Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers vs Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen)

Both cement masons and linemen offer solid blue-collar careers with strong growth prospects around 8%. The key difference? Pay scale. Linemen earn significantly more with a median of $92,560 versus $54,660 for cement masons—that's nearly $38,000 more annually. Cement masons smooth and finish concrete surfaces like floors and sidewalks, while linemen install and repair electrical power lines. Training time differs too: cement work requires 2-4 years versus 4-5 years for linemen. Both trades are essential infrastructure jobs with steady demand, but they attract different personalities and offer different lifestyle trade-offs.

The salary gap is substantial—linemen out-earn cement masons by 40.9%. Entry-level cement masons start around $35,000-40,000, topping out near $80,000 with experience. Linemen begin closer to $50,000-60,000 and can exceed $120,000+ with overtime and storm work. Linemen have exceptional overtime potential during outages and emergency repairs, sometimes doubling base pay. Specialty linemen working high-voltage transmission can earn even more. Cement masons see overtime during construction season peaks but less dramatic pay spikes. Geographic location matters for both, but linemen consistently command premium wages nationwide.

Both trades work primarily outdoors in all weather conditions with significant physical demands. Cement masons face time pressure working with quick-setting concrete, heavy lifting, and repetitive kneeling/bending motions. Schedule follows construction season patterns. Linemen work at dangerous heights with high-voltage electricity, requiring extreme safety focus. They face emergency call-outs, storm response, and potential travel between job sites. Linemen work year-round versus cement work's seasonal variations. Both trades carry injury risks, but linemen face potentially fatal electrical hazards requiring constant vigilance and strict safety protocols.

Cement masons can advance to crew leaders, estimators, or concrete contractors. Business ownership potential is strong—many start their own concrete companies with moderate capital investment. Specializations include decorative concrete, industrial flooring, or restoration work. Earning ceiling typically caps around $80,000-90,000 unless running a business. Linemen advance to crew leaders, troublemen, or supervisors. Utility companies offer management tracks into operations or engineering roles. Specialized areas include transmission work, underground systems, or training positions. Top journeymen and supervisors can exceed $150,000. Business ownership is less common but consulting opportunities exist.

Both are recession-resistant careers building America's infrastructure. Choose cement masonry for faster entry and business potential. Choose lineman work for significantly higher pay and job security. Your risk tolerance and income priorities should drive this decision.