Facebook Pixel

Mastic asphalter

Mastic asphalters apply a hot mixture of limestone and bitumen to a range of surfaces to waterproof, protect and strengthen them. Mastic asphalt hardens when it cools, so it may be used for roofing, laying floor surfaces such as railway platforms and car parks, lining tanks and swimming pools, as sea or river defences, or more.

Average salary*

£17000

-

£35000

How to become a mastic asphalter

There are several routes to becoming a mastic asphalter. You could do a college course, an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.

You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions. 

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

You may need to attend a specialist college or training provider to start your studies as a Mastic Asphalter. 

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

Apprenticeship

You could complete an apprenticeship to become a mastic asphalter. You could train to become a roofer or road layer and then specialise in working with mastic asphalt.

You’ll need up to 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent to become an apprentice.

An apprenticeship with a construction company is a good way into the industry. 

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

Work

If you have some basic experience as a roofer or road layer, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain onsite experience with mastic asphalt. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced mastic asphalter and progress as your abilities improve.

Your employer may assist you to gain professional qualifications from the Institute of Roofing, to help you progress in your career.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a mastic asphalter. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a mastic asphalter include: 

  • Good level of physical fitness
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Understanding of health and safety
  • Able to work quickly.

Qualifications

To become a Mastic Asphalter, you could complete a:

  • NVQ Level 2 Mastic Asphalt
  • Level 2 Mastic Asphalter apprenticeship

To become a Mastic Asphalter, you could complete a:

  • NVQ Level 1, 2 & 3 in Mastic Asphalting (Construction)

What does a mastic asphalter do?

As a mastic asphalter, you will be responsible for laying hot mastic asphalt on a range of surfaces. You could work for specialist contractors, either as staff or hired labour on a range of projects.

The role of a mastic asphalter involves the following duties: 

  • Assessing a site
  • Working out how much asphalt is needed
  • Preparing the area
  • Pouring and spreading, and sealing joints
  • Applying a surface finish, i.e. sand-rubbed, polished, crimped, tiled or reflective
  • Working on-site, indoors or outdoors.


How much could you earn as a mastic asphalter?

The expected salary for a mastic asphalter varies as you become more experienced.

  • Newly trained mastic asphalters can earn £17,000 - £20,000
  • Trained mastic asphalters with some experience can earn £20,000 - £35,000*
  • Self-employed mastic asphalters can set their own rates.

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources


Jobs

Check out the latest mastic asphalter vacancies: 

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

As a mastic asphalter, you could progress to become a site engineer or project manager.

Alternatively, you could become a contracts manager or train to become a teacher, to share your skills with others.

Progression Opportunities

Explore the progression opportunities below

  • Current role Mastic asphalter Create tough, waterproof limestone for multiple construction projects as a Masti...
    Read more
  • Current role Self employed contractor As a contractor or subcontractor, you'll be working directly with your clients t...
    Read more
  • Current role Setting out engineer Be the main technical advisor on site, overseeing quality control & offering gui...
    Read more
  • Current role Contracts manager During a construction project, the contracts manager overseas the contracts proc...
    Read more
  • Current role Further Education (FE) tutor Work with pupils over 16 to help them acquire the skills that shape them for a c...
    Read more
Web design by S8080