Icon
Select
Icon
Customize
Icon
Download

Want a stronger resume? Use our extensive library of professional resume examples as practical starting guides. You’ll also find ready-made content with our helpful Resume Builder – simple click, customize, and download.

Find out what is the best resume for you in our Ultimate Resume Format Guide.

Icon

Concrete Finisher Duties and Responsibilities

Concrete finishers work on a variety of concrete projects and may be hired by many different construction and repair companies. The main work duties for these professionals is consistent, regardless of employer:

Read Construction Plans Concrete finishers read schematics, drawings, and construction plans, and they interpret them to determine how to complete jobs.

Finish Concrete Surfaces These specialized workers finish top surfaces of concrete using tools and water to create the desired texture. This task includes inspecting finished concrete and removing imperfections.

Position Concrete Trucks The concrete finisher on a job site directs the concrete truck, showing the driver where to park so that concrete can be poured precisely where it's needed.

Move Concrete Discharge Chute They also assist in moving the discharge chute on a concrete truck to control where concrete is being poured.

Set and Spread Poured Concrete Concrete finishers place forms to control where concrete is being poured and help spread the concrete as it's being poured to ensure the finished result will be level.

Patch Holes Concrete finishers inspected finished concrete, patch holes, and fix imperfections after concrete has finished setting.

Repair Old Concrete They also make repairs to old concrete by filling cracks, replacing damaged areas, and refinishing surfaces.

Clean and Maintain Tools Concrete finishers clean and maintain all their tools, replacing tools and tool parts as needed.

Icon

Concrete Finisher Skills and Qualifications

Concrete finishers work indoors and out to finish concrete patios, porches, floors, walls, swimming pools, walkways, and fountains. Construction crews and building companies that hire concrete finishers seek out professionals who possess a trade certification in addition to the following skills:
  • Communication Skills - Because construction sites are collaborative environments where many dangers are present, concrete finishers have excellent verbal communication skills
  • Physical Strength - Concrete finishers need physical strength to work in extreme weather conditions, lift heavy bags of concrete, stand for long periods of time, and work with their hands using multiple types of tools
  • Detail-Oriented - Concrete finishers are highly detail-oriented in that they precisely match concrete colors, note imperfections in concrete, and manage their tools
  • Design Comprehension - Concrete finishers know how to read and interpret many kinds of construction plans and drawings
  • Mechanical Aptitude - Because they work with many different tools and machinery, concrete finishers have good hand-eye dexterity and a high degree of mechanical aptitude
Icon

Concrete Finisher Education and Training

At minimum, concrete finishers need a high school diploma or GED to pursue this career. Many employers look for candidates who also have a trade certification. Trade schools and professional associations offer certification programs for concrete finishers that include training and testing. For some employers, hands-on experience with concrete finishing will be accepted in place of a certification. Some employers will train new concrete finishers on the job. Training lasts from several weeks to several months, depending on the employer. During the training period, new concrete finishers are closely monitored by team leaders, foremen, or other supervisors.
Icon

Concrete Finisher Salary and Outlook

In 2016, the median yearly pay for construction laborers and helpers of all types was $32,230. The median hourly pay in 2016 was $15.49. Concrete finishers are specialized members of a construction labor workforce. The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculated more than 1.4 million jobs for construction laborers and helpers in 2016, a number they predict will grow by 12 percent through 2026. This is faster-than-average job growth. In addition to standard health insurance benefits, concrete finishers receive disability and life insurance benefits. Many employers provide bonus income to concrete finishers who complete training programs. Safety bonuses are also commonly awarded. Employer-sponsored on-the-job training programs are provided to concrete finishers who want to learn additional construction jobs.
Icon

Helpful Resources

Find out how to get a job as a concrete finisher and succeed in this career path with these resources:

American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) - Concrete finishers and other construction professionals who work with concrete find information about safety regulations, certification, technical specifications, and concrete events at this website.

Cement Mason and Concrete Finisher Career (Special Edition): The Insider's Guide to Finding a Job at an Amazing Firm, Acing The Interview & Getting Promoted - Find tips for landing a job as a concrete finisher in this book, written by Anne Johnson in simple language to explain how to advance through all the steps of this career.

American Concrete Institute (ACI) - Find education and other certification resources at this website, designed for everyone who wants to learn more about concrete.

Concrete Finisher's Guide - This book is full of information about common concrete primers as well as technical information for perfect concrete finishing. The plain language is easy to read and full of straightforward tips.

Create your own professional resume in just minutes.

Try our resume builder today

Build Your Resume
create-your-own-professional