Concreters
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Concreters pour, spread, smooth and finish concrete for structures such as floors, stairs, ramps, footpaths and bridges.
Also known as: Concrete Worker.
Formal qualifications are not usually required to work as a Concreter. Some workers have a certificate II or III in concreting.
Tasks
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erecting concrete form work and laying steel reinforcing
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pouring, spreading and levelling concrete using screeds and templates
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tamping, smoothing, shaping and sealing concrete
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operating trowelling machines to float, trowel and polish concrete surfaces
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forming expansion joints and edges using edging tools, jointers and straight edges
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installing fixtures in concrete such as anchor bolts, steel plates and door sills
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wetting concrete and rubbing with abrasives to finish vertical surfaces
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covering concrete with plastic sheeting and sand to cure it
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cutting lines in concrete using power cutters
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may cover freshly poured concrete with colouring powders and other materials
Characteristics
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Informal or on-the-job
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Practical
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Medium
-
Heavy
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. The latest data are for the five years from November 2021 to November 2026. Over this period, the number of workers in this occupation is likely to remain stable.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Notes: The number employed includes people who work in this occupation as their main job. People who work in more than one job are counted against the occupation they work the most hours in.
Employment projections figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Calculations based on these rounded figures may result in differences to the numbers that are displayed on this page. Employment projections data (including occupations) can be downloaded from the Employment Projections page.
Number of Workers
Year | Employment |
---|---|
2011 | 40,700 |
2012 | 42,600 |
2013 | 32,300 |
2014 | 33,600 |
2015 | 35,900 |
2016 | 37,500 |
2017 | 44,800 |
2018 | 41,400 |
2019 | 44,700 |
2020 | 28,000 |
2021 | 34,800 |
2026 | 35,400 |
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 79% of people employed as Concreters work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 13 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 45 hours per week in their main job. This is similar to the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
Median full-time earnings are $1,725 per week, this is higher than the all jobs median ($1,593):
- 3 in 4 workers earn more than $1,355
- 1 in 4 earn more than $2,175
Median hourly earnings are $41, this is the same as the all jobs median ($41 per hour).
Sources: Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average. Full-time median earnings and median hourly earnings: ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021. Compared to all jobs median.
Weekly Earnings (Before Tax)
Earnings | Concreters | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Full-Time Earnings | 1,725 | 1,593 |
Total Earnings | 0 | 0 |
Source: Based on ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.
Industries
Main industries
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Most Concreters work in the Construction industry. They are also employed in industries like:
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2021.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Concreters | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 28.9 | 31.6 |
VIC | 28.3 | 25.6 |
QLD | 23.5 | 20.0 |
SA | 6.3 | 7.0 |
WA | 9.4 | 10.8 |
TAS | 1.3 | 2.0 |
NT | 1.1 | 1.0 |
ACT | 1.1 | 1.9 |
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Around 51% of Concreters live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
Queensland has a large share of employment relative to its population size.
The regions with the largest share of workers are:
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
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The median age of Concreters is 36 years. This is younger than the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.
Females make up 1% of the workforce. This is 47 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Concreters | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 3.9 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 12.6 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 29.5 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 23.5 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 18.5 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 6.2 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 3.7 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 2.2 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 36 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
Formal qualifications are not usually required to work as a Concreter. Some workers have a certificate II or III in concreting.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Construction, Plumbing and Services VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Concreters | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.2 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 1.4 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 2.4 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 38.9 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 17.4 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 8.6 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 31.1 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Concreters who are hardworking, can work independently and are physically fit.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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48%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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43%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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43%
MathematicsUsing maths to solve problems.
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39%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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39%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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37%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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37%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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36%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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34%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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34%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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34%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
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34%
Management of personnel resourcesMotivating, developing, and directing people as they work, and choosing the best people for the job.
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32%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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32%
Learning strategiesFiguring out the best way to teach or learn something new.
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32%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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30%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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29%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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29%
Serving othersLooking for ways to help people.
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27%
PersuasionTalking people into changing their minds or their behaviour.
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27%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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62%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
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56%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
54%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
-
52%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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49%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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45%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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43%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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42%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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42%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
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41%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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41%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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38%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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35%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
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31%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
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28%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
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27%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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26%
Sales and marketingShowing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
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26%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
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26%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
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19%
Economics and accountingEconomics and accounting, the financial markets, banking and checking and reporting of financial data.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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59%
Trunk strengthUse your abdominal and lower back muscles a number of times without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
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54%
Extent flexibilityBend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
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50%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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48%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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48%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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48%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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48%
VisualizationImagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
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45%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
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45%
Far visionSee details that are far away.
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43%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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41%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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41%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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41%
StaminaExercise for a long time without getting winded or out of breath.
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41%
Depth perceptionDecide which thing is closer or further away from you, or decide how far away it is.
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41%
Dynamic strengthExercise for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
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41%
Speed of limb movementQuickly move the arms and legs.
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37%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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37%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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37%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
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36%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
-
71%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
-
63%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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61%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
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58%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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57%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
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56%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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55%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
-
55%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
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54%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
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52%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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52%
Coordinating the work of a teamGetting members of a group to work together to finish a task.
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51%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
-
49%
Assessing and evaluating thingsWorking out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.
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48%
Scheduling work and activitiesWorking out the timing of events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
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48%
Estimating amounts, costs and resourcesWorking out sizes, distances, amounts, time, costs, resources, or materials needed for a task.
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48%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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46%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
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46%
Training and teaching othersUnderstanding the needs of others, developing training programs, and teaching or instructing.
-
45%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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44%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
-
100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
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43%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
-
38%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
-
24%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
-
19%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
-
14%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
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62%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
-
57%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
-
52%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
-
43%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
-
38%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
-
33%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
Demands
-
100%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
-
100%
Outdoors, exposed to weatherWork outdoors, exposed to the weather.
-
95%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
89%
Very hot or cold temperaturesWork in very hot or cold temperatures.
-
87%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
-
86%
Dangerous equipmentWork near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.
-
86%
Walking and runningSpend time walking and running.
-
83%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
-
80%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
-
79%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
-
79%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
-
78%
CompetitionCompete with others, or be aware of competitive pressures.
-
78%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
-
78%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
-
77%
Bending or twisting your bodySpend time bending or twisting your body.
-
75%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
-
75%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
75%
Making repetitive motionsSpend time making repetitive motions.
-
74%
Kneeling, crouching, stooping, or crawlingSpend time kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling.
-
73%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 47-2051.00 - Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
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Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.