Cement masons work with one of the most common and durable materials available: concrete. Made from cement, sand, gravel, and water, concrete lays our foundations for the smallest patio project to the largest homes. To complete projects like these, cement masons must level, smooth, and shape surfaces of freshly poured concrete.
Think of all the places you see cement, even outside of our homes. All those surfaces were created by highly trained cement masons. Now, think beyond just flat concrete surfaces. In addition to creating things like sidewalks, parking garages, and driveways, cement masons work with concrete to build concrete walls, including columns. Not only that, but cement masons can also manipulate concrete to create decorative finishes with natural stone or even color.
Given its widespread use, cement masons must master concrete to complete their work well. Their training is critical to their success. Hopeful cement masons can prepare for a career through:
- Informal or company-sponsored on-the-job training.
- Employers, visit our Employer page to find out how you can support future cement masons. Click here.
- Trade or technical school education.
- Interested cement masons, visit our Career Technical Education & Ohio Technical Center page to find a school and program near you. Click here.
- Apprenticeship.
- Interested cement masons, visit our website to find the best apprenticeship program for you. Click here.
Whether cement masons learn on the job or follow a more structured training, wIth it, they know how concrete responds in various conditions and are prepared to prevent defects to ensure the strongest foundation and longest use.
Once in the industry, cement masons work on projects in:
- Foundation, structure & building exterior construction
- Highway, street, and bridge construction
- Residential building construction
- Non-residential building construction
Given the nature of the work, there is a certain personality type that thrives as a cement mason. This physically demanding craft is perfect for people who are:
- Independent and work well without supervision.
- Adventurous and athletic.
- Focused and natural problem solvers.
Luckily for those of you that resonate with these traits, the job outlook looks promising for new cement masons. In fact, cement mason job opportunities are expected to grow by 12% through 2026. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the industry will need around 30,000 skilled laborers to meet the need for continued progress. Not only is a career as a cement mason secure, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, cement masons earn an average of $43,000 per year.
Cement masons lay the groundwork that gives drywall installers the opportunity to construct walls made from drywall, bricklayers the chance to add bricks to exterior walls, and roofers to top off a home with a roof. Without them, construction industry projects would never go up. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about a career as a cement mason, click here to contact us. We are here to help fill the gap of skilled laborers needed in the cement mason line of work.
