How to hire a cement finisher

How to hire a cement finisher, step by step

Here's a step-by-step cement finisher hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a cement finisher job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new cement finisher
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a cement finisher do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The cement finisher hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A cement finisher's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, cement finishers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of cement finisher salaries for various roles:

   Type of Cement Finisher	Description	Hourly rate
   Cement Finisher	Masonry workers, also known as masons, use bricks, concrete blocks, concrete, and natural and manmade stones to build walls, walkways, fences, and other masonry structures.	$11-28
   Prestressed Concrete Labour	Prestressed concrete labor works at construction sites where they are in charge of handling and processing prestressed concrete materials into structural forms. They typically coordinate with managers and engineers to learn the construction plans and guidelines, design and build structures, prepare materials, and perform corrective measures when necessary... Show more	$12-20
   Cement Mason	A cement mason plays a vital role in every construction project. They specialize in pouring, spreading, forming, and even finishing cement in areas such as floors, ceilings, walls, and roads, ensuring procedures adhere to project guidelines and industry standards... Show more	$11-30

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Sidewalks
   • Finishers
   • Construction Sites
   • Smooth Surfaces
   • Expansion Joints
   • Rebar
   • Bull Float
   • CDL
   • Screeds
   • Concrete Structures
   • Trowels
   • DIG
   • Retaining Walls
   • Shovels

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Construct formwork for concrete sidewalk, curb, and flatwork.
   • Build roads, floors and sidewalks, collaborate with workers to ensure smooth work flow and efficient organization
   • Employ a wide variety of hand and power tools including hoists, drills, precision measuring instruments.
   • Assist with project pursuits and evaluation of structural concrete scope assuring appropriate manpower, formwork, and sequencing.
   • Work consisted of new concrete work on sidewalks, curb and gutters, outside lighting columns, and interior slabs.
   • Assist ICM with project management responsibilities and updating and editing documentation for ISO compliance.

   More cement finisher duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your cement finisher job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A cement finisher salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, cement finishers' average salary in texas is 50% less than in new york.
   • Seniority. Entry-level cement finishers earn 62% less than senior-level cement finishers.
   • Certifications. A cement finisher with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a cement finisher's salary.

   Average cement finisher salary

   $37,711yearly

   $18.13 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level cement finisher salary

   $23,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 17, 2026

   Average cement finisher salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Pennsylvania	$51,704	$25
   2	California	$50,031	$24
   3	Washington	$49,793	$24
   4	Missouri	$48,988	$24
   5	North Dakota	$46,313	$22
   6	Maryland	$45,025	$22
   7	Ohio	$44,774	$22
   8	Colorado	$41,697	$20
   9	Florida	$30,173	$15
   10	Oklahoma	$29,407	$14
   11	Texas	$28,537	$14

   Average cement finisher salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Hensel Phelps	$48,948	$23.53	15
   2	City of Los Angeles	$45,643	$21.94	2
   3	City of Seattle	$44,239	$21.27	1
   4	McCarthy Holdings, Inc.	$43,568	$20.95	8
   5	Capital City Construction	$42,069	$20.23	2
   6	Concrete Frame Associates	$40,171	$19.31
   7	City of Houston	$38,597	$18.56
   8	Superior Bowen Asphalt Company, L.L.C.	$38,504	$18.51
   9	City of San Diego	$38,262	$18.40
   10	Workbox Staffing	$38,066	$18.30	2
   11	City of Pittsburgh	$37,968	$18.25
   12	Randstad North America, Inc.	$37,274	$17.92
   13	City of Cincinnati	$36,826	$17.70
   14	City of Laredo	$33,843	$16.27	1

4. Writing a cement finisher job description

   A good cement finisher job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a cement finisher job description:

   Cement finisher job description example

   **Position Title: Cement Finisher**
   
   **Job Category: Experienced**
   
   **FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt**
   
   **EEO Classification: 6 - Craft**
   
   **Any Employment Offers are Contingent Upon Successful Completion of the Following:**
   
   + Verification of Work Authorization and Employment Eligibility
   
   + Substance Abuse Screening
   
   + Physical Exam (if applicable)
   
