Across U.S. metros, concrete finishers typically earn $7,105 more a year than roofers (14%). In the 250 metros where BLS publishes both, concrete finishers earn more in 170 and roofers in 80.
| Concrete Finisher | Roofer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $57,245 | $50,140 |
| Lowest metro median | $27,610 | $24,100 |
| Highest metro median | $104,450 | $105,270 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +1.6% | +5.3% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 13,600 | 12,000 |
| Self-employed | 2% | 20% |
| Typical education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 25 | 162 |
| Metros with pay data | 334 | 265 |
On safety, roofers report more injuries that cause missed work (162 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 concrete finishers out-earn roofers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where roofers out-earn concrete finishers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
What each trade does
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.
Roofer
Cover roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, or related materials. May spray roofs, sidings, and walls with material to bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections of structures.
Compare one trade across two cities →