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Job opportunities are expected to be favorable. Most learn on the job, either through formal 3-year or 4-year apprenticeship programs or by working as helpers. Like many other construction trades, these workers may experience reduced earnings and layoffs during downturns in construction activity. Cement masons often work overtime, with premium pay, because once concrete has been placed, the job must be completed.
Cement masons, concrete finishers, segmental pavers, and terrazzo workers combine skill with knowledge of building materials to construct buildings, highways, and other structures. Other occupations involving similar skills and knowledge include brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons; carpet, floor, and tile installers and finishers; drywall installers, ceiling tile installers, and tapers; and plasterers and stucco masons.
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Concrete, segmental paving, or terrazzo work is fast-paced and strenuous, and requires continuous physical effort. Because most finishing is done at floor level, workers must bend and kneel often.
Many jobs are outdoors, and work is generally halted during inclement weather. The work, either indoors or outdoors, may be in areas that are muddy, dusty, or dirty.
To avoid chemical burns from uncured concrete and sore knees from frequent kneeling, many workers wear kneepads. Workers usually also wear water-repellent boots while working in wet concrete.
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Cement masons, concrete finishers, segmental pavers, and terrazzo workers held about 190,000 jobs in 2002; segmental pavers and terrazzo workers accounted for only a small portion of the total. Most cement masons and concrete finishers worked for concrete contractors or for general contractors on projects such as highways; bridges; shopping malls; or large buildings such as factories, schools, and hospitals. A small number were employed by firms that manufacture concrete products. Most segmental pavers and terrazzo workers worked for special trade contractors who install decorative floors and wall panels.
Only about 1 out of 20 cement masons, concrete finishers, segmental pavers, and terrazzo workers were self-employed, a smaller proportion than in other building trades. Most self-employed masons specialized in small jobs, such as driveways, sidewalks, and patios.
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In 2002, the median hourly earnings of cement masons and concrete finishers were $14.74. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.52 and $20.02. The top 10 percent earned over $26.02, and the bottom 10 percent earned less than $9.31.
In 2002, the median hourly earnings of terrazzo workers and finishers were $13.42. The middle 50 percent earned between $10.46 and $17.72. The top 10 percent earned over $23.70, and the bottom 10 percent earned less than $8.94.
Like those of other construction trades workers, earnings of cement masons, concrete finishers, segmental pavers, and terrazzo workers may be reduced on occasion because poor weather and downturns in construction activity limit the amount of time they can work. Cement masons often work overtime, with premium pay, because once concrete has been placed, the job must be completed.
Many cement masons, concrete finishers, segmental pavers, and terrazzo workers belong to the Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association of the United States and Canada, or to the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. Some terrazzo workers belong to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of the United States. Nonunion workers generally have lower wage rates than do union workers. Apprentices usually start at 50 to 60 percent of the rate paid to experienced workers.
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