Concrete Finishing: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Concrete Finishing is a hands-on technical program designed to equip students with the comprehensive skills needed to execute high-quality concrete construction and finishing across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. This curriculum emphasizes precision, safety, and efficiency in every phase of concrete work, from initial site setup to final surface detailing.
- Site Preparation: Learn techniques for grading, leveling, and clearing construction sites to ensure a stable, accurate foundation for concrete placement.
- Applied Mathematics: Develop proficiency in calculations for material quantities, slope measurements, and structural dimensions essential for accurate job planning.
- Mixing Formulas and Applications: Understand the science behind concrete mix design, including proportions of cement, aggregates, water, and additives for specific performance outcomes.
- Job Estimation: Gain skills in measuring, calculating material needs, labor hours, and project costs to support accurate bidding and budgeting.
- Concrete Design Principles: Study structural requirements and environmental factors that influence concrete specifications and performance in various applications.
- Finishing Techniques: Master a range of surface treatments—including troweling, floating, and texturing—to achieve desired aesthetic and functional results.
- Mold Preparation and Formwork: Learn how to assemble, align, and secure forms to shape concrete structures with precision and dimensional accuracy.
- Reinforcement Installation: Acquire expertise in placing and securing steel rebar and mesh to enhance structural strength and durability.
- Site Safety Protocols: Adhere to industry standards for personal protection, hazard identification, and safe work practices on active construction sites.
- Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Become proficient in handling and servicing power tools, mixers, pumps, and finishing machines to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Concrete Finishing Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Concrete Finishing Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Concrete Finishing degrees, including First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers and Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,011,310 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers 47-1011 | $78,690 | $51,290 - $126,690 | 806,080 | $37.83 |
| Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers 47-2051 | $54,660 | $38,290 - $87,620 | 205,230 | $26.28 |
Concrete Finishing Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $53,885 in Alabama to $96,985 in Alaska—a 80% difference. The highest-paying states include Alaska, Hawaii, and Illinois. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,011,310 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Concrete Finishing by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 5 institutions offering Concrete Finishing programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Concrete Finishing is found at Philadelphia Technician Training (PTTI) (47 graduates), Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) (7 graduates), Southeast Community College Area (SCC) (7 graduates), Pennsylvania College of Technology (6 graduates), and Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 70 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Technician Training (PTTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
47 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | ptt.edu |
| Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Belleville, Illinois | Public | swic.edu |
| Southeast Community College Area (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
7 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | southeast.edu |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology |
Associate's
|
6 | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | Public | pct.edu |
| Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
3 | Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Public | wctc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Concrete Finishing programs
How much can I earn with a Concrete Finishing degree?
Salaries for Concrete Finishing graduates vary by role and location. First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers earn a median of $78,690 annually, while Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers earn around $54,660. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Alaska average $96,985 compared to $53,885 in Alabama. Approximately 1,011,310 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Concrete Finishing programs?
Currently 5 accredited institutions offer Concrete Finishing degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Philadelphia Technician Training (PTTI) (47 graduates), Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) (7 graduates), and Southeast Community College Area (SCC) (7 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Concrete Finishing growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 11 in 2010 to 70 in 2023-24. This represents a 536% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Concrete Finishing degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers, Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers, . Related occupations employ approximately 1,011,310 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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