Occupation · SOC 47-2053
Terrazzo Workers and Finishers
Apply a mixture of cement, sand, pigment, or marble chips to floors, stairways, and cabinet fixtures to fashion durable and decorative surfaces.
Median wage
$57,260
$39,360–$104,510
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
1,450
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
3 mapped
Core skills
CoordinationQuality Control Analysis
Knowledge areas
Building and ConstructionDesignMathematicsEnglish LanguageAdministration and Management
Technology & tools
Analytical or scientific softwareAccounting softwareProject management softwareSpreadsheet softwareOperating system software
Representative tasks
Measure designated amounts of ingredients for terrazzo or grout, according to standard formulas and specifications, using graduated containers and scales, and load ingredients into portable mixer.Grind surfaces with a power grinder, or polish surfaces with polishing or surfacing machines.Cut metal division strips and press them into the terrazzo base for joints or changes of color to form designs or patterns or to help prevent cracks.Blend marble chip mixtures, place into panels, and push a roller over the surface to embed the chips.Modify mixing, grouting, grinding, or cleaning procedures, according to type of installation or material used.Spread, level, or smooth concrete or terrazzo mixtures to form bases or finished surfaces, using rakes, shovels, hand or power trowels, hand or power screeds, or floats.Grind curved surfaces or areas inaccessible to surfacing machine, such as stairways or cabinet tops, with portable hand grinder.Wash polished terrazzo surface, using cleaner and water, and apply sealer and curing agent according to manufacturer's specifications, using brush or sprayer.Position and secure moisture membrane and wire mesh in preparation for pouring base materials for terrazzo installation.Fill slight grinding depressions with matching grout material and hand-trowel for a smooth, uniform surface.Clean installation site, mixing and storage areas, tools, machines, and equipment, and store materials and equipment.Sprinkle colored marble or stone chips, powdered steel, or coloring powder over surface to produce prescribed finish.Mix cement, sand, and water to produce concrete, grout, or slurry, using hoe, trowel, tamper, scraper, or concrete-mixing machine.Wet surface to prepare for bonding, fill holes and cracks with grout or slurry, and smooth with a trowel.Chip, scrape, or grind high spots, ridges, or rough projections to finish concrete, using pneumatic chisel, hand chisel, or other hand tools.Mold expansion joints and edges, using edging tools, jointers, or straightedges.Move terrazzo installation materials, tools, machines, or work devices to work areas, manually or using wheelbarrow.Clean chipped area, using wire brush, and feel and observe surface to determine if it is rough or uneven.Repair concrete by cutting out damaged areas, drilling holes for reinforcing rods, and positioning reinforcing rods, using power saw and drill.Precast terrazzo blocks in wooden forms.Wet concrete surface and rub with stone to smooth surface and obtain specified finish.Build wooden molds, clamping molds around areas to be repaired, or setting up frames to the proper depth and alignment.Spread roofing paper on surface of foundation and spread concrete onto roofing paper with trowel to form terrazzo base.Produce rough concrete surface, using broom.Remove frames when the foundation is dry.Signal truck driver to position truck to facilitate pouring concrete and move chute to direct concrete on forms.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Terrazzo ingredients and measuring containers — identify and handle under direct supervision when preparing standard mixes on a residential or commercial job site.Portable mixer loading procedures — follow step-by-step using graduated containers and scales to achieve specified mix ratios under a journeyman's guidance.Metal division strips — cut to designated lengths and press into a prepared terrazzo base under direct instruction to form basic joints or color transitions.Marble chip mixtures — blend and place into panels following a standard formula, then pass a hand roller over the surface to begin embedding chips under supervision.Power grinder and polishing machine — operate under close oversight to grind or surface flat terrazzo panels on a controlled interior job site.Concrete and terrazzo mixtures — spread and roughly level using rakes and shovels on a prepared substrate while following verbal directions from a lead worker.Hand trowels and floats — use to smooth freshly placed terrazzo surfaces on straightforward flat sections under a trainer's observation.Terrazzo sealer and curing agent — apply by brush or sprayer to a polished surface following manufacturer's written specifications under direct supervision.Basic job-site safety rules and personal protective equipment — demonstrate correct use when working around power grinders and chemical sealers on an active construction floor.Simple design patterns using division strips — recognize and replicate from provided drawings during entry-level layout tasks on a supervised interior floor installation.
