Mason at Boston Plasterers & Cement Masons #534

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Boston Plasterers & Cement Masons #534 in Dorchester, MA

About This Program

Boston Plasterers & Cement Masons #534 sponsors this Mason Apprenticeship in Dorchester, Massachusetts. This employer-sponsored program trains individuals in plastering, cement finishing, and masonry through a combination of paid field experience and structured classroom learning in the greater Boston area.

The program runs for 3 years, incorporating 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in cement finishing, flatwork, decorative concrete, and plaster application through hands-on job site assignments. Classroom instruction covers trade mathematics, safety standards, construction materials, and applicable building codes to build comprehensive trade knowledge.

Graduates complete the apprenticeship as journey-level cement masons and plasterers. Boston's dynamic and active construction market offers significant employment opportunities for skilled tradespeople, and completing a registered apprenticeship through a recognized sponsor like Boston Plasterers & Cement Masons #534 is a strong credential to hold.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$24

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

6,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

432

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

3 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.

Mason Career Outlook

National Median

$24.19/hr

~$50,315.2/yr

Apprentice Start

$15/hr

Earn while you learn

Job Outlook

Mason employment is projected to grow moderately, supported by commercial construction and infrastructure investment. Demand is strongest in regions with active building and renovation markets. Retirements in the existing workforce are creating additional openings. Masons with restoration skills or concrete finishing certifications have the best prospects.

What to Expect as a Mason Apprentice

Duration

3 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction

On-the-Job Training

~40 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (6,000 total hours)

Classroom Instruction

432 hours of related technical instruction (~144 hours/year)

Paid Training

You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress

Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Mason

Apprenticeship

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration3 years
Starting wage$15.00/hr
Journeyman wage$24.19/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

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