A cement mason and concrete finisher shapes, smooths, and finishes concrete surfaces on buildings, roads, and other structures. It is hands-on, in demand, and you can start without a four-year degree. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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Cement masons and concrete finishers work with concrete at job sites, handling and moving materials, operating equipment, and inspecting their work as they go. They shape concrete surfaces, smooth them to the right finish, and ensure the concrete sets properly. The work requires knowledge of building and construction practices, safety protocols, and the mechanical properties of concrete. You will spend time reading blueprints, communicating with team members about scheduling and next steps, and performing the physical labor that brings concrete structures to life.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers earn a median of $57,020 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 14,300 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You do not need a four-year degree to start this career. Most cement masons and concrete finishers learn through on-the-job training, often starting as helpers or apprentices on construction sites. You will develop skills in monitoring quality, critical thinking about how to solve concrete challenges, and active learning as you work alongside experienced masons. Some programs offer formal training in concrete finishing techniques. Starting in an entry-level role and learning hands-on is a common path into this trade.
Most people enter this trade through apprenticeships or on-the-job training, so your path depends on what opportunities are available locally. If you are exploring how to break in and want to map out a concrete next step, Pathly can map the cement mason and concrete finisher path that fits you with your school counselor or a career advisor to find programs and employers near you.
You do not need a license to work as a cement mason and concrete finisher, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are drawn to hands-on, practical work where you can see the results of your effort. You like working with tools and materials, solving real problems, and taking pride in the quality of what you build.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).