Updated 2025 · Construction
How to Become a Mason (Bricklayer)
Masons (bricklayers) build and repair walls, walkways, fireplaces, and other structures using brick, concrete block, stone, and mortar.
Steps to Become a Mason (Bricklayer)
- Meet basic requirements — You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. A strong foundation in math, physics, and shop classes helps.
- Apply to an apprenticeship program — Mason (Bricklayer) apprenticeships last 3 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apply through your local union (IBEW, UA, etc.) or a non-union contractor program. You earn while you learn from day one.
- Complete required training — Complete 6000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
- Earn certifications — Required certifications include: NCCER Masonry certification, OSHA 10/30-Hour, Scaffold user certification.
- Pass the journeyman exam — After completing your apprenticeship, pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state to earn full journeyman status and pay.
What Does a Mason (Bricklayer) Do?
Masons (bricklayers) build and repair walls, walkways, fireplaces, and other structures using brick, concrete block, stone, and mortar.
Daily Duties
- Lay bricks, blocks, and stone in patterns
- Mix and apply mortar and grout
- Read blueprints and calculate materials needed
- Cut materials using saws and chisels
- Build scaffolding for elevated work
Skills Needed
- Brick and block laying
- Mortar mixing
- Blueprint reading
- Cutting and shaping stone
- Scaffold erection
Required Certifications
- NCCER Masonry certification
- OSHA 10/30-Hour
- Scaffold user certification
Mason (Bricklayer) Salary (2025)
The national median mason (bricklayer) salary is $56,904 per year. Pay ranges from $48,075 in the lowest-paying metro to $73,787 in the highest-paying metro. See the full mason (bricklayer) salary breakdown by city.
Apprentice Pay Progression
Mason (Bricklayer) apprentices earn while they learn, starting at approximately 40% of journeyman pay:
| Year | % of Journeyman | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $22,762 |
| Year 2 | 65% | $36,988 |
| Year 3 | 90% | $51,214 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $56,904 |
Union vs Non-Union Mason (Bricklayer) Pay
Union mason (bricklayer)s earn 35% more than non-union workers — $35.10/hour union vs $26.00/hour non-union. Approximately 22.9% of mason (bricklayer)s are union members. See the full union vs non-union comparison.
Work Environment
Masons work outdoors on construction sites in all weather. Physically demanding — extensive bending, lifting heavy blocks, and kneeling. Seasonal work in cold climates.
Career Outlook
Steady demand for commercial and residential masonry. Restoration of historic buildings creates specialty opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median salary for a mason (bricklayer) is $56,904 per year (2025 BLS data). Pay ranges from $48,075 to $73,787 depending on location, with top earners in the 90th percentile making significantly more.
It takes 3 years to complete a mason (bricklayer) apprenticeship. During this time, you earn while you learn — starting at approximately 40-50% of journeyman wages and receiving annual raises.
No college degree is required to become a mason (bricklayer). The primary path is through an apprenticeship program or trade school. You will need to earn specific certifications: NCCER Masonry certification and OSHA 10/30-Hour.
Mason (Bricklayer) earns a Trade Pay Score grade of D, meaning it rates moderately on pay relative to cost of living, wage growth, and demand. Steady demand for commercial and residential masonry. Restoration of historic buildings creates specialty opportunities.
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