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
BLS median wage
$60,700
Typical education
Flexible / varies by employer
10-year growth
+2%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
Flexible / varies by employer
Credential requirement
No specific credential listed yet
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.
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
- With kids/peopleOccasionally
- On a computerOccasionally
- Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
- With your handsOccasionally
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
- Monitor how the wind, heat, or cold affect the curing of the concrete throughout the entire process.
- 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.
- 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.
- Waterproof or restore concrete surfaces, using appropriate compounds.