For those who enjoy hands-on work and want a career building the literal foundations of our communities, becoming a concrete finisher is a rewarding path. This skilled trade is essential to the construction industry, and with the right skills and experience, it offers significant earning potential. A career as a concrete finisher can provide a stable income that grows substantially with expertise, with many top-tier professionals earning over $86,000 per year.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about a concrete finisher's salary, from the national average to the key factors that can dramatically increase your pay. We’ll explore how experience, location, and specialization transform this job into a lucrative, long-term career.
What Does a Concrete Finisher Do?
A concrete finisher, also known as a cement mason, is a skilled construction professional responsible for smoothing, leveling, and finishing poured concrete surfaces. Their work is both a science and an art. They don't just pour concrete; they ensure it is durable, safe, and meets precise engineering and aesthetic specifications.
Key responsibilities include:
- Setting the forms that hold the wet concrete in place.
- Spreading, leveling, and smoothing concrete using tools like trowels, floats, and screeds.
- Molding expansion joints and edges.
- Applying curing compounds or surface hardeners to protect the concrete.
- Creating specialized finishes, such as a smooth, polished look for an indoor floor or a rough, non-slip texture for a sidewalk.
Their work is visible everywhere—from skyscrapers, bridges, and highways to driveways, patios, and foundations.
Average Concrete Finisher Salary
When evaluating potential earnings, it's helpful to look at data from multiple authoritative sources to get a complete picture.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), released in May 2023, the median annual wage for Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers is $54,340, or $26.13 per hour.
However, this median figure is just the midpoint. The salary range for this profession is wide and reflects the significant impact of experience and skill:
- The lowest 10 percent (typically entry-level positions) earned less than $37,880.
- The highest 10 percent (senior-level, specialized finishers) earned more than $86,300.
Reputable salary aggregators provide similar figures, reinforcing this range:
- Salary.com reports a median salary for a Concrete Finisher I (entry-level) around $51,659, with a typical range falling between $45,745 and $58,814.
- Payscale notes an average hourly rate of around $25.20, with an annual salary range of approximately $41,000 to $79,000, not including overtime.
These figures demonstrate a clear path for income growth as you build your career in the trade.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your salary as a concrete finisher isn't static. Several key factors directly influence your earning potential. Understanding them is crucial for maximizing your income over your career.
Years of Experience
Experience is arguably the most significant factor in determining a concrete finisher's salary. As you gain hands-on skills, speed, and precision, your value to an employer increases dramatically.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): In this stage, you may be working as a laborer or an apprentice. Your focus is on learning the trade, assisting senior finishers, and mastering basic techniques. Earnings are typically in the bottom 25th percentile, ranging from $38,000 to $48,000 annually.
- Mid-Career (3-9 years): As a journeyman concrete finisher, you can work independently and handle a wide variety of standard projects. You have a strong command of tools and techniques. Your salary will be close to the national median, typically $50,000 to $68,000.
- Senior/Experienced (10+ years): With a decade or more of experience, you may be a lead finisher, foreman, or supervisor. You can tackle complex jobs, manage crews, and train apprentices. Your earnings will be in the top tier, often exceeding $70,000 and reaching well over $86,000 for the most skilled professionals.
Geographic Location
Where you work matters. Salaries for concrete finishers vary significantly based on state and metropolitan area due to differences in cost of living, demand for construction, and the prevalence of union jobs.
According to the BLS, the top-paying states for cement masons and concrete finishers are:
1. Illinois: $84,400 (average annual salary)
2. New York: $81,420
3. Massachusetts: $80,310
4. Washington: $74,840
5. New Jersey: $74,380
Conversely, states with a lower cost of living and less union presence may offer salaries closer to the lower end of the national range. It's also important to consider states with the highest levels of employment for this role, which include California, Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania, indicating a high volume of available jobs.
Level of Education
While a four-year college degree is not required, your formal training plays a key role. A high school diploma or equivalent is the standard entry point. Beyond that, investing in structured training directly correlates with higher pay.
- Apprenticeships: Completing a formal apprenticeship program, often sponsored by a union or trade association, is the gold standard. These programs combine paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction over several years. Graduates are considered journeymen and command higher starting wages.
- Vocational/Technical School: Programs in masonry or construction technology can provide a strong theoretical and practical foundation before you enter the workforce.
- Certifications: Earning certifications, such as those from the American Concrete Institute (ACI), demonstrates a high level of expertise and a commitment to quality. An ACI Certified Concrete Finisher is often preferred by employers for high-stakes commercial and industrial jobs, leading to better pay.
Company Type
The type of company you work for will also impact your compensation package.
- Union vs. Non-Union: Unionized concrete finishers generally earn higher hourly wages, receive structured pay raises, and have access to better benefits, including health insurance and pension plans.
- Commercial vs. Residential: Large commercial construction companies that build skyscrapers, hospitals, and infrastructure projects often have bigger budgets and union agreements, leading to higher pay scales than smaller residential contractors who focus on driveways and patios.
- Public Sector: Working for a government entity, such as a city's public works department or a state's department of transportation, can provide very stable employment, competitive wages, and excellent government benefits.
Area of Specialization
To become a top earner, consider developing a specialization. Standard flatwork is the foundation, but advanced skills are in high demand and command premium pay.
- Decorative Concrete: This includes techniques like stamping, staining, and coloring to create visually appealing surfaces that mimic stone, brick, or tile. It requires artistic skill and precision.
- Concrete Polishing: Specialists in this area use grinders and diamond abrasives to give concrete floors a high-gloss, durable finish, popular in retail, commercial, and high-end residential spaces.
- High-Tolerance/Superflat Floors: These floors are required in specialized facilities like warehouses and television studios where perfectly level surfaces are critical for equipment operation. This work demands immense precision and specialized tools.
- Concrete Repair and Restoration: Experts in repairing and restoring old or damaged concrete are highly valued, as their work can save clients from costly replacements.
Job Outlook
The future for concrete finishers is stable. The BLS projects a growth of 2% for cement masons and concrete finishers between 2022 and 2032. While this is slower than the average for all occupations, it translates to about 14,500 job openings each year.
This steady demand is driven by the ongoing need to build and maintain our nation's infrastructure—roads, bridges, and buildings will always need to be constructed and repaired. Furthermore, many openings will arise from the need to replace workers who are retiring from the trade, ensuring consistent opportunities for new professionals entering the field.
Conclusion
A career as a concrete finisher is a fantastic choice for individuals seeking a skilled trade with strong, reliable earning potential. While the national median salary sits at a respectable $54,340, this is merely a starting point. By dedicating yourself to the craft, you can chart a clear path toward a six-figure income.
Your financial success in this field is directly in your hands. By gaining experience, pursuing formal training or an apprenticeship, choosing a high-demand location, and developing a valuable specialization, you can build a prosperous and enduring career, one perfectly finished surface at a time.