A cement mason works in construction, mixing cement and applying it for a wide variety of purposes. Working either privately or employed by a construction company, a cement mason is responsible for preparing the molds into which the concrete is poured, overseeing the mixing process and often getting directly involved in it, and finally pouring the concrete into the mold. A cement mason is also responsible for quality control, making sure there are no leaks in the mold and that the mixture is spread out evenly across the entire space.
Cement masons, like most other construction workers and manual laborers, work their trade on the job, though there are some apprenticeship programs available for those who want to get a jumpstart in their careers. Prior working experience serves as the primary form of qualification for a cement mason. Additionally, good knowledge of modern tools used in the process is also beneficial. Intricate knowledge of construction materials and the way they interact with each other is a requirement for working at some high-ranking companies, and the candidate must also show a good sense of workplace safety.
A cement mason tends to be paid higher than most construction workers, with the median salary for 2009 being $41,000. The average annual salary for cement masons ranges from $35,000 to $55,000, and those employed by large construction companies that complete a large number of projects annually usually see substantially larger salaries. A cement mason’s experience is their most invaluable asset, and it can affect their salary drastically.