Masonry, also known as brick or stone work, has been an art throughout history. The Egyptian pyramids, the Roman Coliseum, the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, Jeffersons Monticello – some of the worlds most significant architectural achievements have been built with masonry. Throughout civilization, architects and builders have chosen masonry for its beauty, versatility, and durability. Masonry resists the destructive effects of time and weather, and remains beautiful for centuries. Today, everywhere you turn, you see the work of a skilled mason – in office buildings, homes, schools, factories, patios, fireplaces, and more.
Are you interested in working with your hands to create beautiful and functional structures? Do you want a career in construction that doesn’t require a college degree? Becoming a brick mason may be the perfect path for you.
Brick masons are skilled craftspeople who construct walls walkways facades, fireplaces and other structures from brick and other masonry materials. Their work can be seen in all types of buildings from homes to schools to office buildings.
If you’re detail-oriented enjoy physical work and want the satisfaction of turning raw materials into enduring structures read on to learn how to start your career as a brick mason.
What Does a Brick Mason Do?
Brick masons have a range of responsibilities focused on constructing and repairing brick structures:
- Read blueprints and project specifications to understand project plans and requirements
- Prepare work areas by leveling ground and constructing foundations or bases
- Mix mortar according to specifications to use as an adhesive for bricks
- Arrange and lay bricks in rows and patterns to build or repair walls, chimneys, sidewalks and other structures
- Cut, carve and shape specialty bricks using power tools and hand tools
- Check Vertical and horizontal alignment of structures using levels, plumb bobs and measuring devices
- Clean excess mortar and repair cracks or damage to existing masonry
- Follow safety practices and procedures to avoid injuries
- Inspect completed work to ensure quality standards are met
It’s a hands-on career that allows you to work independently and see the tangible results of your craftsmanship every day
Why Become a Brick Mason?
There are many great reasons to start your career as a brick mason:
- Minimal education requirements – only a high school diploma or GED is needed to get started
- Earn while you learn through paid apprenticeships
- Use creativity and problem-solving skills to build unique structures
- Enjoy a mix of indoor and outdoor work environments
- Gain a sense of accomplishment creating lasting buildings
- Continually develop specialized skills and techniques
- Work independently once fully trained and certified
- Potential to start your own masonry business down the road
It’s an excellent career choice if you want to do satisfying hands-on work and see the direct results of your labor take shape around you.
Steps to Becoming a Brick Mason
If working as a brick mason appeals to you, here are the typical steps to starting your career:
1. Graduate High School or Earn a GED
A high school diploma or equivalent is required to work as a brick mason. Make sure you have these minimum education requirements. Courses in math, mechanical drawing and shop will provide a helpful foundation.
2. Complete a Brick Masonry Training Program
Enrolling in a brick masonry certificate program or vocational program allows you to develop essential skills and knowledge. Look for programs offered at technical schools, community colleges or union apprenticeship programs.
Coursework typically covers areas like:
- Masonry tools, equipment and materials
- Interpreting construction drawings
- Bricklaying techniques
- Mortar preparation
- Measurement and layout
- Masonry codes and standards
- Construction safety
Completing this training shows employers you have the core competencies needed to start an entry-level masonry position. Programs range from a summer session to two years depending on scope.
3. Find a Bricklayer Apprenticeship
Gaining an apprenticeship is the next vital step for hands-on training under experienced masons. Apprenticeships last 2-4 years and combine paid on-site work with some classroom learning.
Look for opportunities through union programs, construction associations, government agencies or private contractors. Being physically fit, able to follow instructions and willing to work hard helps you get accepted.
4. Obtain Journeyman Certification
After completing your apprenticeship, apply to earn your journeyman certification. This involves providing documentation of your hours worked and passing any required exams.
Earning this certification shows you’re qualified to work on projects without supervision. Requirements vary by state so research your local processes.
5. Build Your Experience
Now that you’re a certified journeyman brick mason, start gaining professional experience on real job sites. Focus on refining your skills and learning new specialized techniques as you work. Keep up with the latest industry advances, tools and materials.
6. Consider Specialty Certifications
As you gain experience, look into certifications that allow you to specialize in areas like historic restoration, high-performance masonry or commercial construction. This added expertise can expand your career opportunities.
7. Maintain Your Licensure
Make sure to keep your journeyman license and any other certifications current through renewal requirements. Some states mandate continuing education to stay licensed. Keep up with any updates to local building codes as well.
