A stonemason cuts, shapes, and installs stone for buildings, walkways, and other structures. It is hands-on, in demand, and you can start without a four-year degree. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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Stonemasons work with natural and manufactured stone to build and repair structures. You'll cut and shape stone to fit specific designs, then install it using mortar, grout, or other binding materials. The work involves inspecting stone and materials for quality, handling and moving heavy objects, and communicating with supervisors and team members about project details. You'll also monitor your work and surrounding conditions to ensure safety and accuracy. Much of the job happens outdoors on job sites, and it requires both precision and physical strength.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Stonemasons earn a median of $57,390 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 800 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most stonemasons start with a high school diploma or equivalent. From there, you'll typically enter an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program where you learn the trade while earning. These programs combine classroom instruction in building construction, mathematics, and design with hands-on experience under experienced masons. You'll develop skills in critical thinking, mathematics, and active listening as you learn to read blueprints, calculate measurements, and follow safety protocols. Some people start as helpers and work their way up through experience and training.
Apprenticeships and direct entry through job training are the main routes into stonemasonry. If you're exploring which path fits your situation, Pathly can map the stonemason path that fits you with your counselor to map out the steps that work for you.
You are drawn to realistic, hands-on work where you can see the results of your effort. You solve problems with practical thinking and take pride in building things that last.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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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).