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A
Michigan Jobs & Career Portal
service.
Cement Masons smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete such as: streets, floors, walls, sidewalks, or curbs, or of other concrete products, using variety of hand & power tools.
JOB DUTIES
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 the forms that hold concrete to the desired pitch and depth, and align them
To view Cement Masons at work click
here
.
Tools, equipment, and materials used may include:
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* Electric concrete vibrators
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* Drill rods, wire brushes, & brooms
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* Powered wheelbarrows & floats
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* Plumb bobs, jointers, & gagelines
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* Cement finishing machines
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* Mortar boards and pry bars
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* Wood and metal forms
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* Hydraulic joint-forming machines
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* Grouts, trowels, and chisels
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* Cinder, concrete, gypsum & mortar
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* Brick, stone, tile and marble
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* Tape measures and squares
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* Hammers and tie wires
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* Files and scrapers
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* Blueprints
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* Transoms
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* Cement retainers
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* Concrete spreaders
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* Terra cotta and gloss
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* Cellular Telephones
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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 Career Exploration Scripts:
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, injury 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 Craftworkers
. Union membership is concentrated in large metropolitan areas.
You Should Prefer:
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Using special machines, processes, or methods in your work
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Using tools to make things
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Seeing the physical results of your work
You Should Be Able To:
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Work rapidly and accurately with your hands
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Follow set procedures and standards
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Compare/see differences in size/shape/form of lines/figures/objects
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Picture objects from drawings or diagrams
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Rate information using standards that can be measured or checked
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Calculate amounts of concrete required for each job
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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 Career Exploration Script:
***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.
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Students should obtain the local
Education & Training Opportunities
for information on what happens to students who successfully complete a program. This information is available at each high school or career/technical center.
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***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:
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Plumbing
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Metal Working & Welding
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Carpentry
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Electric Circuits & Controls
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Care & Use of Tools
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Measurement & Blueprint Reading
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Construction Materials
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Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning
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Cement & Brick Masonry
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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:
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Brick & Block Laying
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Materials Estimating
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Brick & Block Repair
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Planning & Layout
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Cutting & Shaping Brick
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Decorative Concrete Landscaping
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Use & Care of Tools
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Concrete Products
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Concrete Technology
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Search for a College and/or Instructional Program
***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***
013
CEMENT MASON
Many people enter occupations within this Career Exploration Script 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
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Waterproofing
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Rough Finishing-Hand or Machine
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Patch-Hand Rubbing
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Use of Edgers, Jointers and Floats
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Use a Vibrating Machine
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Proper Mix and Consistency of Cement
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Safety and Good Work Habits
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Learning to Set Forms and Lay Out Work
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Pouring and Tamping Concrete
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Protecting New Concrete From the Weather
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Hand Toweling to Smooth Finish
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WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM
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Prepare Bids
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"Hands-on" Practice With Tools
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Building Codes
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Determine Quantities of Materials
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Safety and First Aid
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Estimate Cost from Construction Drawings
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Architectural Drafting
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Mix Waterproof Compounds
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Reading Plans and Sketches
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Laying Out and Constructing Bases, Steps and Corners
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Related Science (Physical and Chemical Properties of Cement)
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Related Math/Angles/Volumes/Fractions/Proportions/Weights/Measures
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046
TERRAZZO WORKER
Some people enter occupations within this Career Exploration Script 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
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Acid Washing
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Laying Screeds/Rodding off Concrete
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Setting Grade Strips
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Care/Use/Maintenance of All Tools
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Shooting Water Levels
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Mixing Base Concrete/Top Cement Fill
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Machine Grinding/Polishing
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Setting Grounds for Terrazzo Base/Curbs
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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
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Blueprint Reading
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Mechanical Drawing
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Layout Work
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Shop Safety Practices
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Basic Math
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***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:
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Build foundations, floor slabs, and walls with brick, cement block, mortar, or stone
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Erect wood forming for building using hand and power tools, such as hammers, saws, levels, and drills
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Lay roofing materials, such as asphalt, tile, and wooden shingles
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Install plasterboard, plaster, and paneling to form interior walls and ceilings
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Lay wood and ceramic tile floors and build steps, staircases, and porches
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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:
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Masonry construction methods
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Types and uses of construction joints and braces
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Interpretation of blueprints and drawings
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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:
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Preference for doing physical work
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Ability to work with blueprints
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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 exact number of construction specialists in the military is unknown. 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
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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:
You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.
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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 $24.24 in early 2009. Cement Masons employed in commercial and industrial construction earned an hourly wage of $34.90. Weekly median earnings for all Cement Masons were $574 or $14.35 per hour in 2008. The median hourly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $18.05 in 2008.
Union hourly wage rates, including fringe benefits, in Michigan were (early 2009):
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Area
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Hourly Rate
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Detroit
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$45.26
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Grand Rapids
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$31.90
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Kalamazoo
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$37.57
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Jackson
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$35.42
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Saginaw, Bay City, Midland
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$35.74
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Lansing
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$35.42
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Muskegon
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$31.90
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Traverse City
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$33.42
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Marquette
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$36.95
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Flint
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$36.34
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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 $16.41 and $25.20 per hour in mid 2009.
The 2007 graduates of high school vocational education programs in Michigan working in jobs related to this occupation earned a beginning average of $10.37 per hour in 2008.
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.
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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK
Nationally, about 228,300 Cement Masons, Concrete Finishers, and Terrazzo Workers were employed in 2006. Employment is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. Additionally, about 2.0 % of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Cement Masons looked like this:
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NAICS Code
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NAICS Industry Title
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% Employed
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238110
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Poured concrete foundation and structure contractors
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36.3
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238900
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Other specialty trade contractors
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20.2
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236000
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Construction of buildings
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13.5
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237000
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Heavy and civil engineering construction
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8.9
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31-33
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Manufacturing
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3.5
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561300
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Employment services
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1.0
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--
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Others
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16.6
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To find employers, click
Employer/Business Locator.
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 4,450 Cement Masons, Concrete Finishers, 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 faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. An average of 160 annual openings is expected with 70 due to growth and 90 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 2008, there were 49 apprentices in training for this occupation, and 7 completed the apprentice program during the prior 12 months.
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.
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MICHIGAN'S AREA EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2014 EMPLOYMENT
REGION
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NUMBER
EMPLOYED
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PERCENT
GROWTH
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PROJECTED
YEARLY JOB
OPENINGS
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MICHIGAN - State-wide
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4,450
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15.2
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160
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Ann Arbor Area
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235
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19.6
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9
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Battle Creek Area
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80
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17.1
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3
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Benton Harbor Area
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105
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15.5
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4
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Detroit Area
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1,380
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15.0
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49
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East Central Michigan
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65
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20.9
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3
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Flint Area
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370
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10.2
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11
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Grand Rapids Area
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550
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20.0
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22
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Jackson Area
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125
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27.8
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6
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Kalamazoo Area
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140
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9.4
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4
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Lansing MSA
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245
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12.2
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8
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Northeast Lower Peninsula
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50
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20.0
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2
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Northwest Lower Peninsula
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445
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16.6
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16
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Saginaw Area
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165
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11.0
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5
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Thumb Area
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105
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15.0
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4
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Upper Peninsula
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135
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5.8
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4
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West Central Michigan
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100
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16.8
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4
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*NOTE: Areas may not add up to state-wide total due to rounding, sampling or statistical errors, and/or confidentiality issues.
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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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U.S. Department of Labor
Bureau of Apprenticeship
and Training
State Director's Office
315 W. Allegan, Room 209
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 377-1746
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Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons
International Association of
the United States and Canada
11720 Beltsville Dr.,
Suite 700
Beltsville, MD 20705
(301) 623-1000
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Masonry Institute of Michigan
24725 W. Twelve Mile Rd.
Suite 388
Southfield, MI 48034
(248) 663-0415
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Michigan Department of Energy,
Labor & Economic Growth
Residential Builder's Board
P.O. Box 30254
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 541-9313
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International Union of Bricklayers
and Allied Craftworkers
620 F. Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 783-3788
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Associated General Contractors of America, Inc.,
Michigan Chapter
26001 5 Mile Road
Redford, MI 48239
(313) 533-3509
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Mason Contractors' Association, Inc.
24725 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Suite 385
Southfield, MI 48034
(248) 208-9878
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Mason Contractors Association of America
33 South Roselle Rd.
Schaumburg, IL 60193
(800) 536-2225
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Michigan Jobs & Career Portal
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Michigan Works!
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