Floor Sanders and Finishers

SOC code 47-2043 · O*NET-SOC 47-2043.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades

Floor Sanders and Finishers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$50,440

a year

Hourly

$24.25

per hour

10th$37,070Median$50,44090th$70,340

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$52,460

$25.22 per hour

Middle 50%

$41,600 – $59,620

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$37,070 – $70,340

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

3,720

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $37,070; $17.82/hr
25th percentile: $41,600; $20.00/hr
Median percentile: $50,440; $24.25/hr
75th percentile: $59,620; $28.66/hr
90th percentile: $70,340; $33.82/hr

What do floor sanders and finishers do?

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

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold less than a high school diploma — 47% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Less than a High School Diploma47%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)35%
Post-Secondary Certificate16%
Some College Courses2%

Common questions

How much does a floor sanders and finishers earn?

The national median is $50,440 a year. The full range runs from $37,070 at the 10th percentile to $70,340 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a floor sanders and finishers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.0/5
Monitoring2.9/5
Speaking2.8/5
Critical Thinking2.8/5
Reading Comprehension2.6/5

Knowledge areas

Building and Construction4.1/5
Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
English Language3.6/5
Production and Processing3.3/5
Administration and Management3.0/5
Mechanical3.0/5
Mathematics2.9/5
Design2.8/5

Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Coordination, Operations Monitoring, Time Management, Complex Problem Solving.