The trades are a great place for anyone looking for a career that’s hands-on and creative. Being a brick mason or stone mason opens up an opportunity to grow as a professional. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for masonry workers is expected to increase by 12% through 2026. If you like working with your hands or you are changing career paths, here’s what you need to know about getting a career in masonry.
What Does a Mason Worker Do?
A mason worker is anyone who builds structures out of materials such as brick, stone or concrete. There are many different pathways you can take in a career in masonry.
Brick Mason
Brickmasons lay brick and build structures such as walls, floors, chimneys, fireplaces and more. Cleaning masons help clean and restore structures made from brick. Refractory masons specialize in building and restoring structures exposed to lots of heat, such as furnaces.
Stone Mason
Stonemasons primarily work with natural or artificial stone to make walls, pavers or home exteriors.
Cement Mason
Cement Masons pour, level and finish concrete for sidewalks, roads, and driveways. They may use pour concrete over steel for additional support.
A mason worker doesn’t just build things out of brick, stone or concrete; they require a certain set of skills that make them a special breed.
The Skill Sets Needed for Masonry
Masonry requires good hand-eye coordination and strength. You may be required to get additional training and education in order to be able to read blueprints, work power tools and other skills that aren’t prerequisite to a job in masonry.
Education and Training
At the very minimum, you should have a high school diploma before you start your career in masonry. The most common routes for getting an education in masonry work is through apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship programs offer on the job training, meaning individuals learn as they work towards a associates degree in masonry work. The associate’s degree gives students a more focused curriculum by choosing a concentration of masonry work, whether it’s working with stone or cement.
A career in masonry opens the opportunities to work in a variety of different environments and projects.
What is the Work Environment Like?
A job in masonry can puts you in a variety of different settings. Brick and stone masons can work in both commercial and residential settings, working with bricks and stone to deck out homes and offices. Cement masons can find work paving roadways or building bridges, some can even find work in the arts!
The ability to work with stone, brick or cement is a valuable skill that requires immense skill and creativity. Interested in what professional stone and brickwork looks like? Take a look at our gallery page today or give Champion Brick of Wisconsin a call to find out what it takes to work in masonry.