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.
Brickmasons and Blockmasons
SOC: 47-2021 O*NET: 47-2021.00
Median Salary
$62,120
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.1%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
4.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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 does a Brickmasons and Blockmasons do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$44,820
10th percentile
Early Career
$51,110
25th percentile
Median
$62,120
50th percentile
Experienced
$79,350
75th percentile
Top Earners
$100,010
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$44,820
25th
$51,110
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$62,120
Mean: $68,280
75th
$79,350
90th
$100,010
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $55,190 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $51,110 and $79,350
- •Salary spread is 45.5% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 52,550 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:62,400
Top Industries
Construction94.8%
Specialty Trade Contractors84%
Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors78.3%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.1%
Annual Openings:4,100
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)62,400
Current
2035 (Projected)63,100
+1.1%
+700
Employment Change
+1.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Brickmasons and Blockmasons professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
4,300 jobs$56,4100.90x
California
3,820 jobs$69,0500.62x
New York
3,790 jobs$84,4101.16x
Pennsylvania
2,910 jobs$69,5601.42x
Ohio
2,770 jobs$70,9501.48x
Florida
2,610 jobs$52,7600.78x
Illinois
2,490 jobs$89,9801.21x
Virginia
2,350 jobs$54,6801.69x
Michigan
2,240 jobs$63,5001.50x
Missouri
1,940 jobs$72,3701.95x
Indiana
1,770 jobs$73,1101.64x
North Carolina
1,760 jobs$49,9401.06x
Maryland
1,650 jobs$59,0301.77x
Utah
1,590 jobs$60,4502.71x
Massachusetts
1,570 jobs$94,9501.28x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Building and Construction
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
100%
#3
Trunk Strength
100%
#4
Coordination
92%
#5
Mathematics
92%
#6
Extent Flexibility
92%
#7
Operations Monitoring
82%
#8
English Language
82%
#9
Static Strength
82%
#10
Speaking
74%
Skills Overview
Building and Construction
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Trunk Strength
advanced5.0
100%
Coordination
advanced4.6
92%
Mathematics
advanced4.6
92%
Extent Flexibility
advanced4.6
92%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.1
82%
English Language
intermediate4.1
82%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Building and Construction
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Trunk Strength
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Coordination
advancedImportance92%
skills
4.6/5.0
Mathematics
advancedImportance92%
knowledge
4.6/5.0
Extent Flexibility
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance82%
skills
4.1/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance82%
knowledge
4.1/5.0
Static Strength
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Public Safety and Security
intermediateImportance74%
knowledge
3.7/5.0
Manual Dexterity
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic80%
5 shared skills
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders78%
5 shared skills
Roofers78%
5 shared skills
Fence Erectors75%
5 shared skills
Automotive Body and Related Repairers70%
5 shared skills
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers70%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Coordination
- ✓Building and Construction
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓English Language
Learn on the Job:
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Time Management
- →Production and Processing
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Coordination
- ✓Building and Construction
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓English Language
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Building and Construction
- ★Mathematics
- ★English Language
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Trunk Strength
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Brickmasons and Blockmasons
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Intuit QuickBooks
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Intuit QuickBooks
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Excel
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
14
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (14)
1
Construct corners by fastening in plumb position a corner pole or building a corner pyramid of bricks, and filling in between the corners using a line from corner to corner to guide each course, or layer, of brick.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Measure distance from reference points and mark guidelines to lay out work, using plumb bobs and levels.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Calculate angles and courses and determine vertical and horizontal alignment of courses.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Fasten or fuse brick or other building material to structure with wire clamps, anchor holes, torch, or cement.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Break or cut bricks, tiles, or blocks to size, using trowel edge, hammer, or power saw.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Remove excess mortar with trowels and hand tools, and finish mortar joints with jointing tools, for a sealed, uniform appearance.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Interpret blueprints and drawings to determine specifications and to calculate the materials required.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Apply and smooth mortar or other mixture over work surface.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Mix specified amounts of sand, clay, dirt, or mortar powder with water to form refractory mixtures.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Examine brickwork or structure to determine need for repair.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •50% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Brickmasons and Blockmasons
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Brickmasons and Blockmasons professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Brickmasons and Blockmasons
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.71
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.39
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.16
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.09
Independence
ImportantIndependence
Importance Level3.97
Achievement/Effort
ImportantAchievement/Effort
Importance Level3.93
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.7
Dependability
4.4
Integrity
4.2
Cooperation
4.1
Independence
4.0
Achievement/Effort
3.9
Persistence
3.8
Concern for Others
3.8
Initiative
3.8
Leadership
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Brickmasons and Blockmasons.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 153 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 54 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: MI (12) , PA (11) , SC (11) , VA (10) , AZ (9)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Brickmasons and Blockmasons
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
1.9k program completions/year
Apex Technical School
Long Island City, NY
847 program completions/year
American River College
Sacramento, CA
792 program completions/year
J F Ingram State Technical College
Deatsville, AL
697 program completions/year
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
Bowling Green, KY
635 program completions/year
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
Elizabethtown, KY
633 program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
629 program completions/year
Owensboro Community and Technical College
Owensboro, KY
626 program completions/year
City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College
Chicago, IL
622 program completions/year
Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL
596 program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
565 program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
526 program completions/year