Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers

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.

On the job, you would:

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.
Spread, level, and smooth concrete, using rake, shovel, hand or power trowel, hand or power screed, and float.

Important Qualities

Ability to work at heights. Masonry workers often use scaffolding, so they should be comfortable working at heights.

Color vision. Masonry workers need to be able to distinguish between small variations in color when setting terrazzo patterns in order to produce the best looking finish.

Dexterity. Masonry workers must be able to place bricks, stones, and other materials with precision.

Hand–eye coordination. Masonry workers need to apply smooth, even layers of mortar; set bricks; and remove any excess before the mortar hardens.

Physical stamina. Masonry workers must keep up a steady pace while setting bricks, and the constant lifting can be tiring.

Physical strength. Masonry workers should be able to lift more than 50 pounds. They carry heavy tools, equipment, and other materials, such as bags of mortar and grout.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		84%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		82%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		73%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		71%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
		69%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
		68%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		66%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		63%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		62%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
		62%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		59%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		58%	Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
		57%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		55%	Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
		55%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		100%	Realistic - Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		56%	Relationships - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		72%	Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
		69%	Trunk Strength - The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
		66%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		66%	Multilimb Coordination - The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
		63%	Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
		63%	Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
		60%	Extent Flexibility - The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
		56%	Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
		56%	Dynamic Strength - The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
		56%	Stamina - The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
		56%	Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
		56%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		56%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		53%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
		53%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
		53%	Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
		53%	Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
		53%	Finger Dexterity - The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
		53%	Static Strength - The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
		53%	Far Vision - The ability to see details at a distance.
		53%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Inspect completed work to ensure proper installation.

Position construction forms or molds.

Spread concrete or other aggregate mixtures.

Finish concrete surfaces.

Monitor construction operations.

Pour materials into or on designated areas.

Signal equipment operators to indicate proper equipment positioning.

Finish concrete surfaces.

Compact materials to create level bases.

Direct construction or extraction personnel.

Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities.

Drill holes in construction materials.

Position structural components.

Break up rock, asphalt, or concrete.

Finish concrete surfaces.

Prepare surfaces for finishing.

Install masonry materials.

Apply material to fill gaps in surfaces.

Clean surfaces in preparation for work activities.

Finish concrete surfaces.

Apply sealants or other protective coatings.

Smooth surfaces with abrasive materials or tools.

Spread concrete or other aggregate mixtures.

Install roofing materials.

Position construction forms or molds.

Build construction forms or molds.

Apply decorative masonry finishes.

Cut metal components for installation.

Apply decorative masonry finishes.

Install masonry materials.

Fabricate parts or components.

Apply sealants or other protective coatings.

Finish concrete surfaces.

Install metal structural components.

Install building fixtures.

Clean surfaces in preparation for work activities.

Apply decorative masonry finishes.

Smooth surfaces with abrasive materials or tools.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		98%	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls - How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
		96%	Spend Time Standing - How much does this job require standing?
		95%	Outdoors, Exposed to Weather - How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
		88%	Exposed to Contaminants - How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
		88%	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions - How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
		86%	Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets - How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
		86%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		86%	Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable - How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
		86%	Physical Proximity - To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
		85%	Spend Time Walking and Running - How much does this job require walking and running?
		85%	Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment - How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)
		84%	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety - How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
		84%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		83%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		82%	Very Hot or Cold Temperatures - How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
		78%	Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body - How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
		77%	Level of Competition - To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
		76%	Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
		74%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		74%	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results - How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
		72%	Exposed to Hazardous Equipment - How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
		71%	Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling - How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?
		69%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		69%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		68%	In an Open Vehicle or Equipment - How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or equipment (e.g., tractor)?
		67%	Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
		65%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		63%	Frequency of Conflict Situations - How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
		62%	Consequence of Error - How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
		62%	Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance - How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?
		61%	Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People - How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
		59%	Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings - How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?
		59%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		58%	Exposed to Whole Body Vibration - How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (e.g., operate a jackhammer)?
		57%	In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment - How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?
		56%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		53%	Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting - How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?
		52%	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks - How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
		61%	Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		83%	Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
		83%	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
		81%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		80%	Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
		80%	Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
		79%	Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
		78%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		77%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		73%	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
		69%	Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
		68%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		67%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		66%	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
		65%	Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
		62%	Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
		60%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		59%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		59%	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
		58%	Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
		58%	Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
		56%	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
		52%	Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
		51%	Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
		51%	Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

What Masonry Workers Do

Brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons

Masons clean excess mortar with trowels and other hand tools.

