Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Mason Helper
What mason helpers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a mason helper?
Set up the mixer. From there, the day usually includes mix mortar, carry brick and block, and stock scaffolds. Full time, seasonal in cold areas.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a mason helper working full time.
- Set up the mixer.
- Mix the first batch.
- Stock the scaffold.
- Raise scaffold planks.
- Mix more mortar.
- Wash down the wall.
- Clean the mixer.
Where mason helpers work
Helpers work outdoors on masonry jobs.
Hours and schedule
Full time, seasonal in cold areas.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Mix mortar
- Carry brick and block
- Stock scaffolds
- Build scaffolds
- Clean walls
- Clean tools
- Assist masons
Tools you’ll use every day
- Mortar mixers
- Wheelbarrows
- Shovels
- Hods
- Scaffolding
- Brushes
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Easy entry
- Learn a trade
- Short training
- Outdoor work
What’s hard
- Very physical
- Weather
- Steep decline
- Low starting pay
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want to learn masonry
- I’m strong
- I don’t mind weather
- I’m reliable
- I like teamwork
- I want to start quickly
Not sure? Take the free Mason Helper fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Lift with your legs
- Control silica dust
- Use scaffolds safely
- Wear PPE