Michigan Occupational Information System
#118 - CEMENT MASON

Cement Masons smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete, streets, floors, walls, sidewalks, or curbs, or of other concrete products.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Cement Masons may:

Spread concrete to specified depth and consistency

Level, smooth, and shape surfaces of freshly poured concrete, using straightedges and floats

Finish surfaces by wetting concrete and rubbing with an abrasive stone

Remove rough or defective spots from surfaces using chisel and hammer and patch holes with fresh concrete or epoxy compound

Mold expansion joints and edges

Operate machines to smooth concrete surfaces

Mix cement, using hoes or mixing machines

Color and texture concrete to prescribed finish

Set forms

Tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

New products composed of materials other than concrete, such as resin, epoxies, and latex, are being used in the installation of floors, tanks, and surface coatings.

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Cement Masons may specialize in these areas:

844.364-010 CEMENT MASONS smooth and finish the surfaces of poured concrete streets, floors, walls, sidewalks, or curbs, or of other concrete products.

869.664-014 HIGHWAYS AND STREETS CEMENT MASONS finish surfaces of freshly poured concrete roads, walkways, and curbs to specified grade and shape, using hand tools such as floats, trowels, and screeds.

861.381-046 TERRAZZO WORKERS apply cement, sand, coloring materials, and marble chips to floors, stairways, and cabinet fixtures to attain durable and decorative surfaces.

844.684-010 CONCRETE RUBBERS finish surfaces of concrete products or structural elements after the forms have been removed. They mix sand, cement, and water in specified amounts to make a cement grout; wet the surface of the concrete being finished to ensure a good bond; fill holes and cracks with the grout; and smooth the surface, using a trowel. They also repair broken corners and chip, scrape, rub, and grind surfaces to obtain a specified finish.

844.461-010 CONCRETE-STONE FINISHERS finish ornamental stone facings and surfaces of concrete structural products, such as floor and roof slabs, highway dividers, grave markers, and ornamental flowerpots. Their duties are similar to those of Concrete Rubbers.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also wish to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Depending on the size of the job, Cement Masons may work alone or as a member of a team. On small projects, a Cement Mason assisted by one or two helpers may do all the concrete work. On large projects, a crew of several workers and many helpers may be employed. Most work outdoors. Terrazzo workers generally work indoors.

Work time may be lost because of rain or freezing weather. They may experience layoffs during the winter months.

Cement Masons are exposed to such hazards as back problems, muscle strains, knee problems from frequent kneeling, injuries from falls or falling objects, and skin irritations from handling cement.

Cement Masons usually work a 40-hour week. They often work overtime because, once concrete is poured, the job must be completed. They travel to different job sites at their own expense.

Cement Masons usually buy their own hand tools.

Most Cement Masons are members of one of the following unions and must pay union dues: Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Association of the United States and Canada or the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen. Union membership is concentrated in large metropolitan areas.

You Should Prefer:

• Using special machines, processes, or methods in your work

• Using tools to make things

• Seeing the physical results of your work

You Should Be Able To:

• Work rapidly and accurately with your hands

• Follow set procedures and standards

• Compare/see differences in size/shape/form of lines/figures/objects

• Picture objects from drawings or diagrams

• Rate information using standards that can be measured or checked

• Calculate amounts of concrete required for each job

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If one isolating footing required 1/2 yd. of concrete, how much concrete would be needed for a footing 3/4 as long?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Should be able to read and comprehend various kinds of cement for various cement masonry jobs.

For example, normal portland cement, modified portland cement, sulfate-resistant portland cement, portland-pozzolan, portland blast-furnace slag cements.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written estimate for a cement masonry job for a potential client.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Analytical skills in studying job specifications and decision-making skills in determining which materials to use for various kinds of masonry jobs.

