Cement Masons and Terrazzo Workers

Summary

Cement masons often guide concrete into a form.

Quick Facts: Cement Masons and Terrazzo Workers
2010 Median Pay	$35,530 per year $17.08 per hour
Entry-Level Education	See How to Become One
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	See How to Become One
Number of Jobs, 2010	148,400
Job Outlook, 2010-20	34% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	50,700

What Cement Masons and Terrazzo Workers Do

Cement masons pour, smooth, and finish concrete floors, sidewalks, roads, and curbs. Using a cement mixture, terrazzo workers create durable and decorative surfaces for floors and stairways.

Work Environment

Concrete and terrazzo work is fast paced and strenuous and often involves kneeling, bending, and reaching. Because many jobs are outdoors, work generally stops in wet weather.

How to Become a Cement Mason or Terrazzo Worker

Although most cement masons and terrazzo workers learn informally on the job, some learn their trade through a formal apprenticeship.

Pay

In May 2010, the median annual wage of cement masons was $35,450, and the median annual wage of terrazzo workers was $38,720.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of cement masons and terrazzo workers is projected to grow 34 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Although employment growth will vary by specialty, both specialties’ growth will depend on the number of heavy construction and civil construction projects, including roads, bridges, and buildings. Applicants who take masonry-related courses at technical schools will have the best job opportunities.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of cement masons and terrazzo workers with similar occupations.

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Contacts for More Information

Learn more about cement masons and terrazzo workers by contacting these additional resources.

What Cement Masons and Terrazzo Workers Do About this section

Cement masons and terrazzo workers install reinforcing rebar or mesh wire to strengthen the concrete.

Cement masons pour, smooth, and finish concrete floors, sidewalks, roads, and curbs. Using a cement mixture, terrazzo workers create durable and decorative surfaces for floors and stairways.

Duties

Cement masons typically do the following:

• Set the forms that hold concrete in place
• Install reinforcing rebar or mesh wire to strengthen the concrete
• Signal truck drivers to facilitate the pouring of concrete
• Spread, level, and smooth concrete, using a trowel, float, or screed
• Mold expansion joints and edges
• Monitor curing (hardening) to ensure a durable, smooth, and uniform finish
• Apply sealants or waterproofing to protect concrete

Terrazzo workers typically do the following (in addition to what cement masons do):

• Measure ingredients for terrazzo
• Blend a marble chip mixture that may have colors in it 
• Grind and polish surfaces for a smooth, lustrous look

Concrete is one of the most common and durable materials used in construction. Once set, concrete—a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water—becomes the foundation for everything from decorative patios and floors to huge dams or miles of roadways.

The following are types of cement masons and terrazzo workers:

Cement masons and concrete finishers place and finish concrete. They may color concrete surfaces, expose aggregate (small stones) in walls and sidewalks, or make concrete beams, columns, and panels.

Throughout the process of pouring, leveling, and finishing concrete, cement masons must monitor how the wind, heat, or cold affects the curing of the concrete. They must have a thorough knowledge of the characteristics of concrete so that, by using sight and touch, they can determine what is happening to the concrete and take measures to prevent defects.

Terrazzo workers and finishers create decorative walkways, floors, patios, and panels. Although much of the preliminary work in pouring, leveling, and finishing concrete is similar to that of cement masons, terrazzo workers create more decorative finishes by blending a fine marble chip into the cement, which is often colored. Once the terrazzo is thoroughly set, workers correct any depressions or imperfections with a grinder to create a smooth, uniform finish.

Work Environment About this section

Cement masons spread concrete in forms for a floor.

Concrete masons and terrazzo workers held about 148,400 jobs in 2010. About 87 percent were employed in the construction industry, mostly 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.

Injuries

Cement masons experience lower rates of injuries and illnesses than terrazzo workers. However, both group of workers may experience chemical burns from uncured concrete, falls from scaffolding, and cuts from tools. To avoid injuries, many workers wear protective gear, including kneepads and water-repellent boots.

Work Schedules

Most cement masons and terrazzo workers are employed full time.

About 6 percent were self-employed in 2010. Many of them can set their own schedule.

Because many jobs are outdoors, work generally stops in wet or cold weather. Hours may vary for other reasons, such as construction deadlines or coordination with other work activities.

How to Become a Cement Mason or Terrazzo Worker About this section

Concrete work is strenuous and often involves kneeling, bending, and reaching.

Although most cement masons and terrazzo workers learn informally on the job, some learn their trade through a formal apprenticeship.

Training

Most on-the-job training programs consist of informal instruction in which experienced workers teach helpers to use the tools, equipment, machines, and materials of the trade. Trainees begin with tasks such as edging, jointing, and using a straightedge on freshly placed concrete. As training progresses, assignments become more complex and trainees can usually do finishing work more quickly.

Some cement masons and terrazzo workers learn their trade through a 3-year apprenticeship.  Each year, apprentices must have at least 144 hours of technical instruction and 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. Apprentices learn construction basics such as blueprint reading, mathematics, building code requirements, and safety and first-aid practices.   

After completing an apprenticeship program, cement masons and terrazzo workers are considered to be journey workers, qualifying them to do tasks on their own. 

Several groups, including unions and contractor associations, sponsor apprenticeship programs. The basic qualifications for entering an apprenticeship program are

• Minimum age of 18
• High school education or equivalent
• Physically able to do the work

Some contractors have their own cement masonry or terrazzo training programs. Although workers may enter apprenticeships directly, many start out as helpers or construction laborers. For more information, see the profile on construction laborers.   

Education

While there are no specific education requirements for cement masons and concrete finishers, terrazzo workers must usually have a high school diploma. High school courses in math, mechanical drawing, and blueprint reading are considered to helpful.

Important 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 strength. Cement masons and terrazzo workers must be able to lift and carry heavy materials. For example, the forms into which concrete is poured are often large and heavy. 

Stamina. Cement masons and terrazzo workers must be able to spend a lot of time kneeling, bending, and reaching.

Pay About this section

The median annual wage of cement masons and terrazzo workers was $35,530 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

The median annual wage of cement masons was $35,450 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,130, and the top 10 percent earned more than $63,400.

The median annual wage of terrazzo workers was $38,720 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,190, and the top 10 percent earned more than $63,650.

The starting pay for apprentices usually is between 30 percent and 50 percent of what fully trained workers make. Apprentices receive pay increases as they gain more skill.

Most cement masons and terrazzo workers are employed full time. About 6 percent are self-employed, many of whom have the ability to set their own schedule. Because many jobs are outdoors, work generally stops in wet or cold weather. Hours may vary for other reasons, such as construction deadlines or coordination with other work activities.

Job Outlook About this section

Overall employment of cement masons and terrazzo workers is projected to grow 34 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Although employment growth will vary by specialty, both specialties’ growth will depend on the number of heavy construction and civil construction projects, including roads, bridges, and buildings.

Employment of cement masons is projected to grow 35 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations. More cement masons will be needed to build new highways, bridges, factories, and residential structures to meet the demands of a growing population.

In addition, cement masons will be needed to repair and renovate existing highways and bridges and other aging structures.

The use of concrete for buildings is increasing because its strength is an important asset in areas prone to severe weather. For example, residential construction projects in Florida are using more concrete as building requirements change in reaction to the increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes. The use of concrete is likely to expand into other hurricane-prone areas as the durability of the Florida homes becomes more established.

Employment of terrazzo workers is projected to grow 15 percent, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Terrazzo is a durable and attractive flooring option that is often used in schools, government buildings, and hospitals. The construction and renovation of such buildings will spur demand for these workers.

Job Prospects

Job opportunities for cement masons and terrazzo workers are expected to be good, particularly for those with more experience and skills. During peak construction periods, employers report difficulty in finding workers with the right skills, because many qualified jobseekers often prefer work that is less strenuous and has more comfortable working conditions.

Applicants who take masonry-related courses at technical schools will have the best job opportunities.

As with many other construction workers, employment of cement masons and terrazzo workers 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, shortages of workers may occur in some areas during peak periods of building activity.

Contacts for More Information About this section

For information about apprenticeships or job opportunities as a cement mason or terrazzo worker, contact local cement or terrazzo contractors, a local joint union–management apprenticeship committee, or the nearest office of your state employment service or apprenticeship agency. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor's toll-free help line, 1 (877) 872-5627, or Employment and Training Administration.

For general information about cement masons and terrazzo workers, visit

Associated Builders and Contractors

Associated General Contractors of America

International Masonry Institute

National Center for Construction Education and Research

The National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association

Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association 

For more information about careers and training as a mason, visit

Mason Contractors Association of America