Construction

To become a Cement Finisher (Finishing of concrete floors and walls) in Ontario : Salary, Training, and Career Outlook.

by Occupations.ca Team
11 min read

Have you ever looked at a smooth garage floor, a polished Retail showroom, or a perfectly plumb Concrete wall and thought, “Who makes concrete look that good?” If you enjoy hands-on work, precision, and seeing immediate results, becoming a Cement (Concrete) Finisher in Ontario could be a great fit for you. In this trade, you shape and smooth concrete for floors, walls, sidewalks, patios, and industrial slabs—often under tight timelines and variable weather—so your skill really shows.

Job Description

Cement Finishers (also called Concrete Finishers) place, level, finish, and Repair concrete surfaces on floors, walls, stairs, curbs, and decorative installations. In Ontario, this trade spans residential, commercial, industrial, and civil projects—from basements and driveways to high-rise towers, hospitals, warehouses, and transit infrastructure.

You’ll work closely with site supervisors, labourers, Formwork carpenters, pump operators, and ready-mix suppliers to get the timing and quality right. Concrete sets quickly, so your judgment, speed, and attention to detail matter.

Daily work activities

  • Reading drawings and layout marks to understand slopes, drains, and control joint locations
  • Checking subgrades, formwork, and reinforcement are ready for placing concrete
  • Coordinating with the ready-mix truck and pump crew so pour timing is correct
  • Using screeds and straightedges to strike off concrete to proper level
  • Floating and troweling surfaces (by hand and with power trowels) to achieve the specified finish
  • Edging, grooving, and cutting control joints to manage cracking
  • Applying curing compounds, sealers, hardeners, and surface treatments
  • Creating special finishes (broomed, exposed aggregate, stamped, polished, or epoxy-coated)
  • Finishing vertical surfaces and walls, including rubbing, patching, and parging
  • Grinding and polishing hardened concrete; repairing defects and honeycombs
  • Monitoring temperature, wind, and humidity; adjusting techniques for weather
  • Cleaning, maintaining, and safely storing tools and equipment

Main tasks

  • Place, consolidate, and level fresh concrete for floors, slabs, and walls
  • Operate floats, trowels (hand, walk-behind, and ride-on), and screeds
  • Edge and groove to specified tolerances and joint layouts
  • Finish and cure surfaces to required texture (Steel-trowel, broom, exposed, etc.)
  • Install surface hardeners, sealers, densifiers, and curing blankets
  • Create decorative surfaces (stamped, stained, or coloured concrete)
  • Perform repair and Restoration work (patching, grinding, polishing)
  • Install waterproofing and repair coatings on concrete surfaces when specified
  • Follow Ontario health and Safety requirements, including PPE and site procedures
  • Communicate with supervisors and clients to meet schedule and quality targets

Required Education

There are multiple pathways into this trade in Ontario. While some people start as labourers and learn on the job, the strongest pathway is apprenticeship with in-school Training.

Diplomas

  • Certificate

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalency (recommended for apprenticeship)
    • Certificate of Apprenticeship (CoA) as a Concrete Finisher upon completion
    • Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) with Red Seal endorsement (after passing the exam), which helps you work across Canada

  • College Diploma

    • Not required for the trade, but helpful programs include:
      • Construction Techniques (one-year certificate)
      • Construction Engineering Technician (two-year diploma)
      • Pre-Apprenticeship programs focused on concrete or general construction

  • Bachelor’s Degree

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Length of studies

  • Pre-apprenticeship (optional): typically 12–20 weeks
  • Apprenticeship (typical):
    • Approximately 2–3 years total
    • About 4,000–5,000 hours of paid on-the-job training
    • 1–2 levels of in-school training (often 240–480 hours in total), delivered by approved colleges or training centres
    • Completion leads to a Certificate of Apprenticeship and eligibility to challenge the C of Q (Red Seal)

The exact structure can vary by training Delivery agent. Skilled Trades Ontario sets standards and recognizes credentials.

Where to study?

