The type of masonry that typically offers the highest earning potential is Cement Finishing.
Top Earning Potential in Masonry
Among various masonry specializations, concrete work, particularly as a Cement Finisher, stands out for its potential to yield higher annual incomes. These skilled tradespeople are responsible for ensuring the smooth and finished appearance of concrete surfaces, a critical component in many construction projects.
Cement finishers often earn a top annual salary of around \$74,000, which is generally higher than other masonry professions. This demanding role requires precision and expertise in working with concrete from its liquid to its hardened state, shaping and smoothing it for various applications.
Understanding Masonry Salaries
While the specific earnings can vary based on experience, location, project complexity, and union membership, a clear hierarchy of earning potential exists within masonry. The following table provides a snapshot of typical salary ranges for various masonry roles:
| Masonry Type | Typical Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Cement Finisher | \$48,500 - \$74,000 |
| Cement Mason | \$34,000 - \$72,500 |
| Bricklayer | \$46,000 - \$67,500 |
| Mason | \$48,500 - \$62,000 |
| Stonemason | \$52,000 - \$62,000 |
Factors Influencing Masonry Pay
Several elements contribute to how much a masonry professional can earn:
- Specialization and Skill: Roles requiring highly specialized skills, such as advanced concrete finishing techniques or intricate stonework, often command higher wages.
- Experience Level: Journeymen masons with years of experience and a proven track record typically earn significantly more than apprentices or entry-level workers.
- Location: Wages can vary widely by region, state, and even city, influenced by local demand for construction, cost of living, and prevailing union rates.
- Type of Project: Commercial or large-scale infrastructure projects often offer higher pay rates compared to residential work.
- Union Membership: Many masonry professionals are part of unions, which can negotiate higher wages, better benefits, and more structured pay scales for their members.
- Work Conditions: Jobs involving difficult conditions, such as working at heights, in extreme weather, or with hazardous materials, might offer hazard pay or higher base rates.
Cement finishers are vital for the structural integrity and aesthetic quality of concrete elements in construction, making their specialized skills highly valued in the industry.
