What Do Floor Sander and Finisher Do?
Example of Floor Sander & Finisher Job Scrape and sand wooden floors to smooth surfaces using floor scraper and floor sanding machine, and apply coats of finish.
Life As a Floor Sander & Finisher
- Attach sandpaper to rollers of sanding machines.
- Guide sanding machines over surfaces of floors until surfaces are smooth.
- Scrape and sand floor edges and areas inaccessible to floor sanders, using scrapers, disk-type sanders, and sandpaper.
- Inspect floors for smoothness.
- Apply filler compound and coats of finish to floors to seal wood.
- Remove excess glue from joints, using knives, scrapers, or wood chisels.
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Qualities of a Floor Sander & Finisher
Below is a list of the skills most Floor Sanders and Finishers say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Types of Floor Sander and Finisher
- Floor Refinisher
- Hardwood Floor Installer
- Liquid Floor and Wall Applier
- Floor Scraper
- Bowling Alley Refinisher
Floor Sander & Finisher Job Outlook
There were about 7,300 jobs for Floor Sander and Finisher in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 600 new jobs for Floor Sander and Finisher by 2026. There will be an estimated 700 positions for Floor Sander & Finisher per year.

The states with the most job growth for Floor Sander & Finisher are Colorado, Arizona, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Tennessee, Maryland, or Wisconsin. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Floor Sander & Finisher Make?
The typical yearly salary for Floor Sanders and Finishers is somewhere between $25,380 and $56,850.

Floor Sanders and Finishers who work in Illinois, California, or New York, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Floor Sanders and Finishers in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Arkansas | $33,470 |
California | $50,470 |
Colorado | $35,540 |
Delaware | $39,770 |
Illinois | $62,090 |
Maryland | $40,120 |
Massachusetts | $38,480 |
Michigan | $43,570 |
Missouri | $30,970 |
Nebraska | $34,300 |
Nevada | $36,890 |
New Hampshire | $39,140 |
New Jersey | $50,360 |
New York | $45,950 |
North Carolina | $31,180 |
Ohio | $41,620 |
Oregon | $41,680 |
Pennsylvania | $37,350 |
Tennessee | $38,200 |
Texas | $40,940 |
Virginia | $37,900 |
Washington | $50,160 |
Wisconsin | $37,570 |
What Tools do Floor Sanders and Finishers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Floor Sanders and Finishers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Flooring Technologies QFloors
- FloorCOST Estimator for Excel
- Saltire Software FloorRight
- Floor planning software
How to Become a Floor Sander & Finisher
What education is needed to be a Floor Sander and Finisher?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Floor Sander & Finisher?

Where Floor Sanders and Finishers Work

Below are examples of industries where Floor Sanders and Finishers work:

References:
Image Credit: Margo Wright via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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