Cement Masons

Career summary

Cement masons may also be called cement finishers or terrazzo workers depending on their job duties.

# 3/26/29 lh

Cement masons begin their work by preparing the site. They set the forms that will hold concrete to the proper pitch and depth. Forms are frames for concrete to be poured into. They direct the casting and pouring of concrete. They also oversee the workers who spread it with shovels or tools.

Cement masons level concrete by guiding a straightedge back and forth across the top of the forms. They smooth the surface with a ""bull float,"" a long-handled tool. This brings a mixture of fine cement paste to the surface.

Some cement masons are terrazzo workers. These workers create decorative cement surfaces. They use small chips of colored cement or stone to make designs on surfaces and floors. Terrazzo workers smooth the surface with a grinder to create a flat finish.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Boilermakers
• Carpenters
• Construction Helpers
• Floor and Carpet Layers
• Floor Sanding Machine Operators
• General Construction Workers
• Glaziers
• Paving Equipment Operators
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Tile Setters

Military careers

• Construction Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to cement masons.

• Set and align the forms that will hold concrete.
• Direct the pouring of the concrete. Oversee workers who spread concrete.
• Guide a straightedge back and forth across the top of the forms to level the concrete.
• Smooth the concrete with a ""bull float"" to bring fine cement to the surface.
• Guide a rounding tool between the forms and concrete to round the edges and prevent chipping and cracking.
• Use a ""groover"" to make grooves that help control cracking.
• Brush the surface with a brush or broom for to create a coarse finish. May embed gravel chips for a pebble finish.
• Cut away uneven spots and loose concrete with hammer and chisel. Fill large dents. Smooth with an abrasive rubbing stone.
• Cut away high spots and loose concrete with hammer and chisel. Fill large dents. Smooth with an abrasive rubbing stone.
• Coat exposed area with a cement mixture. Rub to create an even finish.
• Monitor how the weather affects the curing of the concrete. Take steps to prevent issues with the concrete. Remove molds and frames once concrete is dry.
• Create decorative floors and patios by exposing embedded materials in finished concrete.
• Clean installation sites.

Common work activities

Cement masons perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Handle and move objects
• Get information needed to do the job
• Control machines and processes
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Schedule work and activities
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Develop and build teams
• Teach others
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Process information
• Evaluate information against standards
• Think creatively
• Coach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, cement masons:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social interaction. They interact with coworkers and clients, but also work alone.
• Communicate with clients and coworkers by telephone and in person on a daily basis.
• May work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
• Have some responsibility for the health and safety of others.
• Occasionally are placed in conflict situations in which clients or contractors may be unhappy with the work.

Physical work conditions

• Often wear protective attire, such as kneepads or water-repellent boots.
• Are regularly exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
• Often are exposed to contaminants, such as chemicals from uncured concrete.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment.
• Often work outdoors, but may on occasion work indoors. Indoor locations are usually not temperature-controlled.
• May work in very bright or very dim lighting, depending on the weather and work site.
• Are sometimes exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures when working outdoors.
• May have to get into awkward positions to reach cramped work places.
• May travel to and from work sites in a truck or van.
• May work physically close to others, such as within a few feet.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could require that jobs be redone.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Must sometimes allow the work pace to be set by the speed of equipment.
• Make decisions on a weekly and daily basis that affect their employer and clients.
• Often make decisions without consulting others. This will depend on the situation and task.
• Set some, but not all, of their daily tasks and goals without consulting a supervisor.
• Work in a moderately competitive environment where weekly deadlines must be met.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a regular 40-hour week.
• Schedules may vary depending on the availability of work and the weather.

Physical demands

Cement masons frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for cement masons to be able to:

• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for cement masons to be able to:

• Determine the distance between objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.

Skills and abilities

Cement masons need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Construction Trades

Other programs of study to consider

• Building Construction Technology

Training

To work as a cement mason, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete an apprenticeship program or moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some cement masons learn their skills through apprenticeship training programs. Union and non-union apprenticeship programs are available. Admission to apprenticeship programs is competitive. To apply for an apprenticeship, you must:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• be at least 18 years old; and
• be in good physical condition.

