Concrete Finisher
Pour and finish the concrete that holds buildings up. From foundation slabs to sidewalks to decorative stamped patios, Concrete Finishers make wet concrete into something permanent — and pay scales with the precision of the finish.
Concrete Finisher goes by many names
On KinTrades, all of these job titles route to the Concrete Finisher trade — so search any of them and you'll find matching work.
Day to day on the job
Concrete Finishers spread, level, smooth, and finish concrete after it's poured. Floats, trowels, brooms, edgers, and groovers are the daily tools. The window from pour to final finish is short — often hours — and the work is weather-dependent.
Specializations diverge by finish complexity. Flatwork Finishers do slabs, driveways, sidewalks. Decorative Concrete Finishers work stamped, stained, and polished concrete — premium pay. Curb & Gutter Finishers work municipal infrastructure.
Most concrete finishers work for concrete subcontractors or general contractors. Direct hire as a laborer with promotion-to-finisher is the standard path. OPCMIA union work pays better with strong benefits.
How you move up as a Concrete Finisher
Most finishers come up through the OPCMIA (Operative Plasterers' & Cement Masons' International Association) 3-year apprenticeship or direct hire at a concrete subcontractor. BLS OES 47-2051, May 2025.
Apprentice — what this rung looks like
What Concrete Finishers earn in VA, DC, MD & NC
Pay data: BLS OEWS · May 2025 · VA · DC · MD · NC. Expanding nationally.
Is Concrete Finisher a growing trade?
Core craft + supporting skills
Core skills (orange) are required for the Concrete Finisher trade; supporting skills (gray) round out a well-rounded journeyworker.
Paths into the Concrete Finisher trade
OPCMIA Cement Masons
Operative Plasterers' & Cement Masons' International Association — the union for finishers. Locals serve VA/DC/MD/NC. OPCMIA →
ABC Cement Mason Apprenticeship
DOL-Registered concrete apprenticeships through ABC Virginia, ABC Metro Washington, ABC Greater Baltimore.
Direct hire on concrete crew
Most finishers come in as laborers and move to finishing as they prove out. Direct hire path requires no prior credentials.
Certifications that help
NCCER Concrete Levels 1–4, OSHA 10/30, ACI Concrete Flatwork Finisher and Technician, state concrete contractor license.
Common pathways into Concrete Finisher work
KinTrades welcomes Concrete Finisher workers from every walk of life. Whether you're a veteran transitioning out of service, a student planning your career, or someone returning to work — there's a clear path in.
Veterans
Army 12N Horizontal Construction Engineer covers concrete pours and Navy BU (Builder, Seabees) covers concrete construction.
Air Force 3E2X1 Pavements & Construction Equipment handles airfield concrete work.
Helmets to Hardhats connects veterans to OPCMIA + ABC apprenticeships.
Veterans on KinTradesHigh School Students
Concrete is one of the lowest-barrier construction entry points — direct hire on a concrete crew requires no prior credentials. HS construction CTE programs include concrete coursework.
OPCMIA apprenticeships start at age 18.
FastForward VA covers tuition for VA students.
Students on KinTradesSecond Chance
Concrete work is among the most second-chance friendly trades — most concrete subcontractors hire on physical readiness and willingness to learn.
OPCMIA and ABC apprenticeships consider applicants with felony histories case-by-case.
Federal infrastructure projects require security screening for site access.
Second-chance hiringCertifications, apprenticeships & licensing for Concrete Finishers
Certifications that move you up
- ACI Concrete Flatwork Finisher (ACI CFF) Recommended
- OSHA 10-Hour Construction (OSHA-10) Recommended
Registered apprenticeship programs
- OPCMIA Local 891 — Registered Apprenticeship (JATC) 3 yr
- OPCMIA Local 891 — Registered Apprenticeship (JATC) 3 yr
- OPCMIA Local 148 — Registered Apprenticeship (JATC) 3 yr
- OPCMIA Local 891 — Registered Apprenticeship (JATC) 3 yr
Union locals in our region
- OPCMIA Local 148 NC
- OPCMIA Local 891 DC, MD, VA
If Concrete Finisher interests you, also look at
Common questions about becoming a Concrete Finisher
What does a Concrete Finisher do?
Concrete Finishers spread, level, smooth, and finish concrete after it's poured. Floats, trowels, brooms, edgers, and groovers are the daily tools. The window from pour to final finish is short — often hours — and the work is weather-dependent.
What does a Concrete Finisher make in Virginia, DC, Maryland, and North Carolina?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2025, Concrete Finishers earn an annual median of $51K in Virginia (range $37K–$73K), $62K in DC ($47K–$87K), $52K in Maryland ($39K–$72K), and $47K in North Carolina ($37K–$60K).
How do you become a Concrete Finisher?
OPCMIA Cement Masons: Operative Plasterers' Cement Masons' International Association — the union for finishers. Locals serve VA/DC/MD/NC. OPCMIA →
How long is Concrete Finisher apprenticeship in Virginia, DC, Maryland, or North Carolina?
3 years OPCMIA or 2 years direct hire to journey-level. Most finishers come up through the OPCMIA (Operative Plasterers' Cement Masons' International Association) 3-year apprenticeship or direct hire at a concrete subcontractor.
Is Concrete Finisher a growing career?
Yes — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections have Concrete Finisher employment set to grow 1.8% between 2024 and 2034. The BLS projects about 14,300 openings per year nationally, most from workers retiring or leaving the trade.
Is Concrete Finisher a good career path for someone with a record?
Concrete work is among the most second-chance friendly trades — most concrete subcontractors hire on physical readiness and willingness to learn. OPCMIA and ABC apprenticeships consider applicants with felony histories case-by-case. Federal infrastructure projects require security screening for site access.