CEMENT MASONS Number 181 Interest Area 5-B 1998
THE JOB
CEMENT MASONS pour, smooth and finish concrete surfaces such as floors, walls, sidewalks and curbs using hand and power tools. Their work encompasses such small projects as backyard patios to large jobs such as concrete highways.
Before concrete is poured, Cement Masons (also called cement finishers) check the forms (which hold the concrete) to see that they are properly constructed. During the pour, laborers spread the concrete to the desired depth, using shovels and rakes. On small jobs, the Cement Masons may mix or direct the mixing of the concrete and also pour and spread the concrete. Cement Masons level, smooth, finish and shape the concrete surfaces, using a variety of hand tools such as straightedges, tamps, floats and trowels. Power trowels may be used on large-scale projects, but corners, edges and hard-to-reach places must still be finished by hand. In some projects, machines are used in the leveling and troweling process. Masons mold joints and edges, using hand tools such as edgers, jointers and straightedges. They remove rough spots from surfaces with power grinders, hammers and chisels and patch holes with a fresh cement mixture. Cement Masons can create desired textures and colors using a variety of brushes, belts, coloring powders and terrazzo (marble) chips. Crew leaders may also direct the preliminary work such as setting forms or grading soil. Cement Masons must be familiar with the characteristics of various cements and concrete mixes and be knowledgeable of the effects of weather upon the curing of concrete.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Cement Masons are employed primarily by general contractors and by cement subcontractors; a few work for local governments. They typically work out- of-doors on construction sites. Cement Masons are exposed to most types of weather, except heavy rain or snow, and must work around wet concrete. Potential hazards include the possibility of falls, falling objects, back injuries, knee injuries and cement poisoning. Protective equipment used by Cement Masons includes rubber boots, gloves, hard hats, knee pads, face respirators (for cement dust) and safety glasses. This work is strenuous and involves much pushing and pulling, reaching and handling, bending and stooping, kneeling and crawling, and walking. The work may require climbing or working from scaffolds and may also involve lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 100 pounds. Some Cement Masons belong to the Cement Masons' Union. Some locals of this union provide their apprentices with a set of hand tools, boots and knee pads.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent the broad occupational group Concrete and Terrazzo Finishers which includes Cement Masons.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 12,920 Estimated number of workers in 2005 21,570 Projected Growth 1993-2005 67% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 3,360
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
During the projection period, Cement Masons are expected to grow at a rate that is faster than the average rate for all occupations. Demand for Cement Masons is highly dependent upon over-all construction activity levels. The work is also somewhat seasonal, though California's mild climate permits work to continue throughout the year, except in mountainous regions.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Pay for Cement Masons varies depending upon experience. Average starting salaries range from $5.50 to about $20.00 per hour. Average starting pay for experienced masons range from $10.00 to $20.70 per hour. Pay for masons who have worked for the same employer for at least three years averages $12.00 to $23.00 per hour. Wages are generally higher in urban areas and lower in rural areas.
The basic union rate for Cement Masons at the journey-level is between $20.26 and $21.60 per hour. In addition to direct wages paid, employers' contributions pay fringe benefits which include vacation, savings, health and welfare programs, pensions and apprenticeship training.
Apprentices start at 65% of the basic journey rate and receive a 5% increase each six months until they reach 90% of the journey rate, as the apprentice completes the necessary course work and on-the-job training.
The usual working hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Depending on the union contract, overtime pay is time and a half for the first three hours over eight hours and double time thereafter.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Training for this occupation is through the apprenticeship program provided by the Cement Masons' Union. The apprenticeship consists of three years' on-the-job training and classroom instruction designed to give a broad, working knowledge of the trade. To become an apprentice a person must be at least 17 years of age and have a job offer from a contractor willing to take her or him as an apprentice. There are no specific educational requirements for becoming an apprentice; however, high school drafting, mathematics and shop courses may be helpful.
ADVANCEMENT
With experience and good performance, Cement Masons can be appointed to crew leader or superintendent positions by their contractors. They can also become cement contractors which requires a license. The license is issued by the State Contractor's Board and requires four years of journey-level experience and the knowledge to pass the written trade and business tests.
FINDING THE JOB
Some Cement Masons obtain their work through the union. Contractors call the union each morning to hire workers. They sometimes request masons who specialize in particular types of work such as curbs, gutters, steps, form setting, patching, or operating a powerfloat. Cement Masons interested in working for a government agency can apply at the various city, county or State personnel offices. Job seekers may also contact the California Employment Development Department Job Service.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Cement Masons Local No. 400 4044 North Freeway Blvd. Suite 120 Sacramento, CA 95834 (916) 565-0128
Cement Masons Local No. 300 2660 Newhell Street Room 160 San Francisco, CA 94124 (415) 468-4411
Cement Masons Local No. 627 5811 E. Florence Avenue Bell Gardens, CA 90201-4685 (213) 771-0991
Division of Apprenticeship Standards 455 Golden Gate Avenue, Room 1193 PO Box 420603 San Francisco, CA 94142 (415) 975-2035
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Tile Setters No. 103 Brick Masons No. 204 Plasterers and Stucco Masons No. 249
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Cement Mason 844.364-010 Concrete-Stone Finisher 844.461-010 Concrete Rubber 844.684-010 Terrazzo Worker 861.381-046
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Concrete and Terrazzo Finishers 873110
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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