Concrete Installer & Finisher
Is a career as a Concrete Installer & Finisher right for you?
Here are some things to consider before you decide:
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With President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Job Act beginning to disperse funds in the Summer 2022, Concrete Installers and Finishers have become one of the top in-demand trades in the US.
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There is no need to attend a post-secondary institution to start working in the Concrete field, typically only a GED is required.
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With 2-3 years of experience, you can expect to make $26.24 an hour or $54,579.20 a year plus overtime and benefits.
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While formal schooling is not required to enter the field, there are a number of continuing education courses and certifications one can complete to build upon their experience and increase their pay.
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The right personality type to become a Concrete Installer & Finisher is someone who has:
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Physical Endurance
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The Ability to Work in a Team, but also Independently
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Patience
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The Career Journey
Gain Construction Experience
- Must have a GED or HS Diploma
- There are few, long-term programs for concrete, so you will learn on-the-job.
- If you have 1 year of construction experience, you can find an entry-level job in Concrete. You will typically start earning $18/hour, but your pay will quickly increase with experience.
- Skills you will learn: Site Preparation, Mixing Concrete, Spreading & Leveling, Finishing, Site Clean-Up
Get Certified & Apprentice
- There are a number of pathways to licensure and certification within Concrete, including apprenticeship and continuing education.
- To learn more about continuing education and certifications that are available, visit the American Concrete Institute.
- If apprenticeship is of interest, check out the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association career pathways and licenses. Typically, about 1500-3000 of hands-on-experience to qualify for the licensing exam and a performance evaluation is sometimes required.
Become a Craftsman
- Pervious Concrete Installer:
- Pass the NRMCA Pervious Concrete Contractor Certification Written Examination with a score of 75% or greater
- Complete a Performance Evaluation administered by a Local Sponsoring Group approved by NRMCA
- Provide project experience documentation of successful construction of a minimum of 3 projects with a total area exceeding 10,000 square feet (1000 m²).
- Pervious Concrete Craftsman:
- Pass the NRMCA Pervious Concrete Contractor Certification Written Examination with a score of 75% or greater
- Possess a current ACI Flatwork Finisher Technician or Craftsman certification at the time of application
- Work Experience:
- OPTION A: Complete a Performance Evaluation administered by a Local Sponsoring Group approved by NRMCA and document work experience constructing pervious concrete pavement exceeding 1500 hours.
- OPTION B: Provide documentation of work experience constructing pervious concrete pavements exceeding 3000 hours.
