Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
SOC code 47-2051 · O*NET-SOC 47-2051.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$57,020
a year
Hourly
$27.41
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$60,050
$28.87 per hour
Middle 50%
$47,010 – $66,870
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$39,190 – $85,480
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
206,170
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $39,190
- $18.84/hr
- 25th percentile
- $47,010
- $22.60/hr
- Median percentile
- $57,020
- $27.41/hr
- 75th percentile
- $66,870
- $32.15/hr
- 90th percentile
- $85,480
- $41.10/hr
What do cement masons and concrete finishers do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
- Monitor how the wind, heat, or cold affect the curing of the concrete throughout the entire process.
- Mold expansion joints and edges, using edging tools, jointers, and straightedge.
- 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.
- Produce rough concrete surface, using broom.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold less than a high school diploma — 52% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- 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.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Less than a High School Diploma52%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)35%
- Post-Secondary Certificate13%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree1%
Common questions
How much does a cement masons and concrete finishers earn?
The national median is $57,020 a year. The full range runs from $39,190 at the 10th percentile to $85,480 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a cement masons and concrete finishers without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Monitoring3.3/5
- Speaking3.1/5
- Active Listening3.0/5
- Critical Thinking3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- English Language3.7/5
- Building and Construction3.5/5
- Mathematics3.1/5
- Public Safety and Security3.1/5
- Mechanical2.6/5
- Administration and Management2.6/5
Transferable strengths: Coordination, Quality Control Analysis, Time Management, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Operation and Control.