Apprenticeship programs usually consist of four years of on-the-job training. You are paid for the time you spend on the job. In addition, each year you receive at least 144 hours of classroom training.

To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities in your area, consult the US Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information  website.

You can prepare for an apprenticeship by taking courses at a professional-technical or two-year school. Courses in carpentry, general math, and drafting prepare students to enter apprenticeship programs. However, these courses are not required to qualify for an apprenticeship.

On-the-job training

Many masons learn their skills informally on the job. In this case, you begin as a helper and learn from an experienced worker. Training generally lasts up to one year. During training you learn to use materials, tools, and equipment; screed and trowel; and lay blocks.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be construction specialists. Training lasts five to eight weeks, depending on your specialty. Further training occurs on the job.

Washington apprenticeships

Some Washington employers require a two- to three-year formal apprenticeship training for cement masons. Apprenticeship applicants must meet the requirements of their joint apprenticeship training committee. General apprenticeship requirements include:

• be at least 18 years old;
• a high school diploma or equivalent;
• physical ability to do the job;
• a valid Washington State driver's license;
• a social security card;
• pass a drug test; and
• reliable transportation.

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Checked apprenticeship info 2/19/18 cj. 3/26/19

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Carpentry
• Construction
• Drafting
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

When hiring helpers or apprentices, employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent. They prefer applicants who are at least 18 years old and in good physical condition. Applicants may need to pass a physical exam. A driver's license may also be required.

Employers look for applicants who have the ability to get along with others, because cement masons frequently work in teams. Cement masons should also be able to work without close supervision.

Tips

Working as a common laborer with a cement mason provides a basic understanding of the trade. This may be helpful in being accepted into an apprenticeship program.

Costs to workers

Workers who belong to a union must pay initiation fees and dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers 
• Terrazzo Workers and Finishers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The number of hours cement masons spend on the job can vary. For example, bad weather or downturns in construction activity can reduce hours. Thus, overall earnings may be lower than these wages suggest.

Pay also varies with the employer and the type of job. Apprentices generally earn about half the wage of skilled masons. As apprentices gain experience and skills, they receive higher pay.

Benefits vary by employer. Full-time cement masons may receive typical benefits. These include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Nearly half of all cement masons work for concrete contractors. Cement masons work on projects such as highways, bridges, and shopping malls. They work on large buildings such as factories, schools, and hospitals. Most self-employed masons specialize in small jobs, such as driveways, sidewalks, and patios.

Major employers:

• Concrete contractors
• Office and industrial construction companies
• House construction companies
• Highway and street construction companies

National outlook

Demand will remain very strong for cement masons as more home construction and renovation takes place. In addition, the government is expected to repair and renovate existing highways, bridges, and other structures. The increased use of concrete as a building material in places where powerful storms happen will also add to job growth.

Cement masons sometimes have periods of unemployment. This is due to the short-term nature of many jobs. The cyclical nature of the industry also has an effect. During economic slowdowns, the number of job openings for cement masons declines. However, job openings will occur as current workers leave this occupation. The best job prospects are for those who have technical training.

Other resources

American Concrete Institute 
38888 Country Club Drive
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
248.848.3700

Cement and Concrete Basics 
(from the Portland Cement Association)

International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers 
620 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
888.880.8222
202.783.3788

North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) 
815 16th ST, NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006

Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association 
9700 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 200
Columbia, MD 21046
301.623.1000

Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council 
906 Columbia Street SW, Suite 107
Olympia, WA 98501
360.357.6778

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupations

• Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers (47-2051.00) 
• Terrazzo Workers and Finishers (47-2053.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Cement Mason (844.364-010) 
• Cement-mason Apprentice (844.364-014) 
• Concrete Rubber (844.684-010) 
• Concrete-stone Finisher (844.461-010) 
• Terrazzo Worker (861.381-046) 
• Terrazzo-worker Apprentice (861.381-050) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Artistic/Conventional
• Realistic/Conventional/Artistic
• Realistic/Enterprising/Conventional

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled