Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
Cement masons and concrete finishers smooth and shape poured concrete surfaces for floors, sidewalks, roads, curbs, and other structures. They use hand tools and power equipment to achieve proper finish and alignment. Work takes place on construction sites, building projects, and infrastructure jobs.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against cement masons and concrete finishers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves preparing concrete surfaces, operating finishing tools like trowels and floats, and cutting expansion joints with saws. Workers align and set forms, patch damaged areas, and ensure surfaces meet specifications for slope and smoothness. Tasks vary based on project demands, from small repairs to large-scale concrete pours. Weather and curing schedules significantly affect the pace and timing of work.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this work if you prefer hands-on, practical tasks and like following established procedures and standards. People drawn to this occupation value doing concrete, measurable work and take satisfaction in seeing finished results on buildings and infrastructure.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold no formal education requirement.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $67,310 | $95,890 | $99,190 | 650 |
| Alaska | $92,210 | $92,960 | $113,020 | 240 |
| Illinois | $57,860 | $78,170 | $98,930 | 5,890 |
| Washington | $58,880 | $77,520 | $98,280 | 4,440 |
| Oregon | $57,930 | $68,530 | $82,860 | 2,170 |
| Minnesota | $59,920 | $66,830 | $79,480 | 3,070 |
| Wisconsin | $59,080 | $64,250 | $79,650 | 4,490 |
| New York | $56,540 | $64,040 | $84,440 | 9,060 |
| Massachusetts | $55,880 | $63,840 | $78,210 | 1,590 |
| Ohio | $49,170 | $62,990 | $76,680 | 6,060 |
| Rhode Island | $59,680 | $62,950 | $73,610 | 250 |
| California | $51,450 | $62,700 | $84,070 | 28,700 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Concrete Flatwork Associate, Finisher, and Advanced Finisher — American Concrete Institute International
- Advanced Concrete Flatwork Finisher — American Concrete Institute International
- Concrete Finisher Assessment — National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician - Level 1 — American Concrete Institute International
- Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician - Level 2 — American Concrete Institute International
- Certified Concrete Surface Repair Technician (CSRT) — International Concrete Repair Institute
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against cement masons and concrete finishers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-2051.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.