When someone mentions a “concrete contractor,” they’re usually referring to a specialized professional known in the construction industry as a concrete specialist or concrete finisher, depending on their role. These tradespeople aren’t just general contractors—they focus entirely on mixing, forming, pouring, finishing, and repairing concrete for various structures. If you’ve ever admired a sleek driveway, sturdy foundation, polished patio, or even decorative stamped floors in a commercial space, chances are a concrete contractor had a hand in it.
A concrete contractor is often called a concrete specialist, concrete finisher, or simply a cement mason, depending on the job. They’re experts in handling all phases of concrete work—pouring, forming, reinforcing, curing, and finishing.
Who exactly is considered a concrete contractor?
A concrete contractor is a trained and licensed professional responsible for installing and managing concrete projects, including foundations, walls, driveways, sidewalks, slabs, and decorative elements. They can work for residential, commercial, or industrial projects.
Their expertise isn’t limited to simply pouring concrete. They understand soil grading, weather effects, material behavior, formwork systems, rebar placement, and finishing techniques. Many also deal with aesthetic concrete work like stamping, polishing, and staining.
In larger projects, a concrete contractor often functions as a subcontractor, hired by general contractors or developers. In smaller projects, they may act as the primary builder coordinating everything from the prep work to clean-up.
Is there a difference between a concrete finisher and a concrete contractor?
Yes, and it’s an important distinction. While the terms may be used interchangeably in casual conversation, they refer to different scopes of work.
A concrete finisher is typically a tradesperson who works under a contractor. Their job is hands-on—they smooth, shape, and finish the surface of freshly poured concrete. Their focus is precision, texture, and durability.
A concrete contractor, on the other hand, is responsible for the entire concrete phase of a project. This includes estimation, sourcing materials, project management, compliance with local building codes, and coordinating labor. They’re often business owners or licensed professionals overseeing the job from start to finish.
In short: finishers do the work, contractors plan and run the show.
What type of license does a concrete contractor need?
Most regions in the U.S. require concrete contractors to hold a specialized license to work legally. For example, in California, a concrete contractor needs a C-8 license issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Requirements typically include:
- Proven work experience (usually 4+ years)
- Passing a trade and business exam
- Liability insurance and a contractor bond
These rules help guarantee a base level of skill and accountability in a trade that directly affects a structure’s safety and longevity. Without the proper license, concrete work can’t be legally contracted in many cities or states.
What jobs do concrete contractors typically handle?
Concrete contractors manage a wide variety of tasks that go beyond just flat surfaces. Their work is structural, functional, and often decorative. Here’s a breakdown of the kinds of work they might be hired for:
- Residential foundations for homes, garages, and sheds
- Driveways, patios, and walkways
- Commercial building slabs and parking lots
- Retaining walls and concrete barriers
- Stamped and stained decorative concrete
- Concrete countertops and fire pits
- Restorations, like resurfacing old concrete or fixing cracks and settling
Their tools range from industrial-grade concrete mixers to finishing trowels, screeds, floats, and polishers.
Do concrete contractors work with other materials?
Concrete contractors primarily specialize in concrete, which is a mix of cement, water, and aggregates (like gravel or sand). However, they often integrate other materials into their work, including:
- Steel rebar or mesh for reinforcement
- Epoxies or sealers to protect and finish surfaces
- Wood or metal formwork to mold concrete into desired shapes
- Plasticizers and chemical additives to adjust setting times or durability
Though they don’t usually install bricks or stone, they might work alongside masons or landscapers for hybrid projects involving multiple materials.
Can they do decorative work too?
Yes, and it’s one of the fastest-growing parts of the trade. Decorative concrete is in demand for high-end homes, retail spaces, restaurants, and even public parks. These contractors often specialize in:
- Stamped concrete that mimics stone, tile, or brick
- Polished concrete floors with a glossy, marble-like finish
- Colored concrete, using pigments or acid stains
- Exposed aggregate for textured surfaces
- Engraved or inlaid concrete for logos or patterns
This branch of the industry requires a good eye for detail and a strong understanding of chemistry and finishing tools.
How much do concrete contractors typically earn?
Income varies by region, experience, and type of work. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for cement masons and concrete finishers in 2024 was around $51,000, while licensed concrete contractors running their own businesses can earn $70,000 to over $120,000 annually.
Those in specialized areas like polished concrete or high-end decorative work can charge premium rates—especially in urban areas or for commercial contracts.
Are concrete contractors involved in design too?
While most concrete contractors follow architectural plans, many offer design services for patios, driveways, decorative floors, and outdoor living spaces. Their input is especially valuable in custom homes where visual appeal matters as much as structural performance.
They can help homeowners or builders choose textures, colors, finishes, and layout patterns that match a home’s design style. In commercial spaces, they might advise on durable finishes that can withstand foot traffic or weather exposure.
Do general contractors do concrete work?
Some general contractors may handle small concrete jobs themselves, especially in remodeling or landscaping projects. But for anything structural—like foundations, basement floors, or load-bearing walls—most GCs hire specialized concrete contractors.
This division ensures that skilled tradespeople handle concrete work correctly, since mistakes can lead to major problems like cracking, shifting, or water infiltration.
What should you look for when hiring a concrete contractor?
If you’re hiring someone to handle concrete work, whether it’s a slab for a shed or an elaborate backyard patio, a few signs indicate a dependable contractor:
- Licensing and insurance: Check that they’re qualified in your state or county
- Past work: Ask for photos or addresses of completed projects
- References: Contact previous clients for honest feedback
- Clear contract: Ensure all details, from cost to completion time, are in writing
- Warranty: Good contractors stand behind their work
Checking online reviews can help too—but always meet them in person to get a sense of their professionalism and communication style.
What tools and equipment do concrete contractors use?
The equipment used depends on the scale of the job, but here are some common tools you’ll find on most sites:
- Concrete mixer trucks or portable mixers
- Bull floats, trowels, and screeds for finishing
- Vibrators to eliminate air pockets in wet concrete
- Power saws for cutting control joints
- Stamps, stains, and polishers for decorative work
For larger commercial jobs, you’ll also see pump trucks, laser levels, and ride-on power trowels.
How do you become a concrete contractor?
Becoming a concrete contractor starts with field experience. Most professionals spend years working as laborers or finishers before applying for a contractor license. The general path looks like this:
- Apprenticeship or on-the-job training (2–4 years)
- Passing a licensing exam (trade knowledge and local building codes)
- Obtaining insurance and bonding
- Registering a business
Some also study civil engineering or construction management, but it’s not required. What matters most is hands-on expertise and understanding how to manage teams, projects, and budgets.
The title may be simple, but their work shapes the strength of every structure
While the term “concrete contractor” may sound straightforward, the skill behind it runs deep. These professionals build the foundations of homes, businesses, and public spaces—quite literally. Their attention to timing, temperature, technique, and teamwork ensures the concrete doesn’t just dry but performs for decades.
Whether you’re looking to pour a sidewalk, polish a showroom floor, or lay the groundwork for a dream home, the name to know is a concrete contractor—but behind that title is a craftsman who knows how to turn gray mix into lasting strength.