Is Becoming a Cement Masons Worth It in North Carolina? ROI Analysis
A data-driven look at the costs, earnings, and return on investment of a cement masons career in North Carolina — compared to a 4-year college degree.
Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers in North Carolina
ROI Analysis
Payback Period
$0
out of pocket
ExcellentApprenticeship Available — Earn While You Learn
Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers apprentices earn ~$81,003 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 $176,927. After 25 years, the trade path nets $1,529,787 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
$1.5M
cumulative
25-Year College
$1.4M
cumulative
Salary Details in North Carolina
Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers Salary Distribution in North Carolina
Annual wages by percentile
Salary by Percentile
Annual salary distribution from entry-level to top earners
Purchasing Power in North Carolina
Nominal Salary
$47,370
COL-Adjusted
$44,230
RPP: 107.1
Monthly Take-Home
$3,156
after taxes
After Housing
$1,968
rent: $1,188/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
North Carolina Economy
Median Income
$66,000
Median Home
$281,600
Unemployment
3.7%
Bachelor's Rate
33.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Related ROI Analyses
Other trades in North Carolina
Cement Masons in other states
Ready to Get Started?
Find cement masons training programs, apprenticeships, and trade schools near you in North Carolina.
Links go to official government resources (DOL, CareerOneStop). Free to use.