Cement masons and concrete finishers
SOC Code: 47-2051Also known as:
Cement Finisher, Cement Gun Operator, Cement Mason, Cement Mason Concrete Finisher, Cement Patcher
Median Annual Salary
$54,660
+1.8% growth (2024-2034)
14K
Openings/Year
207K
Current Jobs
What Cement masons and concrete finishers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$54,660
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.8%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
14K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
206,700
Projected Employment (2034)
210,400
Related Careers
Brickmasons and blockmasons
$60,800 •
+3.2% growth
Terrazzo workers and finishers
$57,260 •
-11.1% growth
Construction laborers
$46,730 •
+7.3% growth
Helpers--brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters
$46,480 •
-10.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Monitoring
Speaking
Coordination
Quality Control Analysis
Time Management
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Apply hardening and sealing compounds to cure surface of concrete, and waterproof or restore surface.
- Operate power vibrator to compact concrete.
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Cement masons and concrete finishers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a cement masons and concrete finishers:
Concrete Finishing/Concrete Finisher
70 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Cement masons and concrete finishers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become cement masons and concrete finishers.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pennsylvania College of Technology | Williamsport, PA | 6 | C+ |
| 2 | Waukesha County Technical College | Pewaukee, WI | 3 | C+ |
| 3 | Philadelphia Technician Training | Philadelphia, PA | 47 | C |
| 4 | Southwestern Illinois College | Belleville, IL | 7 | C |
| 5 | Southeast Community College Area | Lincoln, NE | 7 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cement masons and concrete finishers make?
The median annual salary for cement masons and concrete finishers is $54,660.
What education do cement masons and concrete finishers need?
Most cement masons and concrete finishers positions require a no formal educational credential.
Common degree programs include Concrete Finishing/Concrete Finisher.
Is becoming cement masons and concrete finishers a good career choice?
Cement masons and concrete finishers is projected to see +1.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 14,300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for cement masons and concrete finishers?
Top colleges for aspiring cement masons and concrete finishers include
Pennsylvania College of Technology, Waukesha County Technical College, Philadelphia Technician Training, Southwestern Illinois College, Southeast Community College Area.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to cement masons and concrete finishers?
Cement masons and concrete finishers may also be known as: Cement Finisher, Cement Gun Operator, Cement Mason, Cement Mason Concrete Finisher, Cement Patcher, Cementer, Column Precaster, Concrete Construction Laborer, Concrete Cutter, Concrete Cutting Operator, Concrete Fence Builder, Concrete Finisher, Concrete Floater, Concrete Floor Installer, Concrete Form Setter, Concrete Grinder Operator, Concrete Laborer, Concrete Mason, Concrete Placement Equipment Operator, Concrete Pointer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.