Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers Salary in Massachusetts

Cement masons and concrete finishers in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $63,920 annually or $30.73 per hour, significantly above the national median of $54,660. Pay ranges from $45,980 at the 10th percentile to $99,250 at the 90th percentile, with the middle 50% earning between $60,110 and $89,910. Experience is the biggest driver of earnings—entry-level workers start around $46,000 while seasoned professionals can earn nearly six figures. Union membership through the Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association (OPCMIA) typically provides higher wages, better benefits, and more consistent work. Metro areas like Boston command premium rates due to high construction activity and cost of living. Commercial and industrial projects generally pay more than residential work. Massachusetts' robust construction sector, driven by infrastructure projects and urban development, creates strong demand for skilled concrete workers. The state's higher cost of living (10.5% above national average) is offset by wages that exceed national levels by 17%, making Massachusetts one of the better-paying states for this trade.

Massachusetts doesn't require a specific license for cement masons and concrete finishers, but most employers prefer workers who've completed formal training. The most common path is a 2-4 year apprenticeship through the OPCMIA Local 534 (Boston area) or other regional programs. These apprenticeships combine 144 hours of classroom instruction annually with 2,000 hours of on-the-job training. Apprentices start at about 50% of journeyman wages ($15-18/hour) and receive raises every 6 months, reaching full scale upon completion. The Massachusetts Building Trades Council coordinates many programs across the state. Alternative paths include attending trade schools like Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston, which offers concrete technology courses, or starting as a laborer and learning on the job. Many contractors will hire motivated individuals with a high school diploma and provide on-the-job training. Key skills to develop include blueprint reading, mathematics for calculating materials and grades, and physical stamina for demanding work. Safety certification through OSHA 10 or 30-hour programs is increasingly required. The Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations oversees prevailing wage requirements on public projects, which often provide the highest-paying opportunities for trained cement masons.

The $53,270 gap between the 10th percentile ($45,980) and 90th percentile ($99,250) primarily reflects experience and specialization. Entry-level workers typically earn in the bottom quartile, while the top quartile ($89,910+) consists of journeymen with 10+ years experience, specialized skills, or supervisory roles. Union membership is a major factor—OPCMIA members often earn 20-30% more than non-union workers and have access to prevailing wage projects. Geographic location within Massachusetts matters significantly: Boston metro area workers earn premiums of $5,000-15,000 over western Massachusetts. Project type also influences pay: commercial high-rises, infrastructure work, and decorative concrete specialists command higher rates than basic residential flatwork. Foremen and those who can operate specialized equipment like laser screeds or power trowels earn toward the higher percentiles. The tight range between the 25th and 50th percentiles ($60,110 to $63,920) suggests most experienced workers earn relatively similar wages, with specialization and leadership roles driving earnings into the top quartile.