Masonry workers, also known as masons, use bricks, concrete and concrete blocks, and natural and manmade stones to build walkways, walls, and other structures.

Duties

Masons typically do the following:

Read blueprints or drawings to calculate materials needed
Lay out patterns, forms, or foundations according to plans
Break or cut materials to required size
Mix mortar or grout and spread it onto a slab or foundation
Clean excess mortar with trowels and other handtools
Construct masonry walls
Align structures, using levels and plumbs
Clean and polish surfaces with handtools or power tools
Fill expansion joints with caulking materials
Lay out and install rainscreen water systems

Masons build structures with brick, block, and stone, some of the most common and durable materials used in construction. They also use concrete—a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water—as the foundation for everything from patios and floors to dams and roads.

The following are examples of types of masons:

Brickmasons and blockmasons—often called bricklayers—build and repair walls, fireplaces, and other structures with brick, terra cotta, precast masonry panels, concrete block, and other masonry materials. Pointing, cleaning, and caulking workers are brickmasons who repair brickwork, particularly on older structures. Refractory masons are brickmasons who specialize in installing heat- and fire-resistant masonry materials in high-temperature areas such as boilers, furnaces, and soaking pits in industrial buildings.

Cement masonsandconcrete finishers place and finish concrete. They may color concrete surfaces, expose small stones in walls and sidewalks, or make concrete beams, columns, and panels. Throughout the process of pouring, leveling, and finishing concrete, cement masons use their knowledge of how conditions may affect concrete and take steps to prevent defects. On small jobs, such as constructing sidewalks, cement masons may use a supportive wire mesh called a lath. On large jobs, such as constructing building foundations, reinforcing iron and rebar workers install the reinforcing mesh.

Stonemasons build stone walls and set stone exteriors and floors. They work with two types of stone: natural-cut stone, such as marble, granite, and limestone; and artificial stone, made from concrete, marble chips, or other masonry materials. Using a special hammer or a diamond-blade saw, workers cut stone into various shapes and sizes. Some stonemasons specialize in setting marble, which is similar to setting large pieces of stone.

Terrazzo workers and finishers, also known as terrazzo masons, create decorative walkways, floors, patios, and panels. Much of the preliminary work of pouring, leveling, and finishing concrete for terrazzo is similar to that of cement masons. Terrazzo workers create decorative finishes by blending fine marble chips into the epoxy, resin, or cement, which is often colored. Once the terrazzo is thoroughly set, workers correct imperfections with a grinder. Terrazzo workers also install decorative microtoppings or polishing compounds to new or existing concrete.

Work Environment

Masonry workers held about 294,200 jobs in 2022. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up masonry workers was distributed as follows:

Cement masons and concrete finishers	206,200
Brickmasons and blockmasons	73,000
Stonemasons	13,500
Terrazzo workers and finishers	1,600

The largest employers of masonry workers were as follows:

Poured concrete foundation and structure contractors	30%
Masonry contractors	20
Self-employed workers	10
Construction of buildings	10
Heavy and civil engineering construction	7

As with many other construction occupations, masonry work is strenuous. Masons often lift heavy materials and stand, kneel, and bend for long periods. The work may be either indoors or outdoors in areas that are dusty, dirty, or muddy. Inclement weather may affect outdoor masonry work.

Injuries and Illnesses

Brickmasons and blockmasons risk injury on the job. Cuts are common, as are injuries occurring from falls and being struck by objects. To avoid injury, workers wear protective gear such as hardhats, safety glasses, high-visibility vests, and harnesses and other apparel to prevent falls.

