Roadway Concrete Worker in Michigan Career Overview
As a Roadway Concrete Worker, you play a vital role in the construction and maintenance of roadways, highways, and other surfaces. Your work is essential to ensuring safe and durable transportation infrastructure that supports the economy and daily commuting.
Key aspects of the job include:
Material Preparation and Placing: You will prepare and handle concrete mixtures, ensuring proper consistency and quality for various applications. Your expertise in placing concrete accurately is fundamental to forming reliable road surfaces.
Site Management: On-site, you ensure that all aspects of concrete pouring are executed according to specifications and safety regulations. This involves coordinating with team members and maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
Finishing Techniques: You apply finishing techniques to achieve the desired surface texture and durability. Your attention to detail in this area affects not only aesthetics but also the longevity and functionality of the roadway.
Equipment Operation: Operating various tools and machinery, such as concrete mixers, vibrating machines, and formwork systems, is a critical part of your responsibilities. Knowledge of maintenance and safety procedures helps ensure efficient operation.
Quality Control: Monitoring the setting and curing processes of concrete is part of your role, which is essential for achieving optimal strength and resistance to weather conditions and wear.
Collaboration and Communication: You will often work as part of a larger construction team, requiring effective communication and collaboration skills to ensure project timelines and standards are met.
Your contributions help create the backbone of Michigan's transportation network, facilitating commerce and connectivity for communities throughout the state. The demand for skilled roadway concrete workers remains strong as infrastructure projects continue to expand and evolve.
Roadway Concrete Worker Salary in Michigan
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Roadway Concrete Worker in Michigan
To become a successful Roadway Concrete Worker in Michigan, you should pursue the following educational qualifications and training:
High School Diploma or Equivalent: Most employers require a high school diploma or GED as a foundation for your career in roadway concrete work.
Postsecondary Education Options: Consider enrolling in one of the following college degree programs to enhance your knowledge and skills in the concrete and construction field:
- Construction Engineering: This program focuses on the principles of construction management, design, and engineering, providing a solid background for roadway work.
- Construction Engineering Technology: This program offers hands-on training with an emphasis on the practical aspects of construction, including materials and methods specific to concrete work.
- Concrete Finishing: A specialized program that covers the techniques and processes involved in finishing concrete surfaces, which is crucial for roadway construction.
- Construction Trades: General training in construction trades provides knowledge relevant to various tasks you may encounter as a concrete worker, including safety practices and material handling.
On-the-Job Training: Gaining experience through apprenticeships or on-the-job training is essential. Many workers begin as laborers and receive training under experienced concrete workers, which allows you to develop practical skills.
Certifications: Although not always required, obtaining relevant certifications in concrete finishing or construction safety can enhance your qualifications and improve job prospects. Look for programs offered by organizations such as the American Concrete Institute (ACI) or the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
By following these paths in education and training, you will be well-equipped to pursue a career as a Roadway Concrete Worker in Michigan.
Best Schools to become a Roadway Concrete Worker in Michigan 2024
Texas A & M University-College Station
University of Houston
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
University of Florida
Texas State University
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
- Smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete, such as floors, walks, sidewalks, roads, or curbs using a variety of hand and power tools.
- Align forms for sidewalks, curbs, or gutters; patch voids; and use saws to cut expansion joints.
Roadway Concrete Worker Required Skills and Competencies in Michigan
Concrete Knowledge: Understand the properties, types, and mixtures of concrete, including how temperature and moisture affect curing and workability.
Mathematical Abilities: Utilize basic math skills for measuring quantities, calculating areas, and determining material requirements for projects.
Physical Stamina: Maintain strength and endurance to perform manual labor, including lifting heavy materials, standing for long periods, and working in various weather conditions.
Attention to Detail: Focus on precision when forming and pouring concrete to ensure smooth finishes and avoid defects that may compromise the integrity of the roadway.
Mechanical Skills: Operate and maintain concrete mixing and pouring equipment, including familiarity with tools like vibrators, trowels, and saws.
Problem-Solving Skills: Develop the ability to identify issues that arise during a project and find effective solutions to keep the work on track.
Team Collaboration: Work effectively with a crew, following instructions from supervisors and ensuring that project goals are met in a timely manner.
Safety Awareness: Adhere to safety protocols and regulations to prevent accidents and injuries on the job site, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Communication Skills: Communicate clearly with team members and supervisors regarding project progress, challenges, and requirements.
Adaptability: Adjust to changing conditions and requirements on the job site, including varying project sizes, types, and timelines.
Job Duties for Roadway Concrete Workers
Check the forms that hold the concrete to see that they are properly constructed.
Set the forms that hold concrete to the desired pitch and depth, and align them.
Spread, level, and smooth concrete, using rake, shovel, hand or power trowel, hand or power screed, and float.
