My Colorado Journey
Back to pathway map
ConstructionTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.Green JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.

Cement Mason and Concrete Finisher

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.

Annual openings

404

Median wage

$60,700

Typical education

Education not reported

Growth 2026–2032

+2%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

Interactive walkthrough

Explore My Colorado Journey Careers

See where to compare pay, job demand, locations, skills, education, and training for a Colorado career.

Open in a new tab

Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Education not reported

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

Become a Skilled Trades Master Craftsman. Depending upon the trade, Skilled Trades Professionals can become Master Craftsmen through experience and additional credentials. Master Craftsmen earn more money and may supervise apprentices in the trade.

Experience detail

Work experience under the guidance (possibly as an apprentice) of a Skilled Tradesperson is expected.

Work-based learning

Build Colorado provides more information about this job as well as links to organizations that provide apprenticeships for them.

There is a high need for these jobs on big infrastructure construction projects.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsYes
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Trades
  • Masonry

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Monitor how the wind, heat, or cold affect the curing of the concrete throughout the entire process.
  2. Check the forms that hold the concrete to see that they are properly constructed.
  3. Set the forms that hold concrete to the desired pitch and depth, and align them.
  4. Signal truck driver to position truck to facilitate pouring concrete, and move chute to direct concrete on forms.
  5. Direct the casting of the concrete and supervise laborers who use shovels or special tools to spread it.
  6. Waterproof or restore concrete surfaces, using appropriate compounds.
Feedback