A brickmason lays bricks, concrete blocks, and stone to build walls, chimneys, walkways, and other structures. The work is hands-on, in demand, and you can start without a four-year degree. Here is what the job involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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Brickmasons lay and bind bricks, concrete blocks, and stone using mortar and other materials. You measure and cut materials to fit, inspect your work and surrounding structures for quality and safety, and monitor conditions on the job site. You handle and move heavy materials, communicate with supervisors and crew members about progress and problems, and identify any issues with materials or the work itself. The role requires precision, attention to detail, and the ability to read blueprints and follow building codes.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Brickmasons and Blockmasons earn a median of $62,120 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 5,600 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most brickmasons start with a high school diploma or equivalent. You will learn the trade through on-the-job training, often combined with classroom instruction in building construction, mathematics, and safety. Many enter the field as apprentices, working under experienced masons while developing skills in measuring, mixing mortar, laying patterns, and finishing techniques. Some employers offer paid training programs. The preparation involves some formal instruction alongside hands-on experience, typically taking several years to become fully skilled.
Most brickmasons learn through apprenticeships or on-the-job training combined with classroom work. If you are deciding between different entry paths or want to map out your first steps, Pathly can map the brickmason and blockmason path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to find the route that fits your situation.
You do not need a license to work as a brickmason and blockmason, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are drawn to concrete, practical work and prefer building and fixing things with your hands. You like working outdoors and on job sites, and you value seeing the tangible results of your labor.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).