CFChooseField
Construction and Trades

Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers

Smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete, such as floors, walks, sidewalks, roads, or curbs using a variety of hand and power tools. Align forms for sidewalks, curbs, or gutters; patch voids; and use saws to cut expansion joints.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
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Median pay

$54,660
Median annual pay for Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

1.8%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

14,300
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

206,700
Estimated U.S. employment for Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+3,800
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

No formal educational credential
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Critical Thinking
  5. 5Mathematics
  6. 6Learning Strategies

Knowledge areas

  1. 1English Language
  2. 2Building and Construction
  3. 3Mathematics
  4. 4Public Safety and Security
  5. 5Mechanical
  6. 6Administration and Management

Abilities

  1. 1Manual Dexterity
  2. 2Trunk Strength
  3. 3Multilimb Coordination
  4. 4Near Vision
  5. 5Arm-Hand Steadiness
  6. 6Control Precision

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Handling and Moving Objects
  2. 2Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  3. 3Getting Information
  4. 4Performing General Physical Activities
  5. 5Scheduling Work and Activities
  6. 6Controlling Machines and Processes

Work context

  1. 1Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  2. 2Spend Time Standing
  3. 3Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  4. 4Exposed to Contaminants
  5. 5Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  6. 6Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Representative tasks

  • Check the forms that hold the concrete to see that they are properly constructed.
  • Set the forms that hold concrete to the desired pitch and depth, and align them.
  • Spread, level, and smooth concrete, using rake, shovel, hand or power trowel, hand or power screed, and float.
  • Monitor how the wind, heat, or cold affect the curing of the concrete throughout the entire process.
  • Mold expansion joints and edges, using edging tools, jointers, and straightedge.
  • Signal truck driver to position truck to facilitate pouring concrete, and move chute to direct concrete on forms.
  • Direct the casting of the concrete and supervise laborers who use shovels or special tools to spread it.
  • Produce rough concrete surface, using broom.

Software and tools

ACT Contractors FormsADAPT-ModelerHard Dollar HD Project EstimatingHIPERPAVLogicSphere FirstmixMaxwell Systems Quest EstimatorNational Concrete & Masonry EstimatorShilstone seeMIXSirus GT Construction AccountingTradesman's Software Master Estimator

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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