Across U.S. metros, concrete finishers typically earn $1,090 more a year than carpenters (2%). In the 334 metros where BLS publishes both, carpenters earn more in 190 and concrete finishers in 144.
| Carpenter | Concrete Finisher | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $56,155 | $57,245 |
| Lowest metro median | $29,750 | $27,610 |
| Highest metro median | $95,280 | $104,450 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +3.9% | +1.6% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 62,800 | 13,600 |
| Self-employed | 25% | 2% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | No formal educational credential |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 165 | 25 |
| Metros with pay data | 390 | 334 |
On safety, carpenters report more injuries that cause missed work (165 vs. 25 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where carpenters out-earn concrete finishers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where concrete finishers out-earn carpenters the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, carpenters earn more in 34 states and concrete finishers in 17. The gap favors carpenters most in California ($13,220) and concrete finishers most in Alaska ($19,100).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Indoors with heating and air conditioning: sometimes for carpenters, rarely for concrete finishers. Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles: sometimes for carpenters, occasionally for concrete finishers.
| Carpenter | Concrete Finisher | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Sometimes | Very often |
| Working at heights | Often | Occasionally |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Sometimes | Occasionally |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Very often | Very often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Occasionally |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Very often |
| Sitting | Rarely | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Carpenter
Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.
Concrete Finisher
Smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete, such as floors, walks, sidewalks, roads, or curbs using a variety of hand and power tools. Align forms for sidewalks, curbs, or gutters; patch voids; and use saws to cut expansion joints.
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