How to become a cement masons 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.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
What cement masons and concrete finishers do
- 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.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Learning Strategies
- Active Learning
Is cement masons and concrete finisher a good career?
On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 12% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Hawaii $95,890
- Alaska $92,960
- Illinois $78,170
- Washington $77,520
- Oregon $68,530
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.