Career comparison
Concrete Finisher vs. Terrazzo Worker
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Terrazzo workers earn more at the median ($76,170 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. Terrazzo workers pour, grind and polish terrazzo floors in airports, schools and lobbies.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Concrete Finisher | Terrazzo Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $57,020 ($27.41/hr) | $76,170 ($36.62/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $39,190 – $85,480 | $46,090 – $126,130 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +1.6% (slower than average) | -13.0% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 13,600 | 100 |
| 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 | Terrazzo apprenticeship |
| Work setting | Finishers work outdoors and inside buildings under construction. | Terrazzo workers work in large public 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
Terrazzo Worker
- Install divider strips
- Mix terrazzo
- Pour and trowel
- Grind surfaces
- Grout
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, 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 terrazzo worker if…
- I like artistic floors
- I’m patient
- I can run heavy grinders
Still torn? Take the Concrete Finisher fit quiz and the Terrazzo Worker fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, concrete finisher or terrazzo worker?
Terrazzo Workers earn more at the median: $76,170 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 terrazzo workers (3–4 year apprenticeship).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects concrete finishers to grow +1.6% from 2025–35, compared with -13.0% for terrazzo workers.