Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
Cement masons and concrete finishers create the concrete surfaces you walk and drive on every day, from sidewalks to roads to building floors. They use specialized tools like trowels, floats, and power grinders to pour, shape, and polish concrete into smooth, durable surfaces. This hands-on job involves teamwork with truck drivers and other construction workers, plus learning to use modern equipment and techniques. Many professionals in this field start with on-the-job training or vocational programs and can advance to supervisory roles or start their own contracting businesses.
Did you know?
The job requires significant physical stamina and adherence to strict safety protocols due to heavy lifting, prolonged kneeling, and exposure to concrete chemicals.
At a glance
Typical average pay
$56,500 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top skill
Monitoring
Things to consider
Seasonal Employment Patterns
Work availability often fluctuates with weather conditions and construction seasons, potentially leading to periods of unemployment during harsh winter months in many regions.
Apprenticeship and Union Opportunities
Many concrete finishers advance their careers through formal apprenticeship programs and union membership, which provide structured training and better wages.
Key responsibilities
Waterproof or restore concrete surfaces, using appropriate compounds.
Cut out damaged areas, drill holes for reinforcing rods, and position reinforcing rods to repair concrete, using power saw and drill.
Spread, level, and smooth concrete, using rake, shovel, hand or power trowel, hand or power screed, and float.
Fabricate concrete beams, columns, and panels.
Push roller over surface to embed chips in surface.