Concrete Finisher FAQ

The basics come quickly, but reading concrete and producing flat, durable floors takes years of experience.

Concrete sets faster in heat, so crews pour in the cool morning.

Not always, but ACI certifications are often required on commercial and public projects.

The median annual wage for concrete finishers was $57,020 ($27.41 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $39,190 and the highest 10% earned more than $85,480.

Most people need about 3–12 months on the job of training. No formal education is required. Most finishers learn on the job. Apprenticeships last about three years and include classroom training on concrete properties, blueprints and safety.

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +1.6% from 2025–35 (slower than average), with about 13,600 openings each year. Upsides include start without formal education; a common challenge is that very early starts and long days.

Key technical skills include screeding and floating, hand and power troweling, reading concrete set times, and forming and grading. Employers also value teamwork, timing and judgment, and stamina.

Common credentials include ACI Concrete Flatwork Finisher, ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I, OSHA 10-Hour Construction, and Silica safety training. Requirements vary by state and employer.