Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Apprenticeship
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Terrazzo workers and finishers specialize in a niche construction trade, with a relatively small national workforce of 2,000 people. This career combines physical work with attention to detail and craftsmanship, drawing on skills such as physical strength and stamina, fine motor ability, mechanical aptitude, and creativity and innovation. Workers in this field also benefit from being detail oriented and having customer service skills, leadership, and project management capabilities to support project-based work environments. A foundation in mathematics and science further supports the technical aspects of the role. The national median annual salary of $57,260 reflects solid earning potential for those who meet the physical and technical demands of the job. Candidates typically enter this occupation with a high school diploma or equivalent, making it accessible to people who want to move into a skilled trade without extensive formal education. This career may appeal to those who enjoy hands-on work, precision, and seeing tangible results from their efforts.
Terrazzo workers and finishers have a national median annual salary of $57,260, indicating that workers in this field can earn a steady income once established in the trade. In New Jersey, the median salary is slightly higher at $57,550, suggesting that this state may offer somewhat stronger earning potential relative to the national median for this occupation. Because the national employment level is 2,000 workers, earnings may be influenced by the specialized nature of the trade and the limited number of positions available. With annual openings reported as 0, competition for roles may be concentrated among a small pool of workers. People considering this career should weigh the median earnings against the employment outlook and regional opportunities, particularly in states such as New Jersey where pay is documented and where the opportunity score reflects a measurable balance of wages, employment, and projected change.
The employment outlook for terrazzo workers and finishers shows national employment of 2,000 workers and a projected employment growth rate of -11.1%. This indicates that the number of positions in this occupation is expected to decline over the projection period. Annual openings are listed as 0, reinforcing the expectation of limited new positions becoming available. For job seekers, this means that opportunities may arise primarily from turnover or movement within the existing workforce rather than from new job creation. The negative growth rate suggests that individuals entering this field should be prepared for a competitive environment and may need to be especially proactive in pursuing openings as they appear. When evaluating this career, it is important to consider both the specialized nature of the occupation and the expected decline in overall employment, and to align career plans with regions and employers where terrazzo work remains in demand.
Location plays an important role in opportunities for terrazzo workers and finishers. Nationally, employment stands at 2,000 workers, but conditions can differ by state. New Jersey stands out in the available data, with employment of 100 terrazzo workers and finishers and a median salary of $57,550. This state also has a projected growth rate of -11.1%, matching the national projection for this occupation, indicating that while there is a known concentration of workers, future demand is expected to contract in line with national trends. New Jersey’s CareerGPS opportunity score of 48.84 reflects a combined view of its wages, employment level, and projected growth for this occupation. No specific metro areas are listed among the top locations, so decisions about where to work within states will likely depend on individual employer demand. People considering this career can use the documented data for New Jersey as a benchmark when comparing opportunities in other regions, especially around salary levels, employment size, and expected change.
The typical education requirement for terrazzo workers and finishers is a high school diploma or equivalent, making this career accessible to individuals who do not plan to complete a college degree. While formal postsecondary education is not typically required, the occupation draws on a broad set of skills. Physical strength and stamina and fine motor skills are important for the hands-on, physical nature of the work. Mechanical skills and a foundation in science and mathematics support accurate and efficient performance of technical tasks. Being detail oriented is critical for producing precise, high-quality finishes, while creativity and innovation can contribute to more customized or distinctive results. Leadership and project management skills are valuable in coordinating work and contributing to project timelines, and customer service skills help workers interact effectively with clients and other stakeholders. Together, these skills complement the basic educational requirement and shape the overall qualification profile for success in this trade.
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