Cement masons and terrazzo workers held about 193,900 jobs in 2018. About 67 percent were employed in the specialty trade contractors industry.
Concrete and terrazzo work is fast paced and strenuous. Because most of the work is done at floor level, workers often must bend and kneel. The work, either indoors or outdoors, may be in areas that are muddy, dusty, or dirty.
Although the work is less dangerous than many other construction occupations, cement masons and terrazzo workers may experience chemical burns from uncured concrete, falls from scaffolding, and cuts from tools. To avoid injuries, workers wear protective gear, including kneepads, harnesses, and water-repellent boots.
Most cement masons and terrazzo workers are employed full time.
Because many cement and terrazzo jobs are outdoors, work generally stops in wet weather. Hours may also vary for other reasons, such as construction deadlines or coordination with other work activities.
Education
Although there are no specific education requirements for cement masons and concrete finishers, terrazzo workers usually must have a high school diploma. High school courses in math, mechanical drawing, and blueprint reading are considered to be helpful.
Many technical schools offer programs in basic masonry. These programs operate both independently and in conjunction with apprenticeship training. The credits earned as part of an apprenticeship program usually count toward an associate’s degree. Some people take courses before being hired, and some take them later as part of on-the-job 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 International Masonry Institute offers pre-apprenticeship training programs for construction trades, including masonry.
Cement masons and terrazzo workers typically have an interest in the Building interest area, according to the Holland Code framework. The Building interest area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things.
If you are not sure whether you have a Building interest which might fit with a career as a cement mason and terrazzo worker, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
Cement masons and terrazzo workers should also possess the following specific qualities:
Color vision . Terrazzo workers must determine small color variances when setting terrazzo patterns. Because these patterns often include many different colors, terrazzo workers must be able to distinguish between colors for the best looking finish.
Physical stamina . Cement masons and terrazzo workers must be able to spend a lot of time kneeling, bending, and reaching.
Physical strength . Cement masons and terrazzo workers often must lift heavy materials. For example, many jobs require workers to be able to lift and carry 50-pound bags of gravel and sand.
The median annual wage for masonry workers overall was $46,500 in May 2019. The median annual wage for cement masons and concrete finishers was $44,810 in May 2019. The median annual wage for terrazzo workers and finishers was $52,180 in May 2019.
Most cement masons and terrazzo workers are employed full time. Because many jobs are outdoors, work generally stops in wet weather. Hours may also vary for other reasons, such as construction deadlines or coordination with other work activities.
Overall employment of masonry workers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Although employment growth will vary by occupation, it will be driven by the demands of a growing population for more commercial, public, and civil construction projects, such as new roads, bridges, and buildings.
Employment of cement masons and concrete finishers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Cement masons will be needed to build and renovate highways, bridges, factories, and residential structures to meet the demands of a growing population and to make repairs to aging infrastructure.
Employment of terrazzo workers and finishers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. However, because it is a small occupation, the fast growth will result in only about 300 new jobs over the 10-year period.
Job Prospects
About 35,500 openings for masonry workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Overall job prospects should be good as construction activity continues to grow to meet the demand for new buildings and roads. Workers with construction experience should have the best opportunities.
As with many other construction workers, employment of masons is sensitive to the fluctuations of the economy. On the one hand, workers may experience periods of unemployment when the overall level of construction falls. On the other hand, during peak periods of building activity some areas may require additional number of these workers.
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 general information about cement masons and terrazzo workers, visit
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.
Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers International Union
International Masonry Institute
Mason Contractors Association of America
National Association of Home Builders
Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association