Trade Career Comparison
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Brickmason / Blockmason
Lay and bind bricks, concrete blocks, and natural stones to build walls, walkways, and structures.
$55,780/yr median
Pros
- ✓Highly skilled craft that commands respect — quality masonry work is visible and lasting. Your work may stand for over a century.
- ✓Good pay for experienced masons, especially in union markets and on commercial projects.
- ✓Artistic element to the work — laying brick, stone, and block involves creativity and an eye for pattern and alignment.
- ✓Strong demand for skilled masons — many experienced bricklayers are retiring and there are not enough new workers to replace them.
- ✓Self-employment potential — experienced masons who can handle small commercial and residential jobs can earn well running their own operations.
Cons
- ✗One of the most physically demanding trades — repetitive lifting, bending, and carrying of heavy materials (bricks and mortar) destroys bodies over time.
- ✗Almost entirely outdoor work with full exposure to heat, cold, wind, and rain. Winter shutdowns are common in northern climates.
- ✗The physical toll on backs, knees, wrists, and shoulders is severe. Many masons face chronic pain and reduced mobility later in life.
- ✗Declining job outlook as construction increasingly uses alternative wall systems — the demand for traditional brick and block work has decreased.
- ✗Apprenticeships can be difficult to find in some areas as the trade contracts.
- ✗The work is slow and meticulous, which can be frustrating for people who prefer faster-paced trades.
What the Life Is Like
Brickmasons lay brick, concrete block, and natural stone to build walls, facades, fireplaces, chimneys, and other structures. A typical day starts at 7 AM on the job site. You set up your work area, mix or receive mortar, and begin laying courses of brick or block according to blueprints and layout marks. The work is rhythmic — spread mortar, place brick, tap it into alignment, scrape excess mortar, repeat. A skilled bricklayer develops a smooth, efficient motion that produces consistent results.
The schedule is typically 40 hours per week, but weather plays a major role. Masonry cannot be done in freezing temperatures (mortar will not cure properly), and rain shuts you down. In northern climates, winter layoffs are expected. The culture among masons is craftsmanship-oriented — there is real pride in laying a straight wall with consistent joints. The trade has a long history and many masons feel a connection to a centuries-old craft.
Physically, bricklaying is extremely demanding. A single brick weighs 4-5 pounds, a concrete block weighs 35-40 pounds, and you move hundreds of them per day. Mortar is mixed in heavy batches, and you work bent over or reaching overhead for hours. The repetitive motions cause cumulative damage to wrists, elbows, shoulders, backs, and knees. Many experienced masons deal with chronic joint and back pain. It is important to be realistic about the physical toll and plan for career progression beyond hands-on bricklaying.
How to Get Started
Apply for a masonry apprenticeship
The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) runs apprenticeship programs in many areas, typically lasting 3-4 years. Non-union apprenticeships through NCCER and masonry contractor associations are also available. Both combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
Start as a mason tender (hod carrier) if no apprenticeship is available
Mason tenders carry materials, mix mortar, and set up scaffolding for masons. It is hard physical work but it gets you on a masonry crew where you can learn the trade. Many journeyman bricklayers started as tenders.
Practice the fundamental skills
Bricklaying is a skill that develops with thousands of hours of practice. During your apprenticeship or early career, focus on developing consistent mortar joints, straight courses, plumb walls, and efficient work habits. Speed comes with experience — accuracy comes first.
Learn to read blueprints and masonry specifications
Understanding architectural drawings, masonry bond patterns, structural requirements, and material specifications is essential for working on commercial projects and advancing in the trade.
Advance into restoration, estimation, or business ownership
Skilled masons can specialize in historic restoration work (repointing, rebuilding with traditional techniques) which is a lucrative niche. Estimation and project management offer less physically demanding career paths. Starting a masonry contracting business is achievable with experience and a good reputation.
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