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How to Become a Concreter: Australian Careers in Building and Construction

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What is a Concreter?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Concreter?

A Concreter pours, shapes, and finishes concrete for the construction industry. They work on floors, footpaths, bridges, driveways, and building foundations. They are a key part of building projects of all sizes across Australia.

Daily tasks include erecting formwork, laying steel reinforcing, and pouring concrete. Concreters use screeds, trowels, and templates to spread and level the surface. They tamp, smooth, and seal the finished concrete to meet project specs.

No formal qualification is needed to start in the trade. However, the Certificate III in Concreting (CPC30320) improves job prospects and leads to contractor licensing. Many people enter through apprenticeships and learn alongside experienced tradespeople on site.

Around 44,600 concreters work across Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median full-time weekly wage is $2,209, or about $115,000 a year. With 87% of concreters working full-time, this is a stable and well-paid trade career.

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Career snapshots For Concreters

Concreting is one of Australia’s most active trades. About 44,600 concreters are employed across the country (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Employment grew by around 3,200 in the most recent year of data.

Most concreters work full-time (87%), averaging 45 hours a week. The median age is 35 years. Victoria and New South Wales together employ around 59% of all concreters.

Median full-time weekly earnings are $2,209 (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). That is about $115,000 a year. Entry-level pay starts around $75,000, with experienced workers earning $130,000 or more.

What will I do?

Concreters carry out a range of hands-on tasks on construction sites each day. They prepare surfaces, pour and finish concrete, and make sure every structure meets project standards. Working safely and accurately is key in this role.

  • Erecting concrete formwork: setting up the moulds that shape the concrete.
  • Laying steel reinforcing: placing steel bars or mesh to strengthen the concrete.
  • Pouring concrete: mixing and pouring concrete into prepared formwork.
  • Spreading and levelling: using screeds and templates to create an even surface.
  • Tamping and smoothing: compacting and finishing the surface for strength.
  • Sealing and curing: covering concrete to protect it as it sets.
  • Operating trowelling machines: floating and polishing concrete to a smooth finish.
  • Maintaining tools: keeping gear clean and ready for the next job.

What skills do I need?

Concreters need a mix of physical and technical skills to do the job well. Physical fitness and stamina are key since the work is outdoor and hands-on. Attention to detail matters too, as surfaces must meet tight specs.

Strong teamwork and clear talk help on busy sites where many trades work together. Basic maths is useful for measuring and mixing concrete. Knowledge of WHS rules and safe work habits is a must for every concreter in Australia.

Skills/attributes

  • Physical fitness and stamina for outdoor manual work
  • Attention to detail when pouring and finishing concrete
  • Ability to read and follow site plans
  • Teamwork and communication on busy construction sites
  • Basic maths for measuring and estimating quantities
  • Knowledge of safe work practices and WHS regulations
  • Skill with hand tools, power tools, and trowelling machines
  • Problem-solving when site conditions change
  • Time management to meet project deadlines
  • Ability to work in varied weather and outdoor conditions

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.