Important Skills and Qualities
To be successful as a brick mason, it helps to have:
- Physical stamina and strength
- Manual dexterity and attention to detail
- Ability to follow safety procedures
- Comfort working at heights or in confined spaces
- Basic mathematical and mechanical aptitude
- Time management and organization
- Ability to read technical drawings
- Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently once trained
This career is ideal for those who like hands-on work, don’t mind being on their feet all day, have good balance and vision, and enjoy creating structures piece-by-piece.
Finding Work as a Brick Mason
Newly certified brick masons can begin applying for entry-level jobs with:
- Residential construction companies
- Commercial construction contractors
- Masonry or bricklaying specialty firms
- Self-employed masonry contractors
- Government agencies needing masonry work
- Historic restoration projects
Create a resume highlighting any completed training programs, apprenticeships, certifications and skills learned. Be prepared to provide references from employers or mentors.
With advanced experience and business expertise, experienced masons may go on to start their own contracting businesses. This allows them to bid on masonry jobs directly and manage their own projects and crew.
Brick Mason Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for brickmasons and blockmasons is $54,780. Those with their own businesses have potential to earn over $100,000 per year.
Job growth for brick masons is projected at 10% between 2020-2030, about as fast as average across all occupations. Demand will be driven by the ongoing need for new buildings and restoration of existing masonry structures.
With the right combination of formal training, apprenticeship experience and journeyman certification, you can be well-prepared to launch a stable, rewarding career in brick masonry.
Is Becoming a Brick Mason Right for You?
If you’re interested in construction, working with your hands and learning a skilled trade, brick masonry can be a great career choice that doesn’t require a college degree. Make sure to consider:
- Your comfort doing physical labor, lifting/carrying heavy materials, and spending long periods on your feet
- Your manual dexterity, sense of balance, vision, attention to detail and ability to follow procedures precisely
- Your willingness to work in all weather conditions
- Your ability to understand technical drawings and specifications
- Your comfort working at heights on scaffolding or ladders
- Your interest in creating beautiful structures brick-by-brick
If this sounds like an exciting career path, then start preparing now to position yourself for success through formal training, apprenticeships and certifications. With passion and dedication to your craft, you can build a rewarding career as a professional brick mason.
As a Skilled Mason, Would I Be In Demand?
Absolutely! There are several opportunities to start a career in masonry since today the masonry industry is facing a shortage of skilled employees. As a trained and skilled mason, you will have the job security that promises a lucrative career for years to come.
How Do I Become a Mason?
In order to become a journeyman mason, you must enroll in an apprenticeship program, through a training center, union program, or mason contractor. Apprenticeship programs combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Most masonry apprenticeships last three years; however, requirements vary among programs.
During your apprenticeship training, you will complete 144 hours of classroom instruction each year (classes are usually held one or two evenings per week) and spend 1,500 hours each year doing on-the-job training. Youll learn from seasoned mentors who will help you learn the trade and teach you the skills you need to succeed.
One of the great things about apprenticeship training is that you earn while you learn. Apprentices are paid for their on-the-job training, with wages generally beginning at 50% of a journeyman masons salary, and reaching up to 90% by the final year of training. Also, many apprentices classroom tuition is covered by their employing contractor.
To qualify for an apprenticeship, you must be at least 17 years old and in good physical condition. A high school diploma is preferred by most employers. It is also helpful to be comfortable with geometry and algebra, and map, blueprint, or instruction reading.
If you think you may be interested in masonry, and would like to try it out, you can check with your high school or local community college. They may offer masonry programs that feature classroom and hands-on instruction. These courses provide an introduction to the trade as well as good experience. If you are interested in becoming a journeyman mason after this vocational training, you can then enter an apprenticeship program, and may even be given credit for your “pre-apprenticeship” training.
Another option is to take our Masonry Skills Assessment to discover if you would succeed in a career in masonry.
How To Lay Bricks For Beginners Using a line
How do I become a brick masonry contractor?
A high school diploma is typically the minimum educational requirement for entry-level positions. Research and enroll in a brickmasonry program: Look for vocational schools, community colleges, or trade schools that offer masonry programs.
How do I become a brickmason?
Becoming a brickmason typically involves a combination of formal education, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. Here is a guide on how to become a brickmason: Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent: Start by completing your high school education or obtaining a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
Do stone & brick masons need a high school diploma?
Most stone & brick masons need a high school diploma, or its equivalent, in order to perform the job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, courses in English, mathematics, and mechanical drawing do come in handy. Stone & brick masonry requires experienced workers to do the job.
How long does it take to become a brick mason?
Once you’ve obtained a formal education, you’ll need to enroll in an apprenticeship program to complete your training. Most apprenticeship programs last around three to four years and teach you the skills needed to succeed as a brick mason. Licensing requirements for brick masons varies from state to state.
