Cement mason and terrazzo worker career information:
- 2012 median pay: $35,760
- 2012, number of jobs: 135,200
- Employment growth forecast, 2010-2020: 34 percent
- Entry-level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Cement mason and terrazzo workers; what they do:
Cement masons do important and necessary foundational work, whereas terrazzo workers make it beautiful and attractive. Cement masons pour, smooth, and finish concrete floors, sidewalks, roads, and curbs. Terrazzo workers use a cement mixture to create decorative floor and stairway surfaces.
Cement mason careers involve installing reinforcing rebar or mesh wire into concrete for strength. Cement masons set forms which hold concrete in place, and direct cement trucks where to pour, then proceed to spread, level, and smooth concrete for a flat finish. Cement mason careers involve using tools such as a trowel, float, or screed.
While monitoring the drying of the cement, cement masons must consider the temperature, wind, and other elements which may affect the cement drying perfectly flat. Once the concrete has been poured and dried, cement masons apply sealants to waterproof and protect the surface.
Terrazzo workers do much of the same work as cement masons; they also blend in a marble chip mixture and then grind and polish surfaces for a more attractive look. Terrazzo workers specialize in creating decorative walkways, floors patios, and panels.
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Cement masons and terrazzo workers job titles:
- Concrete Finisher
- Cement Finisher
- Cement Mason
- Terrazzo Mechanic
- Terrazzo Grinder
- Terrazzo Installer
- Terrazzo Tile Setter
Cement Masons and Terrazzo Workers Education, Certification and License Requirements
A cement mason career and a terrazzo worker career generally begin with on-the-job training, shadowing a more experienced worker. Another option for cement masons and terrazzo workers is a three-year apprenticeship, usually sponsored by a union or contractor association.
Cement mason and terrazzo worker programs cover subjects such as:
- Edging
- Jointing
- Using a straightedge
- Proper use of masonry tools
Cement masons and terrazzo workers don’t need specific licenses or certifications.
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Cement Masons and Terrazzo Workers Job Outlook
Forecast: 35 percent growth in employment from 2010 to 2020 for cement masons, faster than the average for all occupations.
Cement masons help repair or build new highways, bridges, factories, and residential structures. An increasing number of buildings and homes are built out of cement due to increasingly severe weather patterns.
Terrazzo workers forecast: 15 percent growth in employment from 2010 to 2020, on par with the average for all occupations. Many schools, government buildings, and hospitals have terrazzo floor covering.
Cement Masons and Terrazzo Workers Salary
- 2012 median annual wage: $35,760
- 2012, workers at the 75th percentile annual wage: $47,170
- 2012, workers at the 25th percentile annual wage: $28,370
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