To become an apprentice, you must be at least 17 years old and pass written and physical examinations. Employers prefer workers who are licensed to drive.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

032 CONSTRUCTION/BUILDING MAINTENANCE

Approved vocational education programs in the Construction/Building Maintenance prepare students to erect, maintain, and repair buildings, highways, airports, and other structures using materials such as metal, wood, stone, brick, glass, concrete, and composition substances. Instruction is given in cost estimating, the use of hand and power tools, and in following technical specifications and blueprints. Instruction may be given in classroom, shop, or laboratory settings or at the actual location of construction projects.

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:

CONSTRUCTION - (ON SITE)

CONSTRUCTION - (IN SCHOOL)

FLOOR COVERING

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

035 CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING TECH.

Construction and Building Technology programs provide opportunities to gain the needed knowledge and skills for employment in the many different types of construction and building jobs. Individuals who teach Construction and Building Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses within this program will vary but may include:

094 MASONRY

Programs in Masonry provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment as a beginning Brickmason and/or Cement Mason.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program  

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

013 CEMENT MASON

Many people enter occupations within this MOIScript through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

046 TERRAZZO WORKER

Some people enter occupations within this MOIScript through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

Building Terrazzo Steps/Curbs

Rolling/Toweling Terrazzo Fill to Grade

Laying out Pattern Designs from Sketches/Plans

Putting up Terrazzo Base/Wainscot/Scratch Coat

Laying Top Cement/Rodding Off/Mixing/Sprinkling Terrazzo

Making Pre-cast Terrazzo Steps/Floor Wainscot/Window Stool/Partitions

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check Military website at http://www.myfuture.com.

CONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS

What They Do

Construction specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Build foundations, floor slabs, and walls with brick, cement block, mortar, or stone

• Erect wood forming for building using hand and power tools, such as hammers, saws, levels, and drills

• Lay roofing materials, such as asphalt, tile, and wooden shingles

• Install plasterboard, plaster, and paneling to form interior walls and ceilings

• Lay wood and ceramic tile floors and build steps, staircases, and porches

• Build temporary shelters for storing supplies and equipment while on training maneuvers

Training Provided

Job training consists of 5 to 8 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in working with tools and materials. Course content typically includes:

• Building construction

• Masonry construction methods

• Types and uses of construction joints and braces

• Interpretation of blueprints and drawings

• How to mix and set concrete, mortar, and plaster

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. The Army, Navy and Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship programs in this occupation.

Physical Demands

Construction specialists may have to lift and carry heavy building materials, such as lumber, plasterboard, and concrete. Sometimes, they climb and work from ladders and scaffolding.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include math, woodworking, and industrial arts. Helpful attributes include:

• Preference for doing physical work

• Ability to work with blueprints

• Interest in using power tools

Work Environment

Construction specialists work indoors and outdoors on construction sites.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian construction specialists work for construction or remodeling contractors, government agencies, utility companies, or manufacturing firms. They perform duties similar to military construction specialists. They may also be called bricklayers, stonemasons, cement masons, cement finishers, carpenters, or cabinetmakers.

Opportunities

The military has about 6,000 construction specialists. On average, the services need about 700 new specialists each year. After job training, construction specialists work on construction projects under close supervision. Initially, they perform simple work, such as form building and rough framing. With experience, they perform more difficult tasks. In time, they may supervise and train other specialists. They may become construction superintendents.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Postsecondary programs in masonry, construction and building technology, and concrete technology may offer co-op or work experience segments. Secondary vocational education programs in construction trades may offer co-op opportunities also. Service in the military and apprenticeships are other ways to gain experience.

            School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Cement Mason employer

internships

volunteer work with a Cement Mason employer

community service work with an agency

Persons wishing to get a job as a Cement Mason should apply directly to employers or complete an apprenticeship. Assistance may be obtained from high school counselors, local unions, and apprentice training consultants at local offices of the Michigan Works!. Newspaper want ads may list openings. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank (http://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage)

America's Job bank (http://www.ajb.dni.us)

Building Industry Exchange (http://www.building.org)

Building Industry Association of Southeastern Michigan (http://www.builders.org)

ConstructionGigs.com (http://www.constructiongigs.com)

Michigan Dept. of Career Development (http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd)

Michigan Works!  (http://www.michiganworks.org)

            You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Cement Masons are usually paid an hourly rate that is governed by the union contract covering the location of the job site. Non-union wages are usually lower than those of union workers.