   + Background Checks for Badging/Security Clearances (if applicable)
   
   **About Hensel Phelps:**
   
   Founded in 1937, Hensel Phelps specializes in building development, construction and facility services in markets ranging from aviation to government, commercial, transportation, critical facilities, healthcare and transportation. Ranked #1 in aviation and #12 overall general contractor in 2021 by ENR, Hensel Phelps is one of the largest employee-owned general contractors in the country. Driven to deliver EXCELLENCE in all we do and supported by our core values of Ownership, Integrity, Builder, Diversity and Community-Hensel Phelps brings our clients' visions to life with a comprehensive approach that begins with innovative planning and extends throughout the life of the property.
   
   **Position Description:**
   
   Cement finishers are responsible for placement and surface preparation of concrete in conformance with the project requirements.
   
   **Position Qualifications:**
   
   + High School Diploma or GED.
   
   + Valid Driver's License, required.
   
   + Follow safe work practices in accordance with the Hensel Phelps safety and health program.
   
   + Must be able to take initiative and ask questions.
   
   + Possess a keen attention to detail and be able to follow instructions.
   
   + Workers must provide their own safety footwear.
   
   + Must be able to communicate effectively and professionally with co-workers and stakeholders.
   
   + Strong mathematical reasoning and quantitative skills.
   
   + Must be reliable and punctual. This includes having reliable transportation and consistent work attendance.
   
   _Preferred Qualifications:_
   
   + Experienced in construction layout, blueprint reading and shop drawing reading.
   
   + OSHA 10 Certification.
   
   + CPR & First Aid Certification.
   
   **Essential Duties:**
   
   + Positioning themselves on the concrete forms and moving the pump hose or concrete bucket into place for the pouring of the concrete.
   
   + Levelling the top surface of freshly poured concrete on floors, walls, ceilings or sidewalks. Responsible for finishing the concrete surface to meet the tolerances for thickness and flatness before the concrete has cured. Initially, the concrete finisher must strike the concrete with a screed to create a level, smooth surface.
   
   + Applying a bull float to the concrete to further smooth the surface and bring the moisture to the top of the concrete area. The float is operated by a concrete finisher applying pressure to the float as it is moved back and forth over the concrete.
   
   + Applying hardening and sealing compounds to cure the surface of concrete. This includes waterproofing, damp-proofing, and restoring concrete surfaces.
   
   + Installing anchor bolts, steel plates and other fixtures in freshly poured concrete.
   
   + Operating a trowel to finish the surface when the concrete has reached a semi-cured status. Moving the machine over the concrete surface to level the concrete and develop the desired finish. Following up with the finish trowel using the steel trowel. Often, after the mechanical trowel has been used, the final troweling is performed by the concrete finisher using a 14-inch steel trowel.
   
   + Promoting a safe work environment and communicating jobsite hazards. Responsible for ensuring that all materials are properly distributed, and the site is swept and well maintained.
   
   + Helping to secure the jobsite at the end of business each day and verifying that all site materials are properly stored.
   
   **Benefits:**
   
   Hensel Phelps provides generous benefits for our full-time employees. This position is eligible for company-paid medical insurance, life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment, long-term disability, 401(K) retirement plan, and our employee assistance program (EAP). Hensel Phelps also believes in the importance of taking time to recharge. As a result, employees are eligible for paid time off beginning upon hire.
   
   **Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer:**
   
   Hensel Phelps is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Hensel Phelps shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, domestic partner status, pregnancy, disability, citizenship, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
   
   The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
   
   Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
   
   The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find cement finishers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any cement finishers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level cement finishers with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your cement finisher job on Zippia to find and recruit cement finisher candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as constructionjobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with cement finisher candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new cement finisher

   Once you have selected a candidate for the cement finisher position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new cement finisher first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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