Accounting software
- Sirus GT Construction Accounting
Analytical or scientific software
- ADAPT-Modeler
- Shilstone seeMIX
Project management software
- National Concrete & Masonry Estimator
- Tradesman's Software Master Estimator
Basic Skills
- Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
- Talking to others
Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Job Market and Opportunities for Roadway Concrete Worker in Michigan
The job market for Roadway Concrete Workers in Michigan is characterized by a steady demand driven by ongoing infrastructure projects, urban development, and maintenance needs. Here’s what you can expect:
Demand Trends: There is a consistent demand for skilled roadway concrete workers due to the state's investment in upgrading and maintaining its transportation infrastructure. Municipalities and state agencies regularly engage in projects that require concrete expertise.
Growth Potential: The growth potential in this field is favorable as many construction and paving companies seek labor to meet project demands. With infrastructure bills at the federal and state levels providing funding for road repairs and upgrades, the outlook for employment in this sector is promising.
Geographical Hotspots: Certain areas in Michigan have a heightened demand for roadway concrete workers. Key regions include:
- Detroit Metropolitan Area: With ongoing urban renewal and road repair projects, there is significant work available.
- Grand Rapids: The city is experiencing growth in construction projects, leading to additional opportunities in concrete work.
- Lansing: As the state capital, Lansing regularly undertakes infrastructure improvements that require skilled labor.
- Midland and Saginaw: These areas are seeing infrastructure projects as part of broader economic development initiatives.
Future Outlook: As Michigan continues to focus on improving its road systems, the need for reliable, skilled roadway concrete workers will likely remain strong. Keeping abreast of new projects and developments in local government planning will help identify additional opportunities in this field.
Overall, the job market for roadway concrete workers in Michigan is robust, with a variety of opportunities across different regions driven by infrastructure needs.
Top Related Careers to Roadway Concrete Worker 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Roadway Concrete Worker in Michigan
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Offers guidelines, updates, and resources pertinent to roadway construction and maintenance in Michigan.
MDOT WebsiteMichigan Concrete Association (MCA)
Provides educational resources, industry news, and technical resources related to concrete construction in Michigan.
MCA WebsiteAmerican Concrete Institute (ACI)
An international organization that provides education, training, and certification related to concrete. They offer a variety of resources for professionals in the field.
ACI WebsiteNational Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA)
Features resources on concrete specifications, mix design, and sustainable practices in concrete production and application.
NRMCA WebsiteThe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Provides guidelines and safety training resources relevant to construction workers, including best practices for working with concrete.
OSHA WebsiteMichigan Laborers' District Council
Offers training programs, resources, and support for workers in various labor sectors, including construction.
Michigan Laborers' District Council WebsiteAssociated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Michigan
Provides training, resources, and industry-related events that can enhance your skills and knowledge in construction and concrete work.
ABC Michigan WebsiteConstruction Industry Institute (CII)
Focuses on improving the construction industry's effectiveness through research and education. Useful for keeping up with the latest trends and practices.
CII WebsiteConcrete Network
Offers articles, videos, and resources on all aspects of concrete, including specifications, delivery, and installation practices.
Concrete Network WebsiteLocal Trade Unions
Joining a local trade union could provide access to training, job opportunities, and industry insights. Check for local options in your area for specific resources and support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Roadway Concrete Worker in Michigan
What are the primary responsibilities of a roadway concrete worker?
As a roadway concrete worker, your main responsibilities include pouring, finishing, and repairing concrete on roads, highways, and other paved areas. You also prepare and set forms, mix concrete, and work with various tools and equipment to ensure a quality finish.What qualifications or education do I need to become a roadway concrete worker in Michigan?
Typically, a high school diploma or GED is required. Some positions may require vocational training or completion of an apprenticeship program in concrete work or construction. On-the-job training is also common.Is a special license needed to work with concrete in Michigan?
While a specific license for concrete work is not usually required, having a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) may be beneficial for operating heavy machinery or transporting materials.What skills are essential for success in this career?
Key skills include physical stamina, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and proficiency in using tools like trowels, screeds, and concrete saws. Basic math skills for measurements and calculations are also crucial.What is the typical work environment for a roadway concrete worker?
You will primarily work outdoors, often in varying weather conditions. Jobs typically take place at construction sites, which may require standing for long periods, lifting heavy materials, and working as part of a team.Are there opportunities for advancement in this career?
Yes, there are opportunities for advancement. With experience and additional training, you can move into supervisor roles, project management, or specialize in areas such as stamped concrete or decorative finishes.What is the average salary for a roadway concrete worker in Michigan?
The average salary can vary based on experience, location, and specific employer, but it generally ranges from $38,000 to $60,000 annually. Overtime opportunities may also increase earnings.Do roadway concrete workers need to be physically fit?
Yes, this job often requires significant physical exertion, including lifting, bending, and standing for long periods. Good physical fitness helps in performing the demanding tasks associated with the role.What career pathways are available after working as a roadway concrete worker?
After gaining experience, you can pursue roles such as construction supervisor, project manager, or estimator. Additionally, you might explore related fields such as landscaping, landscaping concrete, or infrastructure inspection.How does the job outlook look for roadway concrete workers in Michigan?
The job outlook remains positive, driven by ongoing infrastructure projects and maintenance needs. With increasing investments in public works, the demand for skilled concrete workers is expected to grow.