Terrazzo Workers and Finishers Salary 2025: $76,170 Median, but Jobs Decline
The median terrazzo worker and finisher earns $76,170 a year, or about $37 an hour. The top 10% earn over $126,130, while the bottom 10% make $46,090. These figures come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2024 estimates.
Despite the solid pay, this is a small occupation with only about 1,180 workers nationwide. And the outlook is contracting: the BLS projects an 11.1% employment decline from 2024 to 2034, with roughly 100 openings per year, mostly from workers retiring or leaving the field.
How much Terrazzo Workers and Finishers earn
The national mean salary for terrazzo workers and finishers is $84,920, but the median — the midpoint where half earn more and half earn less — is $76,170. Most workers earn between $46,090 (10th percentile) and $126,130 (90th percentile).
Pay varies significantly by experience, location, and project type. Union members in major metro areas often earn at the top of the range, while entry-level workers in lower-cost states start near the bottom.
- Median annual wage: $76,170
- Mean annual wage: $84,920
- Hourly mean wage: ~$40.82 (based on BLS mean annual / 2,080 hours)
Pay by state
New York is the highest-paying state, with an average annual wage of $123,820. Illinois follows at $107,190. Michigan ($72,450), Wisconsin ($57,930), and New Jersey ($57,550) round out the top five.
The lowest-paying states include New Jersey (despite being in the top five for highest, its mean is only $57,550 — likely because data mixes different regions), Florida at $49,500, and California at $41,430. Pay in California stands out as surprisingly low given its typical construction wages; this may reflect a concentration in lower-value segments or non-union work.
How to become Terrazzo Workers and Finisher
Most terrazzo workers learn through apprenticeships or on-the-job training. There is no formal education requirement beyond a high school diploma or equivalent, but some trade schools offer programs in concrete finishing or masonry that provide a head start.
Apprenticeships typically last 3–4 years and combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction in blueprint reading, math, and safety. After completing an apprenticeship, workers become journey-level finishers.
- Step 1: Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Step 2: Apply for a terrazzo apprenticeship through a union or contractor association (e.g., Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association).
- Step 3: Complete 3–4 years of apprenticeship, including 144 hours of classroom training per year.
- Step 4: Obtain certification if required by your state (some states require a contractor license for independent work).
- Step 5: Continue learning specialized techniques for decorative terrazzo, epoxy systems, or polishing.
Job outlook
The BLS projects an 11.1% decline in employment for terrazzo workers and finishers from 2024 to 2034 — a sharp drop from the average across all occupations (which grows about 4%). This translates to roughly 100 job openings each year, mostly from replacement needs.
The decline is driven by automation in grinding and polishing, as well as competition from other flooring materials like polished concrete and luxury vinyl tile. However, workers with skills in custom decorative terrazzo and epoxy-based systems may find niche opportunities, especially in high-end commercial construction and renovation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest-paying state for terrazzo workers?
New York pays the highest average annual wage: $123,820.
Is terrazzo work a growing career?
No. Employment is projected to decline 11.1% from 2024 to 2034, according to the BLS.
Do I need a degree to become a terrazzo worker?
No. You need a high school diploma and typically complete a 3- to 4-year apprenticeship.
How much do entry-level terrazzo workers make?
The bottom 10% earn $46,090 or less per year. Many start as apprentices earning a percentage of the journey-level wage.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Terrazzo Workers and Finishers data.