Introduction to the Mason Trade

The mason trade encompasses skilled professionals who build and repair structures using bricks, concrete blocks, stones, and other materials. Key roles include brickmasons and blockmasons, stonemasons, and cement masons and concrete finishers. These workers are essential in construction, focusing on walls, foundations, chimneys, and decorative features. Entry typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by a 3-4 year apprenticeship combining on-the-job training and classroom instruction. No formal education beyond high school is mandated, but apprenticeships are standard.

Median Wages and Earnings

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024 data, the median annual wage for masonry workers (including brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons) is $56,600, or about $27.21 per hour. This is higher than the median for all occupations at $49,500.

  • For brickmasons and blockmasons, national estimates show median hourly wages around $28.67, translating to an annual median of approximately $59,640. Wage percentiles: 10th $18.44/hour ($38,360/year), 25th $23.20/hour ($48,250/year), 75th $36.01/hour ($74,900/year).
  • Stonemasons earn a mean hourly wage of $29.12 in foundation and building exterior contractors (top industry), or $60,570 annually.
  • Cement masons and concrete finishers have a national mean of $27.60/hour ($57,410/year), with medians up to $30.44/hour ($63,310/year) in nonresidential building construction.

In the masonry contractors industry (NAICS 238140), all occupations median hourly wage was $26.67 in May 2023 (up from $24.74 in 2022), with annual mean $61,520. Management roles earn significantly more, around $46.73/hour median ($109,480 mean annual). Wages vary by location; New York stonemasons average $36.05/hour ($74,980/year), while California averages $30.74/hour ($63,930/year).

Job Outlook and Growth Projections

Overall employment for masonry workers is projected to grow 2% from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations. This equates to about 5,600 new jobs, but 20,700 annual openings due to replacements from retirements and transfers. Total employment stands at 294,300 masonry workers.

Earlier projections (2019-2029) indicated a 3% decline nationally, but updated BLS data shows modest growth. Construction and extraction occupations broadly grow faster than average, with 649,300 annual openings and a group median wage of $58,360. In masonry contractors, employment was stable at 144,230 in 2023 (up slightly from 143,410 in 2022). Bright spots exist in high-demand areas like Minnesota, where employment and wages rank highly.

Typical Career Path

Masons follow a structured progression:

  • Entry Level (Helper/Laborer): Start as apprentices or helpers. Gain experience laying bricks/blocks under supervision. Duration: 3-4 years (2,000+ hours on-the-job plus 144+ hours classroom/year).
  • Journeyman Mason: After apprenticeship, work independently on complex projects. Median experience: 4-5 years. Earnings: $50,000-$70,000/year.
  • Lead Mason/Foreman: Supervise crews, estimate materials. Requires 5-10 years experience. Wages: $70,000+.
  • Supervisor/Contractor: Manage projects or own business. Involves business skills; management in masonry firms earns $109,480 mean annually.

Physical demands are high: lifting heavy materials, working outdoors, at heights, in all weather. Safety training (OSHA 10/30) is common.

Certifications and Issuing Bodies

While not always required, certifications boost employability and wages. Key ones include:

  • Mason Certification from the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) or local unions like International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC). Levels: Tender, Journeyman, Master Mason.
  • OSHA Safety Certifications (10-hour Construction, 30-hour for supervisors) issued by OSHA Outreach Training Program.
  • Certified Concrete Flatwork Finisher/Technician from the American Concrete Institute (ACI) for cement masons.
  • Stone Masonry Certification via Stonemasons Association or regional programs.
  • Apprenticeship Completion: Registered with U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Apprenticeship.

Union membership (e.g., BAC) often provides certified training paths. Check state licensing boards; some require contractor licenses for independents.

Education and Training Requirements

No formal postsecondary education needed. High school diploma preferred, with math/geometry helpful. Primary path:

  • Apprenticeships: Sponsored by unions, contractors, or ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors). Earn while learning; 80% complete via this route.
  • Vocational Programs: Community colleges or trade schools offer pre-apprenticeship courses in blueprint reading, tools, safety.
  • On-the-Job Training: 1-2 years for non-apprentices, but less competitive.

Tools needed: trowel, level, jointer, mason's hammer. Initial investment: $500-$1,000.

Skills and Qualities for Success

Essential traits:

  • Physical stamina and strength.
  • Hand-eye coordination and precision.
  • Math skills for measurements/estimates.
  • Problem-solving for uneven surfaces.
  • Teamwork and safety awareness.

Pros, Cons, and Tips

Pros: Stable demand from construction boom, outdoor work variety, high earning potential with experience, entrepreneurial opportunities.

Cons: Physically demanding, weather exposure, injury risk (falls, strains), slower growth.

Tips: Join unions for benefits/training. Network via MCAA/ABC. Specialize in green building or restoration for premium pay. Relocate to high-wage states like NY/CA. Stay certified for advancement.

Conclusion

The mason trade offers a hands-on, rewarding career with solid BLS-backed earnings of $56,600 median and steady openings despite modest 2% growth. Start with apprenticeship for best results.