Career comparison
Concrete Finisher vs. Plasterer
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Plasterers earn more at the median ($57,660 vs. $57,020), while concrete finishers usually get to work faster (3–12 months on the job of training). Concrete finishers place, level and finish concrete for slabs, floors, sidewalks and roads. Plasterers apply plaster and stucco to walls and ceilings for durable, decorative finishes.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Concrete Finisher | Plasterer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $57,020 ($27.41/hr) | $57,660 ($27.72/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $39,190 – $85,480 | $39,560 – $96,710 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +1.6% (slower than average) | +2.8% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 13,600 | 1,500 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | 3–12 months on the job | 2–4 year apprenticeship |
| Key credential | ACI Concrete Flatwork Finisher | Plasterer apprenticeship |
| Work setting | Finishers work outdoors and inside buildings under construction. | Plasterers work indoors and outdoors on homes and commercial buildings.. |
What each job does
Concrete Finisher
- 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
Plasterer
- Prep surfaces
- Install lath
- Mix plaster
- Apply coats
- Finish textures
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, working outdoors, and teamwork. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose concrete finisher if…
- I don’t mind very early mornings
- I like fast-paced physical work
- I can read conditions and make quick decisions
Choose plasterer if…
- I like craft work
- I’m patient
- I don’t mind heavy work
Still torn? Take the Concrete Finisher fit quiz and the Plasterer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, concrete finisher or plasterer?
Plasterers earn more at the median: $57,660 versus $57,020 for concrete finishers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Concrete Finishers typically train faster (3–12 months on the job) than plasterers (2–4 year apprenticeship).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects plasterers to grow +2.8% from 2025–35, compared with +1.6% for concrete finishers.