Concrete Finisher
Quick Facts
Median Salary$50,774
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+5.60%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Concrete Finisher works with cement workers in a construction process. Smoothes and levels concrete that has been poured, monitors concrete as it hardens, and applies sealants as needed.
Core Tasks:
- Check the forms that hold the concrete to see that they are properly constructed.
- Set the forms that hold concrete to the desired pitch and depth, and align them.
- Spread, level, and smooth concrete, using rake, shovel, hand or power trowel, hand or power screed, and float.
- Monitor how the wind, heat, or cold affect the curing of the concrete throughout the entire process.
- Mold expansion joints and edges, using edging tools, jointers, and straightedge.
- Signal truck driver to position truck to facilitate pouring concrete, and move chute to direct concrete on forms.
- Direct the casting of the concrete and supervise laborers who use shovels or special tools to spread it.
- Produce rough concrete surface, using broom.
- Apply hardening and sealing compounds to cure surface of concrete, and waterproof or restore surface.
- Operate power vibrator to compact concrete.
- Wet surface to prepare for bonding, fill holes and cracks with grout or slurry, and smooth, using trowel.
- Install anchor bolts, steel plates, door sills and other fixtures in freshly poured concrete or pattern or stamp the surface to provide a decorative finish.
- Waterproof or restore concrete surfaces, using appropriate compounds.
- Mix cement, sand, and water to produce concrete, grout, or slurry, using hoe, trowel, tamper, scraper, or concrete-mixing machine.
- Chip, scrape, and grind high spots, ridges, and rough projections to finish concrete, using pneumatic chisels, power grinders, or hand tools.
- Cut out damaged areas, drill holes for reinforcing rods, and position reinforcing rods to repair concrete, using power saw and drill.
- Wet concrete surface, and rub with stone to smooth surface and obtain specified finish.
- Clean chipped area, using wire brush, and feel and observe surface to determine if it is rough or uneven.
- Build wooden molds, and clamp molds around area to be repaired, using hand tools.
What to expect as a Concrete Finisher
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
14% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Concrete Finisher related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
3102 openings for Concrete Finishers
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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