Brickmason
Build durable walls, chimneys and structures from brick, block and stone.
- $62,120
- 3–4 years (apprenticeship)
Skilled Trades & Construction career
Mason Helper
Also called: Brick Tender · Mason Tender · Hod Carrier · Masonry Laborer
What mason helpers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a mason helper do?
Helpers, brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons and tile and marble setters help masons by carrying materials, mixing mortar and cleaning. The median pay is $47,550 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few weeks on the job, and employment is projected to grow -11.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$47,550$22.86/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-11.7%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year1,100Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationNo formal educational credentialBLS classification
- Time to trainA few weeks on the jobTypical program length
- U.S. jobs14,100Employment, 2025
What mason helpers do
Mason helpers keep masons supplied. They mix mortar, carry brick and block, build and move scaffolds, clean walls and tools and learn the trade on the job.
No formal education is required, and training is short. BLS projects a steep decline, but it is a common path to becoming a mason.
Typical duties
- Mix mortar
- Carry brick and block
- Stock scaffolds
- Build scaffolds
- Clean walls
- Clean tools
- Assist masons
Work environment and schedule
Helpers work outdoors on masonry jobs.
Schedule: Full time, seasonal in cold areas.
A day in the life
- Set up the mixer.
- Mix the first batch.
- Stock the scaffold.
- Raise scaffold planks.
See a full day in the life of a mason helper →
Mason Helper salary
Half of mason helpers earned more than $47,550 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $36,230 for the lowest 10% to $70,080 for the top 10%.
Full mason helper pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a mason helper
- Apply to a masonry contractor
- Learn mixing and stocking
- Show reliability
- Join an apprenticeship
- Become a mason
No formal educational credential is required.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a mason helper →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Mortar mixing
- Material handling
- Scaffold building
- Cleaning
- Tool care
People skills
- Reliability
- Stamina
- Willingness to learn
- Teamwork
All mason helper skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy entry
- Learn a trade
- Short training
- Outdoor work
Cons
- Very physical
- Weather
- Steep decline
- Low starting pay
Certifications and licenses
- Scaffold training: Required.
- OSHA 10: Safety.
- Forklift certification: Helpful.
- Silica training: Required.
Career path
- Mason Helper: Entry.
- Apprentice: Training.
- Mason: Skilled.
- Foreman: Lead.
Learn the job before day one
Our Mason Helper training (6 hours, $59.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as mix mortar the way masons like it and stock a scaffold for bricklayers, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Stonemason
Build and repair walls, buildings and features with natural and cut stone.
- $57,390
- 3–4 year apprenticeship
Construction Laborer
Prepare sites, move materials, pour concrete and support every trade on the job.
- $47,120
- Days to weeks (on the job)
Tile Setter
Install tile and stone on floors, walls, showers and backsplashes.
- $55,690
- 1–3 years of training
Compare: Mason Helper vs. Brickmason · Mason Helper vs. Stonemason · Mason Helper vs. Construction Laborer · Mason Helper vs. Tile Setter
Mason Helper FAQ
Do I need experience?
No.
Is it a path to mason?
Yes.
Is the job declining?
BLS projects a steep decline.
How much does a mason helper make?
The median annual wage for mason helpers was $47,550 ($22.86 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,230 and the highest 10% earned more than $70,080.
How long does it take to become a mason helper?
Most people need about A few weeks on the job of training. No formal educational credential is required.
Do you need a degree to be a mason helper?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 47-3011 (Helpers--brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Helpers--brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.