Terrazzo Workers and Finishers
Apply a mixture of cement, sand, pigment, or marble chips to floors, stairways, and cabinet fixtures to fashion durable and decorative surfaces.
Also called: Artificial Marble Worker, Build Master, Buildmaster, Coat Agent, Concrete Journeyman, Finisher
Median pay
$76,170
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$46,090 – $126,130
People employed
1,180
Holland code
RCA
Realistic · Conventional · Artistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 2.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 3.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 4.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 5.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 6.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 7.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 8.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Terrazzo Workers and Finishers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (7 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What terrazzo workers and finishers do
- 01Measure designated amounts of ingredients for terrazzo or grout, according to standard formulas and specifications, using graduated containers and scales, and load ingredients into portable mixer.
- 02Grind surfaces with a power grinder, or polish surfaces with polishing or surfacing machines.
- 03Cut metal division strips and press them into the terrazzo base for joints or changes of color to form designs or patterns or to help prevent cracks.
- 04Blend marble chip mixtures, place into panels, and push a roller over the surface to embed the chips.
- 05Modify mixing, grouting, grinding, or cleaning procedures, according to type of installation or material used.
- 06Spread, level, or smooth concrete or terrazzo mixtures to form bases or finished surfaces, using rakes, shovels, hand or power trowels, hand or power screeds, or floats.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Building and Construction
- Design
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: none or short demonstration.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from terrazzo workers and finishers
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic76% · −16%
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters76% · −38%
- Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons75% · −20%
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators73% · −8%
- Riggers71% · −18%
Change into terrazzo workers and finishers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters92% · $47,550
- Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing88% · $46,170
- Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons86% · $61,290
- Furniture Finishers83% · $44,540
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers82% · $48,110
Majors that lead here
- Carpet, Floor, and Tile Worker
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.