Bricklayers and Stonemasons

Career summary

# 4/1/19

Bricklayers and stonemasons do similar work. They both create durable surfaces and structures, such as walkways, floors, walls, and fireplaces. A major difference is that stonemasons work with stone rather than brick. They may work with natural cut (granite or marble) or artificial stone (concrete or marble chips).

When building a wall, bricklayers and stonemasons read blueprints or survey the area to see what work needs to be done. They measure distances from points of reference. They calculate angles to align the material horizontally and vertically. Bricklayers and stonemasons mark guides to follow as they lay the material. Stonemasons may also number the rocks in the order that they want to use them.

Bricklayers and stonemasons start by laying out the foundation for the project. They may mix sand, dirt, or powder with water to create the mortar that holds the pieces together. They use a trowel to spread the mortar, lay bricks or stones on top of the mortar, and press and tap them into place. Stonemasons may use crowbars or rubber mallets to move stones. Bricklayers and stonemasons usually cut material to create a corner. They may use hammers or power saws to cut the material to the needed shape.

Some bricklayers and stonemasons fix old masonry buildings or decorative brickwork. They may remove damaged material, such as bricks and mortar. They also repair the cracks that form as buildings begin to settle. Some walls need extra reinforcement. Bricklayers and stonemasons may add brackets or wire clamps to anchor stones or bricks to the wall. Once they are finished, they may spray their work with a material that keeps the stone or brick work from breaking down.

Some bricklayers are refractory masons. These workers specialize in installing firebrick or refractory tile. The tiles are installed in high temperature boilers and furnaces. These bricks are able to withstand high temperatures. Many of these workers work in steel mills.

Stonemasons may need to dig a trench to create the foundation of their project. If they use natural rock, they may carry it from the truck bed. When stones are too big to carry, they may use a hoist or lift. Stonemasons who work with artificial stones may use molds to create them. They pour the composite material into the mold. After the material dries, they position it along the wall and remove the mold. They may also smooth or polish the rocks' surface to match the other rocks.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Carpenters
• Cement Masons
• Construction Helpers
• Drywall Installers
• Floor and Carpet Layers
• Insulation Installers
• Line Installers and Repairers
• Machinists
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Structural Metal Workers

Military careers

• Construction Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to bricklayers and stonemasons.

• Examine blueprint or structure to see what work needs to be done.
• Measure distance from reference points using levels or plumb line. Mark reference guides.
• Calculate angles corners, and determine vertical and horizontal alignment.
• Lay out wall pattern or foundation.
• Mix mortar or grout.
• Apply and spread mortar on foundation.
• Lay and align bricks or stones following guidelines.
• Remove excess mortar with hand tools or acid.
• Break or cut material to fit.
• Fasten or fuse material to keep it from falling apart.
• Remove damaged brick or mortar or repair cracks.
• Spray material to protect against wear.
• Dig trench for foundation of project.
• Fill molds with composition-stone mixture.
• Position structure along wall and remove mold.
• Remove rock sections from truck bed. May use a hoist when rocks are too big to lift.
• Smooth or polish rock surface.

Common work activities

Bricklayers and stonemasons perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Handle and move objects
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Get information needed to do the job
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Teach others
• Schedule work and activities
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Evaluate information against standards
• Think creatively
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Coach others
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Develop and build teams
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Monitor and control resources
• Develop goals and strategies

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, bricklayers and stonemasons:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of contact with others. They interact with others face-to-face daily, and often communicate by telephone.
• Are responsible for the work done by assistants and other workers.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of coworkers.
• Often work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Nearly always work outdoors, unless they are installing a fireplace or industrial furnace indoors.
• Wear kneepads, gloves, or hard hats on a daily basis.
• Are regularly are exposed to hazardous situations and equipment, such as when using saws.
• Are occasionally exposed to contaminants, such as chemical mortar removers.
• Sometimes are exposed to uncomfortable noise levels, such as when sawing through bricks or stone.
• Sometimes are exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures.
• Occasionally work in cramped areas, such as when finishing corners.
• Are sometimes exposed to high places, such as when climbing to and standing on scaffolding.
• May work near others, such as when occupying the same work space.

Work performance

• Work in a competitive atmosphere. Contractors often compete for jobs.
• Must be very exact in laying the brick or stone so that the structure is level and has no cracks or holes.
• Repeat the same physical activities over and over.
• Occasionally make decisions that affect customers and other workers. They usually make decisions without talking to a supervisor first.
• Set some of their daily tasks and goals by themselves, but often check with managers first.
• Must meet strict weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work 40 hours a week.
• May work weekends and holidays.
• May work only during good weather, since many work outside.

Physical demands

Bricklayers and stonemasons frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.
• Climb ladders, scaffolds, or poles.

It is important for bricklayers and stonemasons to be able to:

• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for bricklayers and stonemasons to be able to:

• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• See objects in very low light.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.

Skills and abilities

Bricklayers and stonemasons need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Construction Trades

Other programs of study to consider

• Building Construction Technology
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Training

To work as a bricklayer or stonemason, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete an apprenticeship program.

Education after high school

Most bricklayers and stonemasons learn skills through apprenticeship training programs. Union and non-union apprenticeship programs are available. Admission to apprenticeship programs is competitive. To apply for an apprenticeship, you must:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• be at least 18 years old; and
• be in good physical condition.

Apprenticeship programs usually consist of four years of on-the-job training. You are paid for the time you spend on the job. In addition, each year you receive at least 144 hours of classroom training.

To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities in your area, consult the US Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information  website.

You can also get training at professional-technical schools or two-year colleges. These programs take two to four years to complete.

