Floor sanders and finishers
SOC Code: 47-2043Also known as:
Bowling Alley Refinisher, Finisher, Floor Finisher, Floor Mechanic, Floor Refinisher
Median Annual Salary
$49,150
+2.6% growth (2024-2034)
400
Openings/Year
6K
Current Jobs
What Floor sanders and finishers Do
Scrape and sand wooden floors to smooth surfaces using floor scraper and floor sanding machine, and apply coats of finish.
💰 Salary
$49,150
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.6%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
400
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
5,600
Projected Employment (2034)
5,800
Related Careers
Carpet installers
$49,850 •
-9.6% growth
Floor layers, except carpet, wood, and hard tiles
$54,340 •
+9.5% growth
Tile and stone setters
$52,240 •
+10.1% growth
Terrazzo workers and finishers
$57,260 •
-11.1% growth
Furniture finishers
$42,530 •
-3.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Active Listening
Coordination
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Buff and vacuum floors to ensure their cleanliness prior to the application of finish.
- Scrape and sand floor edges and areas inaccessible to floor sanders, using scrapers, disk-type sanders, and sandpaper.
- Inspect floors for smoothness.
- Attach sandpaper to rollers of sanding machines.
- Guide sanding machines over surfaces of floors until surfaces are smooth.
- Apply filler compound and coats of finish to floors to seal wood.
- Remove excess glue from joints, using knives, scrapers, or wood chisels.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Floor sanders and finishers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a floor sanders and finishers:
Carpet, Floor, and Tile Worker
21 degrees awarded •
1 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Floor sanders and finishers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become floor sanders and finishers.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, IN | 21 | C |
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do floor sanders and finishers make?
The median annual salary for floor sanders and finishers is $49,150.
What education do floor sanders and finishers need?
Most floor sanders and finishers positions require a no formal educational credential.
Common degree programs include Carpet, Floor, and Tile Worker.
Is becoming floor sanders and finishers a good career choice?
Floor sanders and finishers is projected to see +2.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for floor sanders and finishers?
Top colleges for aspiring floor sanders and finishers include
Ivy Tech Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to floor sanders and finishers?
Floor sanders and finishers may also be known as: Bowling Alley Refinisher, Finisher, Floor Finisher, Floor Mechanic, Floor Refinisher, Floor Renovator, Floor Sander, Floor Sander and Finisher, Floor Sanding Machine Operator, Floor Scraper, Floor Surfacer, Floorer, Hardwood Finisher, Hardwood Floor Finisher and Sander, Hardwood Floor Refinisher, Hardwood Floor Sander, Liquid Floor and Wall Applier, Refinisher, Sander, Scraper.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.