Mason at Cement Mason Local 681

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Cement Mason Local 681 in Pasadena, TX

About This Program

Cement Mason Local 681 in Pasadena, TX sponsors this registered union Mason apprenticeship through a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC). Union programs like this one offer apprentices structured training, strong labor standards, and the backing of an established trade organization. Apprentices are paid throughout the program, earning wages while developing professional masonry skills.

The three-year program includes 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside experienced journeymen learning to place and finish concrete, lay masonry units, read construction drawings, and operate tools and equipment safely. Classroom coursework covers concrete properties, trade calculations, construction safety, and relevant building codes.

Completing this JATC-sponsored program leads to journey-level certification as a cement mason or mason, a credential recognized by union contractors across Texas and nationwide. Journey workers in the masonry trades benefit from union wage scales, benefits, and strong job placement networks within the Local 681 membership area.

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.

This is a union-affiliated program. Union apprenticeships typically offer strong benefits packages, pension contributions, and structured career advancement through the local hall.

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

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

See something wrong? Help us improve this page.