What does a concrete mason do?
Concrete mason responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real concrete mason resumes:
- concrete, pour slabs, dig footers
- Direct the casting of the concrete and laborers who use shovels or special tools to spread it.
- Lay block (all types including glass), install headers for windows, doors, and openings.
- Work side by side with head mason to assist with brick transportation and installation and other masonry tasks.
- Ensure the historical integrity of properties through application of masonry techniques and detail cosmetic repairs.
- Spread, level, and smooth concrete, using shovel, hand or power trowel.
- Wet surface to prepare for bonding, fill holes and cracks with grout and slurry, and smooth, using trowel.
- Supervise employees in addition to laying blocks and finishing cement.
- Spread a mixture of cement, lime, sand, and water with a trowel onto surface.
Concrete mason skills and personality traits
We calculated that 17% of Concrete Masons are proficient in Rebar, Manual Labor, and Expansion Joints. They’re also known for soft skills such as Color vision, Dexterity, and Physical strength.
We break down the percentage of Concrete Masons that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Rebar, 17%
Rubbed and patched columns, trowel, rebar, poured and finished concrete slabs and floors for industrial use.
- Manual Labor, 16%
Concrete work Making forms General Manual Labor
- Expansion Joints, 11%
Align forms for sidewalks, curbs, or gutters; patch voids; use saws to cut expansion joints.
- Construction Projects, 11%
Collaborated with the general contractor in order to approximate the budget for construction projects and establish proposals for the company.
- Concrete Structures, 9%
Work to achieve the desired texture floors, walls or any concrete structures.
- Shovels, 7%
Direct the casting of the concrete and supervise laborers who use shovels or special tools to spread it.
Most concrete masons use their skills in "rebar," "manual labor," and "expansion joints" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential concrete mason responsibilities here:
Color vision. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a concrete mason to have is color vision. Their role and responsibilities require that "masonry workers need to be able to distinguish between small variations in color when setting terrazzo patterns in order to produce the best looking finish." Concrete masons often use color vision in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "poured and finished slabs, stairs, sidewalks, and ramps finished colored concrete, stamped concrete, and exposed aggregate"
Dexterity. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling concrete mason duties is dexterity. The role rewards competence in this skill because "masonry workers must be able to place bricks, stones, and other materials with precision." According to a concrete mason resume, here's how concrete masons can utilize dexterity in their job responsibilities: "operate heavy equipment when needed for job such as backhoe, front end loaders, telescopic lifts etc. "
Physical strength. concrete masons are also known for physical strength, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to concrete mason responsibilities, because "masonry workers should be able to lift more than 50 pounds." A concrete mason resume example shows how physical strength is used in the workplace: "provide physical labor including lifting/transferring masonry blocks and supplies. "
The three companies that hire the most concrete masons are:
- Calportland1 concrete masons jobs
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Compare different concrete masons
Concrete mason vs. Finisher
A finisher is an individual who completes, perfects, or puts an end to a certain job, especially in trades. Finishers perform the initial set of forms, proper gravel grade, and tying of rebar. They get rid of dents and fill the uneven surface using a molten solder. It is their job to read, understand, and later work orders based on the safety regulations of OSHA. The skills they need to stay in this position include customer service and relations, communication skills, leadership, and attention to detail.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, concrete mason responsibilities require skills like "rebar," "manual labor," "expansion joints," and "construction projects." Meanwhile a typical finisher has skills in areas such as "hand tools," "finishers," "customer service," and "donuts." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Finishers tend to make the most money working in the automotive industry, where they earn an average salary of $34,627. In contrast, concrete masons make the biggest average salary, $42,848, in the construction industry.On average, finishers reach similar levels of education than concrete masons. Finishers are 0.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Concrete mason vs. Cement gun operator
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.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that concrete mason responsibilities requires skills like "rebar," "manual labor," "expansion joints," and "construction projects." But a cement gun operator might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "cdl," "dot," "rig," and "log book."
Cement gun operators earn similar levels of education than concrete masons in general. They're 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Concrete mason vs. Cement finisher
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a concrete mason is likely to be skilled in "manual labor," "design," "demo," and "commercial buildings," while a typical cement finisher is skilled in "sidewalks," "finishers," "drivers license," and "smooth surfaces."
Cement finishers make a very good living in the construction industry with an average annual salary of $42,048. On the other hand, concrete masons are paid the highest salary in the construction industry, with average annual pay of $42,848.When it comes to education, cement finishers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to concrete masons. In fact, they're 1.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Concrete mason vs. Cement finisher helper
Types of concrete mason
Updated January 8, 2025
