* * * This is NOT a job offer * * * The purpose of this occupational guide is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions. If you are searching for a job, please go to CalJobs (for jobs in California)     OR      JOBcentral (for jobs nationwide)

More Occupational Guides

Cement Masons

THE JOB

CEMENT MASONS pour, smooth and finish concrete surfaces such as floors,
walls, sidewalks and curbs using hand and power tools.  Their work
encompasses such small projects as backyard patios to large jobs such as
concrete highways.

Before concrete is poured, Cement Masons (also called cement finishers)
check the forms (which hold the concrete) to see that they are properly
constructed.  During the pour, laborers spread the concrete to the desired
depth, using shovels and rakes.  On small jobs, the Cement Masons may mix
or direct the mixing of the concrete and also pour and spread the concrete.
Cement Masons level, smooth, finish and shape the concrete surfaces, using a
variety of hand tools such as straightedges, tamps, floats and trowels.
Power trowels may be used on large-scale projects, but corners, edges and
hard-to-reach places must still be finished by hand.  In some projects,
machines are used in the leveling and troweling process.  Masons mold joints
and edges, using hand tools such as edgers, jointers and straightedges.
They remove rough spots from surfaces with power grinders, hammers and
chisels and patch holes with a fresh cement mixture.  Cement Masons can
create desired textures and colors using a variety of brushes, belts,
coloring powders and terrazzo (marble) chips.  Crew leaders may also direct
the preliminary work such as setting forms or grading soil.  Cement Masons
must be familiar with the characteristics of various cements and concrete
mixes and be knowledgeable of the effects of weather upon the curing of
concrete.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Cement Masons are employed primarily by general contractors and by cement
subcontractors; a few work for local governments.  They typically work 
out-of-doors on construction sites.  Cement Masons are exposed to most types 
of weather, except heavy rain or snow, and must work around wet concrete.
Potential hazards include the possibility of falls, falling objects, back
injuries, knee injuries and cement poisoning.  Protective equipment used by
Cement Masons includes rubber boots, gloves, hard hats, knee pads, face
respirators (for cement dust) and safety glasses.  This work is strenuous
and involves much pushing and pulling, reaching and handling, bending and
stooping, kneeling and crawling, and walking.  The work may require climbing
or working from scaffolds and may also involve lifting and carrying
materials weighing up to 100 pounds.  Some Cement Masons belong to the
Cement Masons' Union.  Some locals of this union provide their apprentices
with a set of hand tools, boots and knee pads.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections of Employment
published by the Labor Market Information Division.  The figures represent
the broad occupational group Concrete and Terrazzo Finishers which includes
Cement Masons.

Estimated number of workers in 1993            12,920
Estimated number of workers in 2005            21,570
Projected Growth 1993-2005                        67%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005   3,360

(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)

During the projection period, Cement Masons are expected to grow at a rate
that is faster than the average rate for all occupations.  Demand for Cement
Masons is highly dependent upon overall construction activity levels.  The
work is also somewhat seasonal, though California's mild climate permits
work to continue throughout the year, except in mountainous regions.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Pay for Cement Masons varies depending upon experience.  Average starting
salaries range from $5.50 to about $20.00 per hour.  Average starting pay
for experienced masons ranges from $10.00 to $20.70 per hour.  Pay for masons
who have worked for the same employer for at least three years averages
$12.00 to $23.00 per hour.  Wages are generally higher in urban areas and
lower in rural areas.  

The basic union rate for Cement Masons at the journey-level is between
$20.26 and $21.60 per hour.  In addition to direct wages paid, employers'
pay fringe benefits which include vacation, savings, health and welfare 
programs, pensions and apprenticeship training.

Apprentices start at 65 percent of the basic journey rate and receive a 
5 percent increase each six months until they reach 90 percent of the 
journey-level rate, as the apprentice completes the necessary course work 
and on-the-job training.

The usual working hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Depending upon the union contract, overtime pay is time and a half for the
first three hours over eight hours and double time thereafter.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Training for this occupation is through the apprenticeship program provided
by the Cement Masons' Union.  The apprenticeship consists of three years'
on-the-job training and classroom instruction designed to give a broad,
working knowledge of the trade.  To become an apprentice a person must be at
least 17 years of age and have a job offer from a contractor willing to take
her or him as an apprentice.  There are no specific educational requirements
for becoming an apprentice; however, high school drafting, mathematics and
shop courses may be helpful.


ADVANCEMENT

With experience and good performance, Cement Masons can be appointed to crew
leader or superintendent positions by their contractors.  They can also
become cement contractors which requires a license.  The license is issued
by the State Contractor's Board and requires four years of journey-level
experience and the knowledge to pass the written trade and business tests.


FINDING THE JOB

Some Cement Masons obtain their work through the union.  Contractors call
the union each morning to hire workers.  They sometimes request masons who
specialize in particular types of work such as curbs, gutters, steps, form
setting, patching, or operating a powerfloat.  Cement Masons interested in
working for a government agency can apply at the various city, county or
State personnel offices.  Job seekers may also contact the California
Employment Development Department Job Service.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Cement Masons Local No. 400
4044 North Freeway Blvd. Suite 120
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 565-0128

Cement Masons Local No. 300  
2660 Newhell Street Room 160
San Francisco, CA 94124
(415) 468-4411

Cement Masons Local No. 627
5811 E. Florence Avenue
Bell Gardens, CA 90201-4685
(213) 771-0991

California Department of Industrial Relations
Division of Apprenticeship Standards
455 Golden Gate Avenue
PO Box 420603 
San Francisco, CA  94142
(415) 703-4920
http://www.dir.ca.gov/DAS/das.html

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Tile Setters                   No. 103
Brick Masons                   No. 204
Plasterers and Stucco Masons   No. 249

OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991)
Cement Mason               844.364-010
Concrete-Stone Finisher    844.461-010
Concrete Rubber            844.684-010
Terrazzo Worker            861.381-046

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Concrete and Terrazzo Finishers   873110

Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
        Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
        (916) 262-2162.