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Concrete finisher vs drywall finisher

The differences between concrete finishers and drywall finishers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a concrete finisher has an average salary of $40,674, which is higher than the $39,376 average annual salary of a drywall finisher.

The top three skills for a concrete finisher include hand tools, work ethic and finishers. The most important skills for a drywall finisher are hand tools, ladders, and scaffolding.

Concrete finisher vs drywall finisher overview

Concrete FinisherDrywall Finisher
Yearly salary$40,674$39,376
Hourly rate$19.55$18.93
Growth rate-2%3%
Number of jobs15,30914,312
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 59%High School Diploma, 55%
Average age4041
Years of experience-2

What does a concrete finisher do?

A concrete finisher is responsible for smoothing out concrete surfaces, ensuring that the final result followed the design and client's specifications. Concrete finishers operate special construction equipment to stabilize concrete forms. They also analyze blueprints and construction plans to identify necessary techniques and adjustments to deliver a high-quality project. A concrete finisher must also observe strict safety guidelines and procedures for doing the task and making sure that all tools are maintained. A concrete finisher must show excellent time-management, as well as the ability to multi-task to perform duties within a fast-paced environment.

What does a drywall finisher do?

As a part of the construction team, the drywall finisher is the last to touch the product and place pieces, paint, and decorations for the final look. Also, they are to put premade walls on surfaces. Drywall finishers cut out the excess, position it properly, and fasten it to the interior for a glossy finish. As it is, drywall finishers must have a great sense of focus to grasp the instructions given to avoid mistakes. They must communicate well with others on the team to finish the project entirely and perfectly.

Concrete finisher vs drywall finisher salary

Concrete finishers and drywall finishers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Concrete FinisherDrywall Finisher
Average salary$40,674$39,376
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $62,000Between $24,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CitySpokane, WASunnyvale, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutNorth Dakota
Best paying companyFluorSwinerton
Best paying industryConstructionProfessional

Differences between concrete finisher and drywall finisher education

There are a few differences between a concrete finisher and a drywall finisher in terms of educational background:

Concrete FinisherDrywall Finisher
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 59%High School Diploma, 55%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Concrete finisher vs drywall finisher demographics

Here are the differences between concrete finishers' and drywall finishers' demographics:

Concrete FinisherDrywall Finisher
Average age4041
Gender ratioMale, 96.2% Female, 3.8%Male, 90.9% Female, 9.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 26.7% Asian, 0.9% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 30.0% Asian, 1.1% White, 55.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between concrete finisher and drywall finisher duties and responsibilities

Concrete finisher example responsibilities.

  • Finish concrete structures using trowels, floats, straight edges, joiners, and screeds to obtain require texture and contour.
  • Replace and repair concrete or asphalt; framing; leveling; skil at using backhoe; bobcat; and whacker packer.
  • Rig or dismantle props or equipment, such as frames, scaffolding, platforms, or backdrops, using hand tools.
  • Clean hand tools, set up scaffolding for masonry jobs, mix mortar and keep everyone supply with block and brick.
  • Follow safety guidelines * add icing to cook product * prepare donuts to get ship * clean work area
  • Used edging tools, jointers, brooms.
  • Show more

Drywall finisher example responsibilities.

  • Practice safe PPE around compound dust.
  • Enforce safety requirements, PPE, regulation laws.
  • Replace and finish all work around remove urinals, sinks or tubs.
  • Discard hazardous materials according to OSHA, MOSH, fire and building codes.
  • Lead and provide work direction for team of drywall finishers on commercial job sites.
  • Follow by measuring from stud to stud and putting the measurements on the drywall.
  • Show more

Concrete finisher vs drywall finisher skills

Common concrete finisher skills
  • Hand Tools, 19%
  • Work Ethic, 15%
  • Finishers, 9%
  • Sidewalks, 8%
  • Expansion Joints, 6%
  • Asphalt, 5%
Common drywall finisher skills
  • Hand Tools, 16%
  • Ladders, 12%
  • Scaffolding, 9%
  • Finishers, 8%
  • Texture, 8%
  • Tape Measure, 8%

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