions and make quick decisions
- I like working on a team
- I want to start earning soon
- I take pride in a smooth, flat finish
Not sure? Take the free Concrete Finisher fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear waterproof boots, gloves and long sleeves to prevent concrete burns
- Wash wet concrete off skin immediately
- Control silica dust when saw-cutting and grinding
- Stay clear of chutes, pumps and backing trucks