Is Becoming a Cement Masons Worth It in New Mexico? ROI Analysis
A data-driven look at the costs, earnings, and return on investment of a cement masons career in New Mexico — compared to a 4-year college degree.
Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers in New Mexico
ROI Analysis
Payback Period
$0
out of pocket
ExcellentApprenticeship Available — Earn While You Learn
Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers apprentices earn ~$83,277 during 2-4 years of training with $0 tuition.
Training Cost Breakdown
Training Cost
FREE
Training Time
2-4 years
Debt
$0
Payback
Instant
Typical path: Apprenticeship or on-the-job training; OPCMIA programs available
Cement Masons vs. College Degree
Training Cost
Average Debt
Time to First Paycheck
Cumulative Earnings Over 30 Years
Cement Masons vs. 4-year college degree (2.5% annual raises)
Cement Masonss start earning 1.5 years sooner
By the time a college graduate starts working, a cement masons has already earned $181,894. After 25 years, the trade path nets $1,572,739 vs. $1,359,148 for a college degree — a clear financial advantage.
Debt Advantage
$37,088
less debt
Head Start
1.5 years
earning sooner
25-Year Trade
$1.6M
cumulative
25-Year College
$1.4M
cumulative
Salary Details in New Mexico
Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers Salary Distribution in New Mexico
Annual wages by percentile
Salary by Percentile
Annual salary distribution from entry-level to top earners
Purchasing Power in New Mexico
Nominal Salary
$48,700
COL-Adjusted
$45,728
RPP: 106.5
Monthly Take-Home
$3,260
after taxes
After Housing
$2,153
rent: $1,107/mo
Employment Outlook
10-Year Growth
Annual Openings
24,100
Current Employment
190,900
Education: No formal educational credential · Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
New Mexico Economy
Median Income
$61,499
Median Home
$262,400
Unemployment
3.7%
Bachelor's Rate
33.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Related ROI Analyses
Other trades in New Mexico
Cement Masons in other states
Ready to Get Started?
Find cement masons training programs, apprenticeships, and trade schools near you in New Mexico.
Links go to official government resources (DOL, CareerOneStop). Free to use.