How to Hire a Concrete Finisher

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

The hiring market for concrete finishers

There are about 204,800 concrete finishers employed in the U.S., with roughly 13,600 openings each year. Employment is projected to change +1.6% from 2025–35 (slower than average). Most openings come from replacing workers who retire or change careers, so a steady pipeline matters.

Pay benchmarks for offers

*Annual ÷ 2,080 hours except median. National BLS data; adjust for your state and metro area. Many states and cities now require pay ranges in job postings.

What to look for

Where to find concrete finishers

• Registered apprenticeship programs and union halls
• Trade and technical school placement offices
• Pre-apprenticeship and veterans programs
• Referrals from current crew members
• Job postings that use common alternate titles: Cement Mason, Concrete Worker, Flatwork Finisher, Concrete Mason

Screening checklist

• Verify state licenses (apprentice registration, journeyworker, master) where required
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 cards and prior safety record
• Valid driver’s license and driving record if operating company vehicles
• A practical skills test or supervised trial task

Follow federal, state and local rules on background checks, drug testing and fair-chance hiring, and apply screening consistently to all candidates for the role.

Interview questions to ask

Ask every candidate the same questions and score answers on a structured scorecard.

1. “How do you know when concrete is ready to trowel?”

What a strong answer includes: Describe checking bleed water and surface firmness.

2. “What finishes have you done?”

What a strong answer includes: List broom, trowel, stamped or polished work.

3. “How do you prevent cracking?”

What a strong answer includes: Mention joints, curing and proper subgrade.

4. “Are you available for early starts and overtime?”

What a strong answer includes: Pours depend on weather and trucks; show flexibility.

5. “How do you protect yourself from concrete burns?”

What a strong answer includes: Mention PPE and washing skin.

Practical skills checks

A short demonstration beats a perfect resume. Ask candidates to talk you through, or perform under supervision, tasks such as:

• Finish a Concrete Slab (see the steps)
• Cut Control Joints (see the steps)
• Cure New Concrete (see the steps)

Red flags

• Can’t describe basic safety practices for the role
• Vague or inconsistent work history with no explanation
• Unfamiliar with core terms such as Screed, Bull float, Bleed water
• Negative talk about every past employer or coworker

Onboard for retention

The first 90 days decide whether a new hire stays. Use our Concrete Finisher 30-60-90 day onboarding plan and give every new hire the same foundation with Concrete Finisher training. Show them the path forward: Concrete Laborer → Concrete Finisher → Lead Finisher or Foreman → Superintendent or Concrete Contractor.

Hiring concrete finishers: FAQ

How much should I pay a concrete finisher?

The U.S. median wage for concrete finishers is $57,020 per year ($27.41/hour), according to BLS May 2025 data. Entry-level offers often fall near the 25th percentile ($47,010), while experienced hires command closer to the 75th percentile ($66,870). Adjust for your local market.

What qualifications should a concrete finisher have?

BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education. Look for ACI Concrete Flatwork Finisher and ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I where relevant, plus skills such as screeding and floating, hand and power troweling, and reading concrete set times.

How long does it take to train a new concrete finisher?

Becoming qualified typically takes 3–12 months on the job. After hire, plan for a structured 30-60-90 day onboarding period; BLS classifies on-the-job training for this occupation as “moderate-term on-the-job training.”