In Ontario, apprenticeship in-school training for Concrete Finishers is delivered by approved training delivery agents. You typically:

  1. Find an employer willing to sponsor you, then
  2. Register your apprenticeship and get scheduled for in-school sessions.

Useful starting points:

Ontario public colleges and training centres that often Support construction/apprenticeship pathways (check for current availability of concrete finishing in-school training or related programs):

Safety and best-practice resources:

  • Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) training and safety resources for construction in Ontario
  • Concrete Ontario (industry guidance for ready-mix and placement best practices)

Note: Training delivery agents for the Concrete Finisher apprenticeship can change. Confirm current locations and schedules through Skilled Trades Ontario or the Ontario Apprenticeship office.

Salary and Working Conditions

Entry-level vs experienced salary

Wages vary by region, union affiliation, sector (residential vs ICI—industrial, commercial, institutional), and specialization (e.g., polished concrete).

  • Entry-level (apprentice): approximately $22–$28 per hour
  • Experienced journeyperson: approximately $32–$45+ per hour

Unionized jobs may include additional Benefits such as health and dental coverage, pension contributions, Travel allowances, overtime premiums, and training funds. Decorative and polished concrete specialists, or those working night pours and high-tolerance floors, may command higher rates.

For current wage data and ranges specific to Ontario:

Working conditions

You work where the concrete is placed:

  • Construction sites (new builds, renovations, infrastructure)
  • Indoors and outdoors, year-round, in all weather with Controls as needed
  • Early starts are common; night pours and weekend shifts occur to meet schedules
  • Physical work: lifting, kneeling, bending, pushing screeds, maneuvering trowels
  • Exposure to dust, noise, vibration, wet cement (which is caustic), and chemicals (sealers, epoxies)
  • PPE is mandatory: safety boots, gloves, eye and Hearing protection; sometimes respirators
  • Travel between job sites; a valid Ontario driver’s licence and reliable Transportation help
  • Seasonal slowdowns can occur, but winter work continues indoors or with enclosures and heating
  • Employers in construction typically need WSIB coverage; you must follow Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and related construction regulations
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Health and safety resources:

Job outlook

Concrete Finisher demand in Ontario is supported by residential growth, commercial development, and major infrastructure and institutional projects (hospitals, schools, transit, and distribution centers). The trade benefits from steady replacement demand as experienced workers retire.

Regions with large project pipelines (Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge, London, Windsor-Sarnia, and Northern Ontario resource communities) often post strong demand, especially for finishers who can handle high-tolerance floors, polished concrete, or complex wall finishing.

Key Skills

Soft skills

  • Reliability and punctuality: pours are time-sensitive; crews depend on you
  • Attention to detail: slopes, edges, and finishes must meet spec and code
  • Problem-solving: adjust to weather, mix variations, and jobsite constraints
  • Communication: coordinate with site supervisors, labourers, and suppliers
  • Teamwork: finishing is a crew effort; timing and hand-offs matter
  • Time management: you must pace the finishing process as concrete sets
  • Customer focus: especially in residential and decorative work
  • Resilience and stamina: physical work with occasional long shifts

Hard skills

  • Surface finishing techniques: screeding, floating, steel troweling, edging
  • Equipment operation: walk-behind and ride-on power trowels, vibratory screeds, grinders and polishers, shot blasters, vacuum systems
  • Material knowledge: mix designs, admixtures, curing methods, hardeners, sealers, epoxies
  • High-tolerance work: F-number floor flatness/levelness targets in warehouses
  • Decorative finishes: stamped, exposed aggregate, integral colour, stains, microtoppings
  • Vertical and repair work: rubbing, patching, parging, crack repair, joint sealant prep
  • Moisture and slab diagnostics: moisture testing basics for coatings and flooring prep
  • Layout and measurement: reading drawings, slopes, elevations, use of laser levels
  • Safety Compliance: WHMIS, Working at Heights (when required), silica control, PPE, lockout/tagout basics
  • Site readiness: coordinating formwork, reinforcement, embeds, and service penetrations with other trades

Certifications frequently required on Ontario construction sites:

  • WHMIS (hazard communication)
  • Working at Heights (if you work near edges or on elevated platforms; check site requirements)
  • Employer-provided training for silica exposure control, respirators, and specific equipment

Safety training resources:

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

  • Strong earning potential with overtime and union benefits in many roles
  • High demand across residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects
  • Visible results and pride in workmanship—your work is the finished surface
  • Variety: from decorative patios to Hospital floors and Warehouse slabs
  • Clear progression: helper → apprentice → journeyperson → foreperson → estimator or site supervisor
  • Transferable skills across Ontario and Canada (Red Seal endorsement)

Disadvantages:

  • Physically demanding work (kneeling, lifting, repetitive motion)
  • Weather exposure and early mornings; night pours are common on big jobs
  • Tight timelines—concrete won’t wait, which creates pressure
  • Seasonal fluctuations can affect hours in some sectors and regions
  • Dust, noise, and chemicals—requires diligent safety practices and PPE
  • Travel between job sites; personal vehicle often needed
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Expert Opinion

If you are serious about becoming a Cement Finisher in Ontario, start by getting on a job site as soon as possible. A few steps can accelerate your progress:

  • Secure basic tickets early: WHMIS, Working at Heights (if your sites require it), and Standard First Aid/CPR. Employers appreciate candidates who are site-ready.
  • Build a simple starter toolkit: magnesium float, steel trowel, edger, groover, finishing broom, knee pads, measuring tape, chalk line, utility knife, safety Glasses, hearing protection, N95 or half-mask respirator with P100 filters for silica, and high-quality work boots. Your employer will typically supply power equipment, but having your own basic hand tools shows commitment.
  • Prioritize reliability over everything. Concrete placement and finishing are built around timing. If you consistently show up on time, take direction, and work hard, your crew will invest in training you.
  • Register as an apprentice as soon as you have a sponsoring employer. This Locks in your pathway to the Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal, which boosts mobility and salary. Start here:
  • Diversify your skills. Learn high-tolerance Floor Finishing, polished concrete, and epoxy/Urethane floor systems. These specializations are in demand in Ontario’s warehousing, healthcare, and industrial sectors and can push your earnings higher.
  • Keep a logbook of hours, project types, and tasks (floors vs walls, repairs vs new pours, finishes used). This helps when you apply for in-school training and your C of Q exam, and it strengthens your résumé.
  • Network with reputable contractors and consider union pathways if available in your area; union training centres and hiring halls can provide steady work, structured training, and benefits.

FAQ

Do I need to be strong in math to be a Cement Finisher?

You don’t need advanced math, but you do need solid applied math: reading tape measures and laser levels, calculating slopes and drainage, estimating material quantities, and understanding tolerances. If you can handle fractions, decimals, and basic geometry, you’ll be fine. Many training centres and colleges offer math refreshers if you need them.

Can I specialize in polished or decorative concrete in Ontario?

Yes. Ontario has strong demand for polished concrete, epoxy flooring, and decorative finishes (stamped, exposed aggregate, integrally coloured). Specializing usually happens after you master core finishing skills. Many employers will train you on grinding/polishing systems, diamond tooling, densifiers, and coatings. Industry resources:

What licenses or registrations do I need if I want to work for myself?

If you plan to become an independent contractor or start a company:

There is no province-wide contractor licence specifically for concrete finishing, but compliance with WSIB, OHSA, and municipal permitting is essential.

How does winter affect concrete finishing in Ontario?

Cold weather slows curing and can damage concrete if not managed. Contractors use heated enclosures, ground thaw systems, insulated blankets, and cold-weather admixtures. You’ll adjust your finishing timing, curing methods, and protection to meet specs. Many jobs move indoors in winter (Parking garages, industrial interiors). For best-practice guidance:

Is the Concrete Finisher trade compulsory in Ontario?

As of now, Concrete Finisher is a voluntary trade in Ontario. That means certification is not legally required to work in the trade. However, completing an apprenticeship and earning your Certificate of Qualification (Red Seal) increases your employability, wage potential, and mobility across Canada. Find the current trade status and pathway details at:

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