Finishing Mason: Job Description, Salary, and Training

Finishing Mason

A finishing mason is a construction professional who steps in at the end of a building project to perfect the concrete work. Their main role is to correct imperfections, smooth surfaces, and complete all the necessary finishes for a clean and compliant handover. They work from provided plans and collaborate closely with other trades on-site. This position requires technical expertise, attention to detail, and good physical condition. The finishing mason plays a key role in ensuring both the visual appeal and technical quality of finished structures—whether residential buildings, industrial facilities, or public infrastructure.

Missions: Finishing Mason

The finishing mason operates at the final stage of a construction site to perfect concrete structures. They fix defects, perform aesthetic touch-ups, and prepare surfaces for finishing tasks such as tiling, painting, or plastering. It’s a highly precise job that requires meticulousness, discipline, and a sharp eye for detail.

Key duties include:

Filling holes and cracks,

Smoothing concrete,

Applying finishing coatings,

Installing window sills or thresholds,

Ensuring completed work complies with plans and quality standards.

They may also work on precast concrete elements or reinforced concrete structures.

Researched profile

Precision and attention to detail for high-quality finishes,
Good physical condition, as the work is physically demanding,
Observational skills to identify defects and non-conformities,
A hands-on mindset, for both indoor and outdoor work,

Skills and training

This profession is accessible with vocational training at the CAP or Bac Pro level in construction. Recommended qualifications include:

CAP Mason,

CAP Concrete Structures Builder,

Bac Pro Building Technician,

Professional title: Mason of Old Buildings.

On-site experience is highly valued. Proficiency in finishing techniques, knowledge of construction materials, and the ability to read blueprints are essential. Depending on the worksite, CACES certification may be required, along with safety training such as AIPR or SST.

What is the salary of a Finishing Mason?

At the start of their career, a finishing mason earns a salary equivalent to the French minimum wage (SMIC), i.e., €1,801.80 gross per month in 2025 for a full-time 35-hour workweek. With experience and increased responsibilities, this salary can grow considerably. On average, an experienced finishing mason can earn between €2,000 and €2,400 gross per month. On demanding sites or in high-demand areas like the Paris region, additional bonuses may be offered (e.g., meal, attendance, or travel bonuses). For interim workers, the base salary is supplemented by end-of-assignment compensation (IFM) and paid leave compensation (ICP), making temporary work financially attractive in the construction sector.

Career Development Opportunities for Finishing Masons

This profession offers several opportunities for advancement. With experience, a mason can become a team leader, and later take on roles such as site supervisor or construction manager. Specialization is also possible, for example in heritage renovation or restoration of historic buildings. Some professionals choose to pursue additional training to shift into operating construction machinery or access more technical or supervisory roles. Others may decide to launch their own business in the building sector.

Sectors

BTP (Building and Public Works)