Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers Salary in North Dakota

Cement masons and concrete finishers in North Dakota earn a median salary of $56,180 annually, or $27.01 per hour, which is above the national median of $54,660. With North Dakota's lower cost of living (0.928 factor), this translates to strong purchasing power equivalent to $60,539 nationally. Entry-level workers (10th percentile) start around $43,680, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) can earn up to $65,130. Pay varies based on experience level, union membership, specialization in decorative concrete or industrial projects, and location within the state. Oil boom areas and major construction markets like Fargo-Moorhead typically offer premium wages. The middle 50% of workers earn between $46,740 and $61,080, showing solid earning potential for skilled professionals. North Dakota's ongoing infrastructure needs, commercial development, and energy sector construction create steady demand for concrete work, making this a stable career choice with good advancement opportunities.

In North Dakota, most cement masons and concrete finishers enter through apprenticeship programs or on-the-job training, with 51.7% requiring only short-term training and 35% needing moderate-term preparation. The typical path involves a 2-4 year apprenticeship combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience. The Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association (OPCMIA) operates training programs in the region, often partnering with local contractors and unions. North Dakota doesn't require specific state licensing for cement masons, but workers may need general construction licensing depending on project scope and employer requirements. Apprentices typically start at 40-60% of journeyman wages, progressing through structured pay increases. Community colleges like Bismarck State College and North Dakota State College of Science offer related construction technology programs that can supplement apprenticeship training. The state's Department of Commerce coordinates with industry partners to ensure training meets local market demands, particularly in energy sector construction and infrastructure projects. Union membership through OPCMIA Local 222 or similar organizations can provide access to better training programs, higher wages, and consistent work opportunities throughout the region.

The $21,450 gap between the 10th percentile ($43,680) and 90th percentile ($65,130) reflects clear earning tiers in North Dakota's concrete industry. Entry-level workers typically earn in the lower range while learning fundamental skills, but progression is steady—the 25th percentile jumps to $46,740, showing quick advancement for dedicated workers. The top earners reaching $65,130 are typically experienced journeymen with specialized skills in decorative concrete, structural work, or industrial applications. Union membership significantly impacts earnings, with union workers often earning 15-20% more than non-union counterparts. Geographic location within North Dakota also matters—workers in Bakken oil field areas and major metros like Fargo-Bismarck command premium wages due to higher demand and cost of living. Specialized skills like polished concrete, stamped patterns, or working with high-performance concrete mixes separate middle-tier from top-tier earners. Experience level remains the primary factor, with 5+ years typically needed to reach the upper percentiles.