Occupation AtlasFloor Sanders and Finishers
O*NET · 47-2043.00
Floor Sanders and Finishers
Scrape and sand wooden floors to smooth surfaces using floor scraper and floor sanding machine, and apply coats of finish.
Also called Bowling Alley Refinisher · Finisher · Floor Finisher · Floor Mechanic · Floor Refinisher · Floor Renovator · Floor Sander · Floor Sander and Finisher
14 more
Floor Sanding Machine Operator · Floor Scraper · Floor Surfacer · Floorer · Hardwood Finisher · Hardwood Floor Finisher and Sander · Hardwood Floor Refinisher · Hardwood Floor Sander · Liquid Floor and Wall Applier · Refinisher · Sander · Scraper · Surfacer · Wood Floor Refinisher
Compare with another occupationCompare with Rock Splitters, Quarry
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
RCERealistic · Conventional · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order
- R Realistic7.00
- C Conventional3.33
- E Enterprising1.54
- S Social1.43
- I Investigative1.39
- A Artistic1.37
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (27%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (22%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (37%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Operation and ControlImportance 3.1Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
- MonitoringbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Time ManagementImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
- SpeakingbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
Show the other 23
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Service OrientationImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
- InstructingImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- RepairingImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- WritingbasicImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- Equipment SelectionImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
- PersuasionImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- NegotiationImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Technology DesignImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- SciencebasicImportance 1.1Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- ProgrammingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
7 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Buff and vacuum floors to ensure their cleanliness prior to the application of finish.Importance 4.6
- Inspect floors for smoothness.Importance 4.5
- Scrape and sand floor edges and areas inaccessible to floor sanders, using scrapers, disk-type sanders, and sandpaper.Importance 4.5
- Guide sanding machines over surfaces of floors until surfaces are smooth.Importance 4.5
- Attach sandpaper to rollers of sanding machines.Importance 4.5
- Apply filler compound and coats of finish to floors to seal wood.Importance 4.4
- Remove excess glue from joints, using knives, scrapers, or wood chisels.Importance 3.6
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Building and ConstructionImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- English LanguageImportance 3.7Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Production and ProcessingImportance 3.3Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.0Level 2.6
- MechanicalImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
- MathematicsImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- DesignImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
Show all 33
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.7Level 2.7
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- AdministrativeImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.5Level 2.7
- TransportationImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- ChemistryImportance 2.3Level 2.9
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- PsychologyImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.7Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
- PhysicsImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- GeographyImportance 1.4Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- BiologyImportance 1.2Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.2Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.2Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Control PrecisionImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Manual DexterityImportance 3.6Level 2.9
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Trunk StrengthImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.3Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Near VisionImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- StaminaImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Climb 6 flights of stairs
Show all 52
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
- Static StrengthImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
- Reaction TimeImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Information OrderingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Speech RecognitionImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- VisualizationImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Category FlexibilityImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Sort paintbrushes based on length
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Problem SensitivityImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Rate ControlImportance 2.8Level 2.6
- Speech ClarityImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Carve roast beef in a cafeteria
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Response OrientationImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Written ComprehensionImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- MemorizationImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Time SharingImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Written ExpressionImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- OriginalityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Spatial OrientationImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.0Level 1.5
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Night VisionImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.5Level 0.5
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 4.3Level 2.7
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Getting InformationImportance 4.2Level 2.7
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.1Level 2.8
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 4.0Level 5.6
Show all 41
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.7Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Processing InformationImportance 3.7Level 2.6
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 3.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.7Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.6Level 2.8
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.5Level 2.9
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 3.5Level 2.7
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.5Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.4Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.0Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.7Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.6
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Working with ComputersImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
7 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (1)
- Microsoft Excel
Other tools (6)
- Floor planning software
- FloorCOST Estimator for Excel
- Flooring Technologies QFloors
- Measure Square
- Pacific Solutions FloorRight
- Vimeo
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Rock Splitters, Quarry
Average difference 0.1 points · Active Learning −0.5, Service Orientation −0.4
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Recycling and Reclamation Workers
Average difference 0.1 points · Complex Problem Solving −0.4, Coordination −0.4
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Foundry Mold and Coremakers
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination −0.7, Operation and Control −0.5
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Learning −0.5, Management of Personnel Resources +0.4
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Fence Erectors
Average difference 0.2 points · Equipment Selection +0.5, Management of Financial Resources +0.4
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Roofers
Average difference 0.2 points · Installation +1.1, Coordination +0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources +0.6, Negotiation +0.5
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Personnel Resources +0.6, Writing +0.5
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.