Brickmason FAQ

Most apprenticeships take three to four years.

Yes. Many experienced masons are retiring and fewer young workers are entering the trade.

In cold regions work slows, though some jobs continue with heated enclosures and cold-weather practices.

The median annual wage for brickmasons was $62,120 ($29.87 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $44,820 and the highest 10% earned more than $100,010.

Most people need about 3–4 years (apprenticeship) of training. A high school diploma is typical. Most brickmasons complete a three- to four-year apprenticeship that combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction in blueprint reading, layout, math and safety. Some start in technical school masonry programs.

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus apprenticeship.

It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +1.1% from 2025–35 (slower than average), with about 4,100 openings each year. Upsides include paid apprenticeships with no student debt; a common challenge is that heavy, physically demanding work.

Key technical skills include laying brick and block, mortar mixing, reading plans and layout, and leveling and plumbing walls. Employers also value patience and precision, physical stamina, and teamwork.

Common credentials include Apprenticeship completion, OSHA 10 or 30-Hour Construction, Scaffold user or competent person training, and Masonry certifications. Requirements vary by state and employer.