what is a concreter?

As a concreter, you pour, spread and smoothen concrete for structures under construction. Since you mix the concrete, you are trained in operating various machinery at the construction site. Your primary role is to create durable concrete surfaces. That means you need to mix the materials in the correct proportions and pour and smoothen the concrete to ensure a level surface. When spreading concrete, you incorporate fresh ideas, like creating unique shapes to match the design elements.

Aside from mixing and pouring concrete, you start by assembling building elements and ensuring the foundation is adequately prepared for concreting. You also install formwork made from concrete and provide practical solutions related to building and construction work. As a qualified concreter, you work on commercial and residential structures. Aside from laying concrete on buildings, you also work on bridges, roadways and pathways. Hence, you are likely to work in various industries, from construction and manufacturing to mining and resources.

Since you perform a wide range of tasks, you need diverse skills. For instance, the role requires physical stamina to excavate foundation trenches and pour concrete on the worksite. Knowledge of mechanical tools is also handy since you use concrete mixers to mix sand, gravel, cement and water.

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average concreter salary

Concreters take home an average salary of $80,000 annually in Australia. The remuneration package depends on the experience level and the employer. In an entry-level position, you earn up to $70,000 per year. However, with experience and additional skills, the remuneration increases to $90,000 yearly. The highest-paid concreters usually have extensive experience and perform additional duties other than mixing sand and cement.

what factors affect the salary of a concreter?

The remuneration package of concreters depends on skills and experience. While you don’t need extensive training and educational qualifications, you require some vocational training. Hence, a concreter with vocational educational training earns a higher salary than an apprentice. The skills and competencies you possess boost your earning potential. For instance, having knowledge or experience in formwork improves your earning prospects significantly.

Most concreters work in the construction industry, but the company's size influences your remuneration package. When you work for a large company, you likely handle complex projects. The complexity of the projects and the unlimited resources increase your salary prospects. Smaller companies may not have the resources to pay higher salaries.

Want to know what you will earn as a concreter? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

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types of concreters

Concreters work on diverse projects and can specialise in providing services to a particular industry. For instance, some concreters specialise in structural work like bridge piers, pillars and beams. As a structural concrete worker, you focus on building upright, reinforced structures for public safety. You mix the concrete and reinforce it to meet public safety specifications. You also mix concrete used in laying the foundation and arranging bricks for residential projects. Sometimes, entire houses are made of concrete, and you mix concrete poured on walls to create a safe structure.

You can also focus on commercial and residential flatwork. This involves preparing roadways, street curbs, parking lots and gutters. Your job is to mix the concrete work and incorporate unique designs to make the floors beautiful and durable for high-traffic areas.

cycling male, autumn.
cycling male, autumn.
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working as a concreter

Working as a concreter involves mixing and laying concrete mixtures to build structures. If you want to become a concreter, check out the specific duties and work environments of concreters.

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education and skills

While it is possible to work as a concreter in Australia without a formal qualification, you require basic training through a traineeship or apprenticeship to improve your skills. To join an apprenticeship, most employers expect you to have Year 10 qualifications. Combine the apprenticeship with a Certificate III in concreting or TAFE courses in a registered training organisation (RTO). If you want a qualification that covers a wide range of construction skills, undertake a Certificate III in civil construction.

Aside from educational qualifications, you require a White Card to work on a construction site in Australia. Getting a White Card requires completion of online or face-to-face training via an RTO. If you are looking for opportunities to improve your skills, undertake a specialised course in Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia (CCAA).

concreter skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of a concreter include:

  • physical fitness: as a concreter, your role is physically demanding, from carrying heavy loads around the construction site to spreading concrete, which involves bending and crouching. Operating a trowelling machine is also physically demanding and requires strength. Being physically fit makes it easier to complete your tasks and reduces the risk of injury.
  • teamwork: you are likely to work in teams when mixing and pouring concrete to ensure a job runs on time. Having teamwork skills makes it easier to complete the tasks since every team member understands their duties.
  • communication skills: as a concreter, you work alongside multiple tradespeople at a construction site. Clear communication is essential to avoid mistakes affecting the project's progress. Your communication skills help you explain tasks clearly and ensure everyone follows the safety measures.
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FAQs about working as a concreter

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a concreter.

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