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Floor Sanders and Finishers

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

Scrape and sand wooden floors to smooth surfaces using floor scraper and floor sanding machine, and apply coats of finish.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $50,440/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$37,070$70,340

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +2.6% projected growth, 20242034 — about as fast as average.

About 400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Operation and ControlCoordinationActive ListeningTime ManagementMonitoringOperations MonitoringCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingSpeakingReading Comprehension
Top knowledge areas
Building and ConstructionCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageProduction and ProcessingAdministration and ManagementMechanicalMathematicsDesign
Core tasks

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.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Floor Sanders and Finishers?

The median pay for Floor Sanders and Finishers is $50,440 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Floor Sanders and Finishers?

Employment for Floor Sanders and Finishers is projected to change +2.6% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Floor Sanders and Finishers?

Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.

How many job openings are there each year for Floor Sanders and Finishers?

About 400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.