developing
Standard terrazzo mix formulas — measure and batch with reduced oversight, adjusting ingredient quantities using scales and graduated containers for routine residential and light-commercial installations.Power grinder and surfacing machine — operate independently to grind and polish flat terrazzo surfaces, maintaining consistent speed and pressure to meet specified finish tolerances.Metal division strips — cut, fit, and press into terrazzo bases with limited supervision to create accurate joints, color boundaries, and crack-prevention lines on mid-complexity floor designs.Marble chip panels — blend chip mixtures to specification, place evenly into framed panels, and embed thoroughly with a roller to achieve uniform surface texture on standard commercial projects.Mixing and grouting procedures — modify routine sequences based on material type or substrate condition, such as switching from wet-mix to dry-mix methods on varied interior surfaces.Hand and power trowels and screeds — use to spread, level, and finish terrazzo bases to grade across straightforward floor sections with minimal direction from a lead worker.Portable hand grinder — apply to curved surfaces and confined areas such as stair treads and cabinet edges to achieve consistent finish where machine access is restricted.Post-polish cleaning sequence — wash terrazzo surfaces with appropriate cleaner, then apply sealer and curing agent per manufacturer's specifications, working independently on standard interior floors.Quality control checks — inspect finished terrazzo surfaces for voids, surface defects, and pattern alignment, recording observations and flagging non-conformances to a supervisor.Coordination with other trades on the job site — schedule grinding and finishing tasks around concrete curing timelines and adjacent construction activities to maintain project progress.
proficient
Terrazzo mix formulas and ingredient ratios — calculate, modify, and batch independently for a full range of installation types, including Venetian, rustic, and epoxy systems, on complex commercial projects.Grinding and polishing sequences — plan and execute multi-stage surface refinement programs using power surfacing machines and hand grinders to meet specified grit and gloss levels across large floor areas.Division strip layout and installation — design and set intricate geometric or custom-logo patterns in terrazzo bases without oversight, ensuring structural joint requirements are satisfied throughout the installation.Marble chip blending and embedding — select chip grades and color combinations, place and roll panels to achieve specified visual and textural outcomes for non-standard or architecturally demanding designs.Procedural modifications for specialized substrates — assess installation conditions such as radiant-heat slabs, historic restorations, or elevated moisture environments and independently adapt mixing, grinding, and sealing processes.Full surface finishing from base coat to final seal — execute spreading, leveling, grinding, polishing, washing, and sealing operations as a continuous workflow on large-scale interior commercial and institutional floors.Portable grinder techniques on complex geometry — perform finish grinding on stairways, columns, curved thresholds, and countertops to production quality standards without assistance.Sealer and curing-agent selection — evaluate substrate porosity and traffic-use requirements to choose appropriate products and apply them correctly, ensuring long-term durability on high-use commercial surfaces.Troubleshooting surface defects — diagnose and remediate pitting, delamination, color inconsistency, or cracking in existing or newly placed terrazzo and implement corrective actions to restore specified quality.Project mathematics and material estimation — calculate surface areas, compute ingredient quantities, and prepare accurate material take-offs for full terrazzo scopes on multi-room commercial installations.
advanced
Crew training and skills development — design and deliver hands-on instruction for emerging and developing terrazzo workers, covering mix proportioning, grinding sequences, and safety practices across active commercial job sites.Project planning and scheduling — establish installation sequences, material procurement timelines, and equipment logistics for large-scale terrazzo contracts involving multiple crews and subcontractor interfaces.Quality assurance program oversight — develop and enforce inspection standards for mix consistency, surface finish tolerances, and sealer application, ensuring compliance with architectural specifications and contract requirements on major projects.Custom design interpretation and execution — collaborate with architects and designers to translate complex artistic floor patterns, logos, and mosaics into buildable terrazzo specifications and lead their installation on high-profile facilities.Procedure standardization and process improvement — author written installation procedures and best-practice guides that reduce rework, improve finish quality, and increase crew productivity across the organization.Estimating and cost control — prepare detailed bid documents, control material waste, and monitor labor productivity against budgets for multi-phase terrazzo contracts valued at significant commercial scale.Safety and regulatory compliance leadership — maintain current knowledge of OSHA construction standards and silica-dust regulations, implement site-specific safety plans, and conduct toolbox talks for all terrazzo crews.Equipment maintenance program management — establish preventive maintenance schedules for power grinders, polishing machines, and mixers, and mentor workers in equipment inspection and minor repair to minimize downtime.Client and stakeholder communication — present project status, address quality concerns, and negotiate scope adjustments with general contractors, building owners, and facility managers throughout the life of complex commercial installations.Mentorship and career pathway development — identify high-potential workers, structure apprenticeship progressions, and coordinate with trade associations or vocational programs to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled terrazzo craftspeople.
Also known as
36 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Coat AgentGrinderStructural (Air Force 3E3X1)Build MasterConcrete JourneymanBuilder (Navy BU)Terrazzo-Worker ApprenticeInstallerStructural Craftsman (Air Force 3E371)Structural Journeyman (Air Force 3E351)Artificial Marble WorkerTerrazzo InstallerGranite-Chip Terrazzo FinisherTerrazzo LaborerTerrazzo Tile SetterTerrazzo WorkerTerrazzo GrinderStructural Apprentice (Air Force 3E331)Terrazzo LayerTerrazzo FinisherStructural Helper (Air Force 3E311)Terrazzo MechanicBuildmasterTemplate WorkerRustic Terrazzo SetterTerrazzo SetterTerrazzo PolisherRoofing LaborerTerrazzo RollerRollerCarpentry and Masonry Specialist (Army 12W)Onyx-Chip Terrazzo WorkerFinisherMarble-Chip Terrazzo WorkerTerrazzo JourneymanConcrete and Asphalt Equipment Operator (Army 12V)