Brickmasons and Blockmasons
Impact: Built environment
Lay and bind building materials, such as brick, structural tile, concrete block, cinder block, glass block, and terra-cotta block, with mortar and other substances, to construct or repair walls, partitions, arches, sewers, and other structures.
What do Brickmasons and Blockmasons do?
What the work is really like
You spend most of your time outside, building walls, chimneys, walkways, and structural partitions using brick, concrete block, or cinder block. The work is physical and precise: you read blueprints, measure and mark guidelines, mix mortar to the right consistency, and lay each unit level and plumb. Every course has to align with the one below it, and you check your work constantly with a level and plumb bob because small errors compound fast. The projects range from residential homes and commercial buildings to retaining walls and decorative facades, and you often work as part of a crew under a general contractor or masonry foreman. Weather dictates the schedule. Rain, extreme cold, and high heat all affect mortar curing, so you learn to work around the forecast and sometimes lose days to conditions beyond your control. Most of the problem solving is spatial: figuring out how to lay a curved wall, cut blocks to fit around windows, or repair a section of century-old brickwork without compromising the structure.
Skills and strengths that matter
The hard skills center on building and construction knowledge, which includes understanding load-bearing principles, material properties, and local building codes. You check each course for level and alignment before the mortar sets. A surprising amount of the job involves basic accounting software once you move past the apprentice stage, because estimating material quantities and labor hours is part of bidding on jobs. Coordination is the most important soft skill: you work closely with laborers who mix mortar and move materials, other tradespeople like electricians and plumbers who need access to walls before you close them up, and site supervisors who expect you to stay on schedule. Judgment and decision making come into play when you encounter problems like uneven foundations, damaged materials, or design changes mid-build. Critical thinking helps you troubleshoot why a wall is not holding plumb or why mortar is cracking prematurely. Patience with repetition matters because laying block is methodical, and rushing to finish a section usually means tearing it out and starting over. Upper body strength and stamina are baseline requirements, and you spend long stretches kneeling, bending, and lifting materials that weigh thirty to fifty pounds.
Who tends to thrive here
People who like working with their hands and seeing results at the end of each day tend to stay. The role suits those who prefer being outside and moving rather than sitting at a desk, and who do not mind the physical toll of kneeling on concrete or working in heat. You need a high tolerance for repetitive tasks done well, because precision is required and every wall you build is a permanent record of your skill. The work rewards those who take pride in workmanship and care about the durability of what they make. It fits people who prefer team-based environments, since most projects involve coordinating with laborers, other masons, and site foremen throughout the day. Those who thrive tend to be comfortable with moderate stress and variable schedules, accepting that weather and project delays are part of the rhythm. People who need climate-controlled environments, who dislike physical labor, or who want predictable nine-to-five hours usually find the work draining. The role also tends to frustrate those who want rapid variety, because the core tasks change slowly even as the projects rotate.
How people get into the role and grow
Most brickmasons enter through an apprenticeship, which combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction over three to four years. You can start as a laborer on a masonry crew and learn informally, but formal apprenticeships through unions or contractor associations give you structured skill development and better long-term earning potential. A high school diploma is the baseline, and courses in math, mechanical drawing, and shop are useful but not required. Licensing requirements vary by state; some require certification for specific types of masonry work, others have no formal credential. Entry-level work focuses on mixing mortar, carrying materials, and laying simple block under close supervision. After a few years, you take on more complex tasks like arches, decorative brickwork, and structural repairs. Five to eight years in, you reach mid-career status as a senior brickmason, often leading small crews and estimating jobs. Twelve to eighteen years out, experienced masons may transition to stonemason roles, which involve more intricate work with natural stone, or move into supervisory positions managing larger projects. Some open their own masonry contracting businesses once they have a network of clients and a reputation for reliable work. The long-term outlook is stable, with demand growing modestly as infrastructure and residential construction continue.
From people working as Brickmasons and Blockmasons
Working as a brickmason means you\'re constantly building something tangible, seeing your hard work take shape. It\'s physically demanding, requiring precision and a good eye for detail, but there\'s a real satisfaction in laying courses perfectly and creating durable structures. You\'re often outdoors, working with a team, and every day brings a new challenge, whether it\'s a complex arch or a straightforward wall. It\'s a craft where skill and experience shine, and you\'re always learning new techniques.