Nationally, basic hourly wage rates for Cement Masons employed in residential construction average $19.39 in early 2002. Weekly median earnings for all Cement Masons were $545 in 2001. The median weekly earnings of  "all" workers in the U.S. were $597 in 2001.

Union hourly wage rates, including fringe benefits, in Michigan were  (early 2002):

Apprentice Cement Masons start at a rate of pay that is about 50%-75% of the journey worker rate. Overtime pay is usually 1 1/2 - 2 times the hourly rate. Cement Masons employed on jobs above ground level may receive extra pay.

Cement Masons employed by the State of Michigan earned between $13.87 and $20.88 per hour in mid 2002.

The 2000 graduates of high school vocational education programs in Michigan working in jobs related to this occupation earned a beginning average of $10.19 per hour in 2001.

Unionized Cement Masons may receive fringe benefits directly from their employer or through union welfare, pension, and vacation funds. Benefits may include health and life insurance, paid vacations, and pension plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer. Fringe benefits for nonunion workers depend on the employer.  

Cement Masons usually start as apprentices. Others learn their trade through on-the-job training as helpers or trainees. A career ladder may be: apprentice/trainee; Cement Mason; supervisor; job estimator; business owner. Job experience is an important factor in the advancement of Cement Masons. Some experienced workers start their own contracting businesses.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 152,600 Cement Masons and Terrazzo Workers were employed in 2000. Employment is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2010. Additionally, about 5.5% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Cement Masons looked like this:

The employment rate of Cement Masons is tied to construction activity and the overall economy. Greater use of concrete as a building material will effect employment opportunities favorably. As the population and economy grow, more of these workers will be needed to help build apartments, offices, and industrial buildings; build and re-build streets and highways; and build other structures.

About 3,925 Cement Masons and Terrazzo Workers are employed in Michigan. Most worked in urban areas for general contractors and specialty contractors. A small number were employed by government public works departments and manufacturing firms.

Employment of Cement Mason in Michigan is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2008. An average of 100 annual openings is expected with 50 due to growth and 50 due to replacement of workers who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other job or occupations. In late 2001, there were 24 apprentices in training for this occupation.

A positive factor affecting the employment of cement masons is that concrete is increasingly being used to replace other materials in structural materials in large buildings, such as pre-stressed concrete columns rather than structural steel. Also, the addition of antifreeze compounds to concrete and the use of temporary, heat plastic shelters make more year round work possible.  

MICHIGAN'S AREA EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2008 

EMPLOYMENT                   NUMBER                    PERCENT                   PROJECTED YEARLY                          REGION                               EMPLOYED               GROWTH                    JOB OPENINGS  

  Ann Arbor Area                       205                               18.4                           6

  Battle Creek Area                     185                               15.8                           5

  Benton Harbor Area                  55                                 12.3                           2

  Central Michigan                        70                                 26.4                           3

  Detroit MSA                              1,690                            17.2                           49

  East Central Michigan                 50                                 14.6                           2

  Flint Area                                    260                               11.1                           6

  Grand Rapids Area                      370                               12.3                          9

  Jackson Area                               25                                 20.8                          1

  Kalamazoo Area                          155                               18.6                          5

  Lansing MSA                               155                               16.1                           5

  Muskegon Area                            45                                 8.7                             1

  Northeast Lower Peninsula           30                                 17.9                            1

  Northwest Lower Peninsula          120                               37.7                            6

  Saginaw MSA                              240                               12.0                            6

  Thumb Area                                 60                                 36.2                            3

  Upper Peninsula                           100                               13.1                             2

  West Central Michigan                 55                                 8.9                               2  

MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Cement Mason can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Occupational InformationSystemsm