Cement Mason
A cement mason is a skilled professional in the construction industry who specializes in pouring, smoothing, and finishing concrete and cement mixtures. This role primarily involves creating and repairing surfaces such as sidewalks, roads, and various structures by working closely with engineers and other construction workers. Cement masons are responsible for setting up frames, placing reinforcing materials like rebar, and ensuring that concrete is poured evenly and complies with relevant regulations and standards.
The job typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with no specific formal education mandated, although knowledge in mathematics and blueprint reading is advantageous. Cement masons undergo short-term on-the-job training or apprenticeships to develop their skills. They work in diverse environments, often outdoors, and must be equipped to handle varying weather conditions. The median annual earnings for cement masons are about $53,010, though the job outlook indicates a slight decline in employment opportunities. Overall, cement masons play a crucial role in construction, requiring both physical dexterity and a solid understanding of materials and techniques.
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Subject Terms
Cement Mason
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Architecture & Construction
Interests: Working with machinery, working with your hands
Earnings (Yearly Median): $53,010 per year $25.49 per hour
Employment & Outlook: -3% (Decline)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Short-term on the job training; apprenticeship
Overview
Sphere of Work. Cement masons perform a large variety of construction tasks. They pour and smooth concrete and other cement mixtures to create and repair sidewalks, walkways, roads, and other surfaces. Cement masons work with engineers and construction workers to properly set the frames that hold concrete in place while it is drying. Reinforcing rebar or mesh wires are placed within these frames by cement masons to further strengthen the concrete. Once the concrete is poured, cement masons spread, level, and smooth the composite.
Work Environment. Cement masons work in a variety of environments, both indoors and outdoors, and in all kinds of weather. Cement masons will often work within a construction site, but they can also perform jobs at commercial buildings and residential locations.
Depending on the job location, a cement mason could work in an environment that is dusty or muddy, so proper protective gear is recommended. Like all construction jobs, a cement mason’s work environment has hazards to be aware of.
Occupation Interest. A cement mason’s job covers a diverse range of construction tasks. This job attracts professionals who enjoy working with their hands outside an office environment and can adapt to different work environments. Cement masons use a variety of tools to complete their jobs, so the ability to handle heavy and light machinery is recommended.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. After assessing a particular job, a cement mason will set the frames and reinforcing materials that hold the concrete in place. Concrete is made through a mixture of cement, sand, and water inside a concrete mixing machine. The frames need to be set at the proper pitch and depth and aligned correctly. Concrete is then poured into the frames. The concrete can be poured from a truck, by hand, or via a wheelbarrow. The cement mason needs to watch and make sure that the concrete is poured evenly in the correct places. Throughout the process, a cement mason must ensure the job is in compliance with certain laws, regulations, and standards.
While the concrete is still wet, a cement mason will spread, level, and smooth the concrete using a variety of hand tools, including rakes, shovels, trowels, and screeds. The edges of the concrete are smoothed and straightened with tools such as jointers and straightedges. After the concrete has dried, a cement mason will determine if the surface requires any hardening, sealing, or waterproofing compounds. A cement mason can also use colored powder to create a predetermined finish on the concrete.
If the cement mason is performing a repair job, different tools and tasks are required. To repair concrete that has already been set and dried, a cement mason will chip, grind, and remove areas using pneumatic chisels, power grinders, or a variety of hand tools.
Maintenance Cement Masons. Maintenance Cement Masons break up and repair old concrete surfaces using pneumatic tools.
Cementers. Cementers may spread premixed cement over the deck, inner surfaces, joints, and crevices of ships.
Terrazzo Workers and Finishers (47-2053.00). Terrazzo Workers apply cement, sand, coloring materials, and marble chips to floors, stairways, and cabinet fixtures to create durable and decorative surfaces.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Construction sites are the most common environments that cement masons will work in, but they can also work in and around commercial and residential locations. While the job is being assessed and during the planning stages, a cement mason may work in an office environment with other construction workers and contractors.
Human Environment. Cement masons collaborate and interact with a variety of professionals in the construction business, including engineers, site managers, contractors, and other masons.
Technological Environment. Cement masons use a variety of technologies, ranging from power tools such as power drills and grinders to hand tools such as chisels and straightedges. They also have to wear a variety of safety gear, including helmets, gloves, and goggles.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. There are no specific education requirements to become a cement mason, but masons most commonly have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Cement masons should be adept in a variety of subjects that may be taught in high school, including mathematics, mechanical drawing, and how to read blueprints.
Postsecondary. Cement masons are usually not required to have a college degree, but it is a great help if they have a strong background in a variety of subjects. Since the job often requires the ability to read and modify blueprints, knowledge of mechanical drawing and mathematics is important. Many technical colleges offer appropriate courses for a cement mason.
Knowledge of administration and management is also helpful for a cement mason. Management courses can help a mason understand the strategic planning, resource allocation, and human resource aspects of the construction business. Many community colleges offer such courses.
Related Occupations
− Construction Laborer and Helper
− Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer and Taper
− Flooring Installers and Tile and Marble Setter
Bibliography
"Masonry Workers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/brickmasons-blockmasons-and-stonemasons.htm. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.