Cement masons and concrete finishers
SOC Code: 47-2051
Cement masons and concrete finishers carries a 15% AI exposure score (Low automation risk), with a median annual wage of $54,660 and +1.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 206,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Cement masons and concrete finishers (SOC 47-2051) carries an AI exposure score of 15%, placing it in the Low automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 206,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.8% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $54,660, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Cement masons and concrete finishers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Check the forms that hold the concrete to see that they are properly constructed.
- 2. Set the forms that hold concrete to the desired pitch and depth, and align them.
- 3. Spread, level, and smooth concrete, using rake, shovel, hand or power trowel, hand or power screed, and float.
- 4. Monitor how the wind, heat, or cold affect the curing of the concrete throughout the entire process.
- 5. Mold expansion joints and edges, using edging tools, jointers, and straightedge.
- 6. Signal truck driver to position truck to facilitate pouring concrete, and move chute to direct concrete on forms.
- 7. Direct the casting of the concrete and supervise laborers who use shovels or special tools to spread it.
- 8. Produce rough concrete surface, using broom.
- 9. Apply hardening and sealing compounds to cure surface of concrete, and waterproof or restore surface.
- 10. Operate power vibrator to compact concrete.
Key Skills Required
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Coordination
- Quality Control Analysis
- Time Management
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Operation and Control
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- Building and Construction
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
- Transportation
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Foreign Language
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Cement masons and concrete finishers?
Cement masons and concrete finishers has an AI exposure score of 15%, indicating a low level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Cement masons and concrete finishers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Cement masons and concrete finishers is projected to grow by 1.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 206,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Cement masons and concrete finishers?
Key skills for Cement masons and concrete finishers include Monitoring, Speaking, Coordination, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Cement masons and concrete finishers earn?
The median annual wage for Cement masons and concrete finishers is $54,660, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Cement masons and concrete finishers?
The typical entry-level education for Cement masons and concrete finishers is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Cement masons and concrete finishers?
Cement masons and concrete finishers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Low automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).