Floor Sanders and Finishers
Floor sanders and finishers prepare and finish wooden floors by scraping away old finishes and sanding surfaces smooth, then applying new protective coats. They work in residential homes, commercial buildings, and other facilities with wood flooring, using specialized machinery and hand tools to restore or install finished floors.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against floor sanders and finishers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves assessing floor conditions, operating floor sanding machines to smooth surfaces, scraping stubborn spots by hand, and applying finish coats like polyurethane or stain. Workers must prepare work areas, manage dust and fumes with proper ventilation, allow adequate drying time between coats, and inspect surfaces for quality. Physical demands include standing for long periods and managing heavy equipment.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCE. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You do well in this work if you prefer hands-on, practical tasks with clear procedures and measurable results. People who thrive here tend to be detail-oriented, follow established methods reliably, and take satisfaction in seeing a finished product—characteristics that align with realistic and conventional interests.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | $68,230 | $74,240 | $77,410 | 30 |
| Minnesota | $58,390 | $62,940 | $62,940 | — |
| Oregon | $61,370 | $62,020 | $62,860 | — |
| New York | $59,020 | $60,470 | $72,560 | 240 |
| Massachusetts | $48,170 | $58,230 | $63,310 | — |
| Washington | $48,110 | $55,620 | $66,830 | 90 |
| Colorado | $48,000 | $55,180 | $58,430 | 130 |
| Kentucky | $50,540 | $54,580 | $65,950 | — |
| Florida | $45,800 | $52,060 | $53,340 | 270 |
| Michigan | $39,120 | $51,400 | $56,640 | — |
| Maryland | $41,610 | $51,100 | $70,890 | — |
| Missouri | $48,190 | $48,540 | $55,690 | — |
All 23 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Installer and Sand & Finisher — National Wood Flooring Association
- Certified Installation Manager - Flooring (CIM) — FCICA
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against floor sanders and finishers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-2043.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.