### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Masonry Workers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			brickmasons blockmasons and stonemasons imageMasons construct walls using bricks, blocks, and stones.							
						Quick Facts:     Masonry Workers2023     Median Pay
            						$53,010     per year
										$25.49     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    See How to Become OneWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    See How to Become OneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    294,200Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    -3% (Decline)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    -8,900What Masonry Workers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Masonry workers use bricks, concrete and concrete blocks, and natural and manmade stones to build structures.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Masonry work is physically demanding, requiring heavy lifting and long periods of standing, kneeling, and bending. Most masons work full time.
            
                                                How to Become a Masonry Worker
                                                
                        
Masons typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and learn the trade either through an apprenticeship or on the job.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for masonry workers was $53,010 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of masonry workers is projected to decline							 3 percent from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite declining  employment, about 21,200 openings for masonry workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for masonry workers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of masonry workers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about masonry workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Masonry Workers Do 
            

			Brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasonsMasons clean excess mortar with trowels and other hand tools.			
Masonry workers, also known as *masons,* use bricks, concrete and concrete blocks, and natural and manmade stones to build walkways, walls, and other structures.
Duties
Masons typically do the following:
Read blueprints or drawings to calculate materials needed
Lay out patterns, forms, or foundations according to plans
Break or cut materials to required size
Mix mortar or grout and spread it onto a slab or foundation
Clean excess mortar with trowels and other handtools
Construct masonry walls
Align structures, using levels and plumbs
Clean and polish surfaces with handtools or power tools
Fill expansion joints with caulking materials
Lay out and install rainscreen water systemsMasons build structures with brick, block, and stone, some of the most common and durable materials used in construction. They also use concrete—a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water—as the foundation for everything from patios and floors to dams and roads.
The following are examples of types of masons:
***Brickmasons*** and ***blockmasons***—often called *bricklayers*—build and repair walls, fireplaces, and other structures with brick, terra cotta, precast masonry panels, concrete block, and other masonry materials.*******Pointing, cleaning, and caulking workers*are brickmasons who repair brickwork, particularly on older structures.*******Refractory masons* are brickmasons who specialize in installing heat- and fire-resistant masonry materials in high-temperature areas such as boilers, furnaces, and soaking pits in industrial buildings.
***Cement masons**and**concrete finishers*** place and finish concrete. They may color concrete surfaces, expose small stones in walls and sidewalks, or make concrete beams, columns, and panels. Throughout the process of pouring, leveling, and finishing concrete, cement masons use their knowledge of how conditions may affect concrete and take steps to prevent defects. On small jobs, such as constructing sidewalks, cement masons may use a supportive wire mesh called a lath. On large jobs, such as constructing building foundations, reinforcing iron and rebar workers install the reinforcing mesh.
***Stonemasons*** build stone walls and set stone exteriors and floors. They work with two types of stone: natural-cut stone, such as marble, granite, and limestone; and artificial stone, made from concrete, marble chips, or other masonry materials. Using a special hammer or a diamond-blade saw, workers cut stone into various shapes and sizes. Some stonemasons specialize in setting marble, which is similar to setting large pieces of stone.
***Terrazzo workers**and**finishers,*****also known as *terrazzo masons*, create decorative walkways, floors, patios, and panels. Much of the preliminary work of pouring, leveling, and finishing concrete for terrazzo is similar to that of cement masons. Terrazzo workers create decorative finishes by blending fine marble chips into the epoxy, resin, or cement, which is often colored. Once the terrazzo is thoroughly set, workers correct imperfections with a grinder. Terrazzo workers also install decorative microtoppings or polishing compounds to new or existing concrete.
 Work Environment
			Brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasonsMasons typically work outdoors.			

	    
				
	
	    	    		Masonry workers held about 294,200 jobs in 2022. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up masonry workers was distributed as follows:
    	    	
    	Cement masons and concrete finishers
                206,200Brickmasons and blockmasons
                73,000Stonemasons
                13,500Terrazzo workers and finishers
                1,600The largest employers of masonry workers were as follows:
        Poured concrete foundation and structure contractors
                30%Masonry contractors
                20Self-employed workers
                10Construction of buildings
                10Heavy and civil engineering construction
                7As with many other construction occupations, masonry work is strenuous. Masons often lift heavy materials and stand, kneel, and bend for long periods. The work may be either indoors or outdoors in areas that are dusty, dirty, or muddy. Inclement weather may affect outdoor masonry work.
Injuries and Illnesses
Brickmasons and blockmasons risk injury on the job. Cuts are common, as are injuries occurring from falls and being struck by objects. To avoid injury, workers wear protective gear such as hardhats, safety glasses, high-visibility vests, and harnesses and other apparel to prevent falls.
Work Schedules
Most masons work full time, and some work overtime to meet construction deadlines. Masons work mostly outdoors, so inclement weather may affect their schedules. Terrazzo masons may need to work hours that differ from a regular business schedule, to avoid disrupting normal operations.
 How to Become a Masonry Worker

			Brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasonsApprentices learn by working with experienced masons.			
Masons typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and learn the trade either through an apprenticeship or on the job.
Education
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to enter the occupation.
Many technical schools offer programs in masonry. These programs operate both independently and in conjunction with apprenticeship training.
Training
Masons typically learn the trade through apprenticeships and on the job, working with experienced masons.
Several groups, including unions and contractor associations, sponsor apprenticeship programs. Apprentices learn construction basics, such as blueprint reading; mathematics for measurement; building code requirements; and safety and first-aid practices. After completing an apprenticeship program, masons are considered journey workers and are able to do tasks on their own.
The Home Builders Institute and the International Masonry Institute offer pre-apprenticeship training programs for eight construction trades, including masonry.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
Some workers start out as construction laborers and helpers before becoming masons.
Advancement
After becoming a journey worker, masonry workers may find opportunities to advance to supervisor, superintendent, or other construction management positions. Experienced masonry workers may choose to become independent contractors. Masonry workers in a union may also find opportunities for advancement within their union.
Important Qualities
***Ability to work at heights.*** Masonry workers often use scaffolding, so they should be comfortable working at heights.
***Color vision*.** Masonry workers need to be able to distinguish between small variations in color when setting terrazzo patterns in order to produce the best looking finish.
***Dexterity.*** Masonry workers must be able to place bricks, stones, and other materials with precision.
***Hand–eye coordination*.** Masonry workers need to apply smooth, even layers of mortar; set bricks; and remove any excess before the mortar hardens.
***Physical stamina*.** Masonry workers must keep up a steady pace while setting bricks, and the constant lifting can be tiring.
***Physical strength*.** Masonry workers should be able to lift more than 50 pounds. They carry heavy tools, equipment, and other materials, such as bags of mortar and grout.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Masonry WorkersMedian annual wages, May 2023Masonry workers$53,010  Construction trades workers$52,000  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for masonry workers was $53,010 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,520, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $85,630.

			
                    	Median annual wages for masonry workers in May 2023 were as follows:
        Brickmasons and blockmasons
		$59,640Stonemasons
		51,830Cement masons and concrete finishers
		50,720Terrazzo workers and finishers
		48,900In May 2023, the median annual wages for masonry workers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Masonry contractors
                $58,900Construction of buildings
                58,240Heavy and civil engineering construction
                53,480Poured concrete foundation and structure contractors
                49,480Most masons work full time, and some work overtime to meet construction deadlines. Masons work mostly outdoors, so inclement weather may affect schedules. Terrazzo masons may need to work hours that differ from a regular business schedule, to avoid disrupting normal operations.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
               Masonry WorkersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Construction trades workers3%  Total, all occupations3%  Masonry workers-3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of masonry workers is projected to decline				 3 percent from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite declining  employment, about 21,200 openings for masonry workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Projected employment of masonry workers varies by occupation (see table).
The employment of masons is linked to the overall demand for new building and road construction. Masonry, such as brick and stone, is still popular in both interior and exterior applications, but changes in products and installation practices are expected to decrease the need for masons. For example, fewer workers are needed to install innovations such as thin bricks, which allow buildings to have the look of brick construction at a lower cost. Additionally, the increased use of prefabricated panels will reduce the demand for most masonry workers. These panels are created offsite by either contractors or manufacturers in climate-protected environments, but fewer masons are needed to install the panels at the construction site.
Employment of terrazzo workers and finishers is expected to decline due to the increased installation of polished concrete, which will shift some work from terrazzo workers to cement masons and concrete finishers.
			

                        Employment projections data for     masonry workers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Masonry workers**
			—
			294,200
			285,300
			-3
			-8,900
			—**Brickmasons and blockmasons**
			47-2021
			73,000
			73,300
			0
			300
			Get data**Stonemasons**
			47-2022
			13,500
			12,700
			-6
			-800
			Get data**Cement masons and concrete finishers**
			47-2051
			206,200
			197,900
			-4
			-8,300
			Get data**Terrazzo workers and finishers**
			47-2053
			1,600
			1,400
			-12
			-200
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Brickmasons and blockmasons
					Cement masons and concrete finishers
					Stonemasons
					Terrazzo workers and finishers **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of masonry workers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Carpenters**
            Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $56,350**Construction Laborers and Helpers**
            Construction laborers and helpers perform tasks, such as using, supplying, or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment, on construction sites.
            See How to Become One
            $44,310**Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers**
            Drywall and ceiling tile installers hang wallboard and install ceiling tile inside buildings. Tapers prepare the wallboard for painting.
            No formal educational credential
            $57,010**Glaziers**
            Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in buildings.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $51,100**Insulation Workers**
            Insulation workers install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings or mechanical systems.
            See How to Become One
            $49,350**Ironworkers**
            Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $60,780**Flooring Installers and Tile and Stone Setters**
            Flooring installers and tile and stone setters lay and finish carpet, wood, vinyl, tile, and other materials.
            No formal educational credential
            $48,690
 Contacts for More Information
								
For details about apprenticeships or other work opportunities for masonry workers, contact the offices of the state employment service, the state apprenticeship agency, local contractors or firms that employ masons, or local union–management apprenticeship committees. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship program online or by phone at 877-872-5627. Visit Apprenticeship.gov to search for apprenticeship opportunities.
For more information about training for masons, visit
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.
Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers International Union
Home Builders Institute
International Masonry Institute
Mason Contractors Association of America
National Association of Home Builders
NCCER
Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association
The Associated General Contractors of America
The National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Brickmasons and BlockmasonsCement Masons and Concrete FinishersStonemasonsTerrazzo Workers and Finishers
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Masonry Workers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/brickmasons-blockmasons-and-stonemasons.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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