Work Schedules

Most masons work full time, and some work overtime to meet construction deadlines. Masons work mostly outdoors, so inclement weather may affect their schedules. Terrazzo masons may need to work hours that differ from a regular business schedule, to avoid disrupting normal operations.

Getting Started

Education:

52%

Less than a High School Diploma

35%

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

How to Become a Masonry Worker

Apprentices learn by working with experienced masons.

Masons typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and learn the trade either through an apprenticeship or on the job.

Education

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to enter the occupation.

Many technical schools offer programs in masonry. These programs operate both independently and in conjunction with apprenticeship training.

Training

Masons typically learn the trade through apprenticeships and on the job, working with experienced masons.

Several groups, including unions and contractor associations, sponsor apprenticeship programs. Apprentices learn construction basics, such as blueprint reading; mathematics for measurement; building code requirements; and safety and first-aid practices. After completing an apprenticeship program, masons are considered journey workers and are able to do tasks on their own.

The Home Builders Institute and the International Masonry Institute offer pre-apprenticeship training programs for eight construction trades, including masonry.

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

Some workers start out as construction laborers and helpers before becoming masons.

Advancement

After becoming a journey worker, masonry workers may find opportunities to advance to supervisor, superintendent, or other construction management positions. Experienced masonry workers may choose to become independent contractors. Masonry workers in a union may also find opportunities for advancement within their union.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of masonry workers is projected to decline 3 percent from 2022 to 2032.

Despite declining employment, about 21,200 openings for masonry workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Projected employment of masonry workers varies by occupation (see table).

The employment of masons is linked to the overall demand for new building and road construction. Masonry, such as brick and stone, is still popular in both interior and exterior applications, but changes in products and installation practices are expected to decrease the need for masons. For example, fewer workers are needed to install innovations such as thin bricks, which allow buildings to have the look of brick construction at a lower cost. Additionally, the increased use of prefabricated panels will reduce the demand for most masonry workers. These panels are created offsite by either contractors or manufacturers in climate-protected environments, but fewer masons are needed to install the panels at the construction site.

Employment of terrazzo workers and finishers is expected to decline due to the increased installation of polished concrete, which will shift some work from terrazzo workers to cement masons and concrete finishers.

Contacts for More Information

For details about apprenticeships or other work opportunities for masonry workers, contact the offices of the state employment service, the state apprenticeship agency, local contractors or firms that employ masons, or local union–management apprenticeship committees. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship program online or by phone at 877-872-5627. Visit Apprenticeship.gov to search for apprenticeship opportunities.

For more information about training for masons, visit

Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.

Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers International Union

Home Builders Institute

International Masonry Institute

Mason Contractors Association of America

National Association of Home Builders

NCCER

Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association

The Associated General Contractors of America

The National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of masonry workers.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Carpenters	Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials.	High school diploma or equivalent	$51,390
Construction Laborers and Helpers	Construction laborers and helpers perform many tasks that require physical labor on construction sites.	See How to Become One	$39,520
Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers	Drywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboard and install ceiling tile inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboard for painting.	No formal educational credential	$51,160
Glaziers	Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in buildings.	High school diploma or equivalent	$48,720
Insulation Workers	Insulation workers install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings or mechanical systems.	See How to Become One	$47,980
Ironworkers	Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads.	High school diploma or equivalent	$58,330
Flooring Installers and Tile and Stone Setters	Flooring installers and tile and stone setters lay and finish carpet, wood, vinyl, tile, and other materials.	No formal educational credential	$47,890

Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers

Masonry Worker

What they do:

On the job, you would:

Important Qualities

Personality

Characteristics of this Career

Strengths

Values of the Work Environment

Aptitude

Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Job Details

Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent

Tasks & Values

What Masonry Workers Do

Duties

Work Environment

Injuries and Illnesses

Work Schedules

Getting Started

How to Become a Masonry Worker

Education

Training

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

Advancement

Job Outlook

Employment

Contacts for More Information

Similar Occupations