Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers Salary in Kansas

Cement masons and concrete finishers in Kansas earn a median salary of $50,640 annually, or $24.35 per hour. While this is below the national median of $54,660, Kansas's lower cost of living (about 10% below national average) makes the adjusted value equivalent to $56,018 nationally. Entry-level workers (10th percentile) start around $38,660, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) can earn up to $76,300. Pay varies significantly based on experience level, with the middle 50% earning between $46,530 and $61,620. Union membership, specialization in decorative concrete or commercial projects, and working in major metro areas like Kansas City or Wichita typically command higher wages. The construction industry's steady demand for infrastructure projects, including roads, sidewalks, and commercial buildings, provides consistent work opportunities. Job security is generally strong, as concrete work is essential for most construction projects and requires skilled hands-on expertise that can't be easily automated or outsourced.

Kansas cement masons typically enter the trade through apprenticeships or on-the-job training, with most programs lasting 2-4 years. The state doesn't require specific licensing for cement masons, though workers must follow OSHA safety regulations and may need certifications for specialized work. Apprenticeship programs are available through the Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association (OPCMIA) Local 518, which covers Kansas and Missouri. These programs combine classroom instruction with paid hands-on training, starting apprentices at 40-50% of journeyman wages and increasing pay as skills develop. Community colleges like Johnson County Community College offer construction-related coursework that can supplement apprenticeship training. Many Kansas contractors also hire entry-level workers and provide on-the-job training, though this path typically takes longer to reach full proficiency. High school completion is preferred, with strong math skills and physical stamina being essential. Some workers gain experience through construction laborer positions before specializing in concrete work. The Kansas Department of Commerce maintains information about registered apprenticeship programs, and local union halls can provide information about upcoming apprenticeship opportunities and job placement assistance.

The $37,640 gap between Kansas's lowest earners ($38,660) and highest earners ($76,300) reflects significant differences in experience, specialization, and work settings. Entry-level workers in the 10th percentile typically have less than two years of experience and handle basic concrete finishing tasks. The 25th percentile ($46,530) represents workers with solid fundamental skills but limited specialization. Median earners ($50,640) usually have 3-5 years of experience and can handle most standard concrete projects independently. Top earners in the 75th percentile ($61,620) often specialize in decorative concrete, stamped patterns, or complex commercial work. The 90th percentile ($76,300) typically includes foremen, those with specialized skills in epoxy coatings or polished concrete, union members with premium pay scales, or workers in high-demand metro areas. Union membership can add $5,000-$10,000 annually through negotiated wage scales and benefit packages. Geographic location within Kansas also matters, with Wichita and Kansas City metropolitan areas generally offering higher wages than rural counties.