Drawn from The Masonry Society, Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association, r/masonry, Masonry Forum, ContractorTalk Masonry Forum
Attribution: Composite
Composite · Synthesised from The Masonry Society, Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association, r/masonry, Masonry Forum
A day in the life of Brickmasons and Blockmasons
- People interaction
- Extensive
- Team vs solo
- 85% Team / 15% Solo
- Client facing
- Sometimes
- Impact visibility
- High
- Travel
- Frequent
- Schedule flexibility
- Rigid
- Remote work
- On-site Only
- Typical work hours
- 40-50
- Stress level
- Moderate
Brickmasons and Blockmasons salary, education and outlook at a glance
- Median salary
- $144,554
- Entry-level
- $98,500
- Senior
- $195,000
- Growth by 2033
- +3.2%
- Demand
- Stable
- Freelance potential
- Moderate
- Salary growth potential
- 85%
- Typical student debt
- Moderate
Skills you need as Brickmasons and Blockmasons
Hard skills
- Building and Construction
- Operations Monitoring
- Accounting software
Soft skills
- Coordination
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Critical Thinking
Technical complexity: Low
Tools Brickmasons and Blockmasons use
Core tools
- Brick Trowel (Hardware): Used for picking up, spreading, and shaping mortar.
- Spirit Level (Hardware): Used to ensure masonry work is perfectly horizontal or vertical.
- Brick Hammer (Hardware): Used for cutting bricks and blocks, and for tapping them into place.
- Safety Glasses (Hardware): Protects eyes from debris and dust during masonry work.
- Work Gloves (Hardware): Protects hands from mortar, rough materials, and tools.
Commonly used
- Mortar Mixer (Hardware): Used to efficiently mix mortar to the correct consistency.
- Line Blocks and String Line (Hardware): Used to establish straight and level guidelines for laying courses of masonry.
How to become Brickmasons and Blockmasons
- Minimum education
- High School Diploma
- Licensing
- No
- Years to mid-career
- 1-3
- Years to senior
- 12-18
- Career switching
- Moderate
Where Brickmasons and Blockmasons come from
- Construction Laborer: Individuals often start in general construction, gaining foundational skills before specializing in masonry.
- Apprentice Mason: Many masons begin as apprentices, learning the trade directly from experienced professionals.
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters: Assisting skilled masons provides direct exposure and hands-on experience with masonry techniques and materials.
Where Brickmasons and Blockmasons go next
- Senior Brickmasons and Blockmasons: Experienced masons often advance to senior roles, taking on more complex projects and mentoring junior team members.
- Stonemasons: With experience in brick and block, masons can specialize in working with natural stone.
- Construction Supervisor: Masons with leadership skills can move into supervisory roles, overseeing construction projects.
- Foreman: A foreman manages a team of masons and other construction workers on a job site.
Typical Brickmasons and Blockmasons progression
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons
- Senior Brickmasons and Blockmasons
- or Stonemasons
Brickmasons and Blockmasons job outlook and future demand
- Automation probability
- 0.4186
- AI disruption risk
- Moderate
- Demand trend
- Stable
Job satisfaction as Brickmasons and Blockmasons
- Overall satisfaction
- 6.5/10
- Meaning
- 6.5/10
- Work-life balance
- 5.5/10
- Prestige
- 5/10
- Social perception
- Moderate
Where Brickmasons and Blockmasons find community
Professional organisations
- The Masonry Society: A professional organization dedicated to advancing the science, engineering, design, and construction of masonry.
- Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association: An association offering networking, technical resources, and professional development opportunities for masonry professionals.
Reddit communities
- r/masonry: An online community for sharing pictures, asking questions, and discussing all aspects of block, brick, and stone masonry.
Online communities
- Masonry Forum: A forum for masonry professionals to discuss craftsmanship, stonework, bricklaying, concrete techniques, and contractor success.
- ContractorTalk Masonry Forum: A professional construction and remodeling forum with a dedicated section for masonry discussions and advice.
Questions people ask about Brickmasons and Blockmasons
How much do Brickmasons and Blockmasons earn?
Pay for Brickmasons and Blockmasons starts around $98,500 at entry level, reaches $144,554 at the median and climbs to $195,000 for the most experienced.
What qualifications do Brickmasons and Blockmasons need?
Most employers look for a High School Diploma, no licensing is required and reaching mid-career takes about 1-3 years.
Can Brickmasons and Blockmasons work remotely?
The work happens on site.
What is the job outlook for Brickmasons and Blockmasons?
Projections put employment growth at +3.2% through 2033, with demand rated Stable.
How exposed are Brickmasons and Blockmasons to automation and AI?
This work carries a moderate risk of disruption from AI.
Careers similar to Brickmasons and Blockmasons
Are Brickmasons and Blockmasons the right career for you?
Take the 25-minute assessment and get your personalised top career matches.