How to become a floor sanders and finisher

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

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..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.

What floor sanders and finishers do

• 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.

Skills that matter most

• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Learning
• Writing
• Learning Strategies

Is floor sanders and finisher a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 1% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Utah $74,240
• New York $60,470
• Washington $55,620
• Colorado $55,180
• Florida $52,060

Floor Sanders and Finishers salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.