Career comparison
Concrete Finisher vs. Rebar Worker
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Rebar workers earn more at the median ($58,970 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. Rebar workers place and tie the steel bars that reinforce concrete.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Concrete Finisher | Rebar Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $57,020 ($27.41/hr) | $58,970 ($28.35/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $39,190 – $85,480 | $43,310 – $104,540 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +1.6% (slower than average) | -5.3% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 13,600 | 1,000 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 3–12 months on the job | 3–4 year apprenticeship |
| Key credential | ACI Concrete Flatwork Finisher | Ironworkers apprenticeship |
| Work setting | Finishers work outdoors and inside buildings under construction. | Rebar workers work outdoors on bridges, buildings and roads.. |
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
Rebar Worker
- Read rebar drawings
- Place rebar
- Tie bars
- Set spacing
- Install chairs
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 rebar worker if…
- I like heavy physical work
- I like big projects
- I don’t mind weather
Still torn? Take the Concrete Finisher fit quiz and the Rebar Worker fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, concrete finisher or rebar worker?
Rebar Workers earn more at the median: $58,970 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 rebar workers (3–4 year apprenticeship).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects concrete finishers to grow +1.6% from 2025–35, compared with -5.3% for rebar workers.