On-the-job training

Some bricklayers and stonemasons learn their skills informally on the job. In this case, you work as a helper and learn skills from an experienced worker. On-the-job training lasts for several years.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be construction specialists. Training lasts five to eight weeks, depending on your specialty. Further training occurs on the job.

If you receive this type of training in the military, you may earn credit for previous work experience when you enter a civilian apprenticeship program.

Washington apprenticeships

In Washington, many employers favor hiring graduates of a three- to four-year apprenticeship training program for bricklayers. Qualifications for apprenticeship applicants usually include:

• being 18 years of age;
• a high school diploma or equivalent;
• ability to work at heights and perform the manual labor of the trade;
• ability to read, write, and speak English and pass the SLEP test;
• basic math skills;
• ability to follow instructions and safety practices; and
• a valid driver's license and social security card.

Bricklayers may also need to pass a drug test and standard physical exam, and successfully complete a pre-apprenticeship class. Workers must have their own transportation to carry their tools and supplies to and from job sites. This is an extremely physical trade. Almost all apprentices have a background as a hod carrier or construction laborer.

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#checked 3/07 lh & 3/6/08, cj & 3/1/10, cj. Made some changes to requirements based on amended standards pdf linked to recent apprenticeship announcement 2/15/12 cj. Added line requiring SLEP test; rest ok 2/12/14 cj. Made a few changes to reqs 3/21/16 cj. Ok as is 2/15/18 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate. You should consider taking Algebra and Geometry as your math courses and Chemistry and Physics as your science courses.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Carpentry
• Construction
• Drafting
• Industrial Arts
• Physical Education

Many bricklayers and stonemasons are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire helpers or apprentices who have taken courses in general math, mechanical drawing, and shop. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually preferred.

Employers prefer to hire applicants who are able to carry heavy material, such as scaffolding. They look for people who are in good shape and can spend a lot of time on their knees. Employers also look for people who are self-motivated because these workers are not constantly supervised. However, bricklayers and stonemasons must also work well with others. Working as a team member is important for them to get work done. They also need to be people who do not mind getting dirty. This job involves spending time in the dirt and mixing up batches of cement, sand, and water.

When hiring apprentices, employers look for workers who are quick, efficient, and able to focus on the task before them. They also want workers who can withstand working outdoors in a variety of conditions.

Tips

Develop the skills necessary to perform the latest techniques to improve your chances of being hired.

#Hiring practices & tip from Ontario, Canada bricklayers apprenticeship web site which could apply to here as well. 3/13/06, CJ.

Costs to workers

Bricklayers and stonemasons are expected to buy their own hand tools and keep them in good condition. Many workers belong to the masonry union and must pay initiation fees and monthly dues.

#Took over national content as employer comment said must be at least 17 whereas in training section and our state apprenticeship info all said must be at least 18. 3/21/16 cj.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Brickmasons and Blockmasons 
• Stonemasons 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The number of hours bricklayers and stonemasons spend on the job can vary. For example, bad weather or downturns in construction activity can reduce hours. Thus, overall earnings may be lower than these wages suggest.

Pay also varies with the employer and the type of job. Union workers often earn higher wages. Apprentices generally earn about half the wage of skilled bricklayers or stonemasons. As apprentices gain experience and skills, they receive higher pay.

Bricklayers and stonemasons who work full time may receive benefits. These benefits may include health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and a retirement plan. Bricklayers and stonemasons who are self-employed or work for small companies usually pay for their own insurance and retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 28% of bricklayers and stonemasons are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Masonry, stonework, and plastering contractors
• Construction companies

National outlook

Strong growth is expected for this occupation as more schools, homes, factories, and other structures will be built. Renovation of existing masonry buildings will also create demand. In addition, brick exteriors on homes are a popular choice because they are durable and easy to maintain. New building codes in areas prone to hurricanes and other powerful storms will create more job growth.

Many job openings will occur as people retire from this occupation.

Employment of bricklayers and stonemasons is sensitive to the economy. When the economy slows down, so does construction. During these periods, bricklayers and stonemasons may be unemployed or work fewer hours.

Other resources

International Masonry Institute 
17101 Science Drive
Bowie, MD 20715
301.291.2124

International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers 
620 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
888.880.8222
202.783.3788

National Association of Women in Construction 
327 South Adams Street
Fort Worth, TX 76104
800.552.3506
817.877.5551

North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) 
815 16th ST, NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006

The Brick Industry Association 
12007 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 430
Reston, VA 20191
703.620.0010

US Small Business Administration 
Seattle District Office
2401 Fourth Avenue, Suite 450
Seattle, WA 98121
206.553.7310

Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council 
906 Columbia Street SW, Suite 107
Olympia, WA 98501
360.357.6778

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupations

• Brickmasons and Blockmasons (47-2021.00) 
• Stonemasons (47-2022.00) 

O*Net job zones 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Acid-tank Liner (861.381-010) 
• Bricklayer (861.381-014) 
• Bricklayer (861.381-018) 
• Bricklayer Apprentice (861.381-022) 
• Bricklayer, Firebrick and Refractory Tile (861.381-026) 
• Chimney Repairer (899.364-010) 
• Composition-stone Applicator (861.361-010) 
• Cupola Patcher (861.684-010) 
• Hot-top Liner (709.684-046) 
• Kiln-door Builder (573.684-010) 
• Marble Setter (861.381-030) 
• Monument Setter (861.361-014) 
• Patcher (861.684-014) 
• Repairer, Kiln Car (861.684-022) 
• Stonemason (861.381-038) 
• Stonemason Apprentice (861.381-042) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Artistic/Conventional
• Realistic/Conventional/Artistic
• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative
• Realistic/Investigative/Conventional

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled