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Cement mason vs finish carpenter

The differences between cement masons and finish carpenters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a finish carpenter has an average salary of $46,987, which is higher than the $38,433 average annual salary of a cement mason.

The top three skills for a cement mason include hand tools, sidewalks and expansion joints. The most important skills for a finish carpenter are hand tools, custom cabinets, and safety rules.

Cement mason vs finish carpenter overview

Cement MasonFinish Carpenter
Yearly salary$38,433$46,987
Hourly rate$18.48$22.59
Growth rate-2%2%
Number of jobs15,73711,653
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 55%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age4042
Years of experience-12

What does a cement mason do?

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.

What does a finish carpenter do?

Finish carpenters are skilled professionals who perform the final touches on homes after the structure is fully built. These carpenters must carry out various tasks such as installing doors, building bookshelves, and adding designs to window and door trims. They are required to follow work from sketches and drawings to complete the job to the right specifications as well as collecting the correct materials before beginning a job. Finish carpenters must also dismantle and demolish before carrying out repairs or installing new materials.

Cement mason vs finish carpenter salary

Cement masons and finish carpenters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cement MasonFinish Carpenter
Average salary$38,433$46,987
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $63,000Between $34,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYBoston, MA
Highest paying stateNew YorkMassachusetts
Best paying companyDLR GroupTurner Construction
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between cement mason and finish carpenter education

There are a few differences between a cement mason and a finish carpenter in terms of educational background:

Cement MasonFinish Carpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 55%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorMasonryBusiness
Most common college--

Cement mason vs finish carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between cement masons' and finish carpenters' demographics:

Cement MasonFinish Carpenter
Average age4042
Gender ratioMale, 92.9% Female, 7.1%Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between cement mason and finish carpenter duties and responsibilities

Cement mason example responsibilities.

  • Set and brick in incinerators.
  • Form straight curb and gutter and roll curb and gutter.
  • Dig, spread, and levele dirt and gravel, using picks and shovels.
  • Haul concrete and dirt using dump truck, operate tow trailer, operate bobcat and tractor.
  • Pour cement, form setting, tractor grading, dig outs, used level instrument to set grades ,
  • Ensure the historical integrity of properties through application of masonry techniques and detail cosmetic repairs.
  • Show more

Finish carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Install cabinets, vinyl, FRP, carpet, windows, Sheetrock, painting, HVAC
  • Assist with electrical wiring and HVAC installation.
  • Operate tools like lather, drills, sanders and planers.
  • Demo rooms and add on with new framing Sheetrock and flooring.
  • Assist HVAC technicians with changing filters and belts on the air handler units.
  • Complete demo of existing cabinets, tile, drywall, electrical wirings, appliances etc.
  • Show more

Cement mason vs finish carpenter skills

Common cement mason skills
  • Hand Tools, 18%
  • Sidewalks, 17%
  • Expansion Joints, 8%
  • Tape Measure, 6%
  • Construction Projects, 6%
  • Screeds, 5%
Common finish carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 19%
  • Custom Cabinets, 13%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • Drywall Installation, 4%
  • Door Hardware, 4%
  • Window Installation, 3%

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