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The differences between cement finishers and cement masons can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cement mason has an average salary of $38,433, which is higher than the $37,711 average annual salary of a cement finisher.
The top three skills for a cement finisher include sidewalks, finishers and construction sites. The most important skills for a cement mason are hand tools, sidewalks, and expansion joints.
| Cement Finisher | Cement Mason | |
| Yearly salary | $37,711 | $38,433 |
| Hourly rate | $18.13 | $18.48 |
| Growth rate | -2% | -2% |
| Number of jobs | 10,084 | 15,737 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 55% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A cement finisher specializes in smoothing and leveling surfaces covered with freshly poured cement while adhering to construction guidelines and project specifications. They are responsible for coordinating with managers and fellow construction workers, understanding project guidelines, utilizing tools and equipment, and maintaining the cleanliness of work areas. There are also times when they must apply bolts, steel, hardening solutions, and other materials as necessary. Moreover, a cement finisher usually works alongside cement masons, which requires an open and transparent communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
A cement mason plays a vital role in every construction project. They specialize in pouring, spreading, forming, and even finishing cement in areas such as floors, ceilings, walls, and roads, ensuring procedures adhere to project guidelines and industry standards. They are also responsible for conducting measurements and other assessments, mixing cement, installing materials such as bolts and rebars to strengthen the cement, and applying compounds such as sealants and waterproofing mixtures. Moreover, a cement mason must maintain an open and transparent communication line with managers and co-workers for an efficient and safe workflow.
Cement finishers and cement masons have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cement Finisher | Cement Mason | |
| Average salary | $37,711 | $38,433 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $60,000 | Between $23,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | Pittsburgh, PA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | New York | New York |
| Best paying company | Hensel Phelps | DLR Group |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Construction |
There are a few differences between a cement finisher and a cement mason in terms of educational background:
| Cement Finisher | Cement Mason | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 55% |
| Most common major | Business | Masonry |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between cement finishers' and cement masons' demographics:
| Cement Finisher | Cement Mason | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4% | Male, 92.9% Female, 7.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 28.2% Asian, 0.9% White, 53.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3% | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 29.7% Asian, 0.9% White, 55.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |