Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Brickmason
What brickmasons actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Set up scaffolding with the crew and check the wall layout against the plans. From there, the day usually includes read blueprints and lay out walls, mix mortar to the right consistency, and build leads and set string lines. Most masons work full-time during daylight hours. Work can slow in freezing or wet weather, when mortar can’t cure properly.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a brickmason working full time.
- Set up scaffolding with the crew and check the wall layout against the plans.
- Mix the first batch of Type S mortar and stock the scaffold with block.
- Build corner leads and check them with a level and story pole.
- Lay block between the leads to the string line, installing horizontal reinforcement.
- Install flashing and weep vents at the base of the brick veneer.
- Lay brick veneer with wall ties anchored to the backup wall.
- Tool joints, brush the wall and cover the work to protect it from rain.
Where brickmasons work
Masons work outdoors on residential, commercial and institutional construction, often on scaffolds. The job involves heavy lifting, bending and repetitive motion, and exposure to weather and silica dust when cutting.
Hours and schedule
Most masons work full-time during daylight hours. Work can slow in freezing or wet weather, when mortar can’t cure properly.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Read blueprints and lay out walls
- Mix mortar to the right consistency
- Build leads and set string lines
- Lay brick and block in level, plumb courses
- Install wall ties, flashing, weep holes and reinforcement
- Tool mortar joints to a finished profile
- Clean masonry and repair or repoint old work
Tools you’ll use every day
- Trowels, jointers and brushes
- Levels, string lines and line blocks
- Story poles and tape measures
- Mortar mixers
- Masonry saws with water or vacuum dust control
- Scaffolding
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Paid apprenticeships with no student debt
- High demand as experienced masons retire
- Work that lasts for generations
- Clear path to foreman and contractor
What’s hard
- Heavy, physically demanding work
- Weather-dependent schedules
- Silica dust hazards when cutting
- Wear on back, knees and wrists
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like building things that last
- I’m comfortable with heavy physical work
- I take pride in neat, precise results
- I don’t mind working outside
- I want to earn while I learn
- I’m patient with repetitive tasks
Not sure? Take the free Brickmason fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use wet cutting or vacuum dust control and respiratory protection for silica
- Inspect scaffolds and never overload planks
- Lift block properly and share heavy loads
- Wear eye protection and gloves when mixing and cutting