What Does a Stonemason Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a stonemason do?

Stonemasons build stone structures, such as piers, walls and abutments, and lay walks, curbstones or special types of masonry. The median pay is $57,390 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 3–4 year apprenticeship, and employment is projected to grow -5.4% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$57,390
$27.59/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-5.4%
2025–35, a projected decline
Openings per year
500
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS classification
Time to train
3–4 year apprenticeship
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
9,300
Employment, 2025

What stonemasons do

Stonemasons work with stone. They cut, shape and set natural and manufactured stone for walls, facades, fireplaces, patios and monuments, and restore historic buildings.

A high school diploma and an apprenticeship are typical. It is a small trade; BLS projects decline.

Typical duties

Read plans
Cut and shape stone
Mix mortar
Set stone
Point joints
Restore historic stone
Build walls and patios

Work environment and schedule

Stonemasons work outdoors on homes, commercial buildings and landscapes.

Schedule: Full time, often seasonal in cold regions.

A day in the life

7:00 AMSort stone at the site.
7:30 AMMix mortar.
8:00 AMSet a stone veneer course.
11:00 AMSplit stone with a hammer.

See a full day in the life of a stonemason →

Stonemason salary

Half of stonemasons earned more than $57,390 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $39,300 for the lowest 10% to $86,180 for the top 10%.

$39,30010th$57,390Median$86,18090th

Full stonemason pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a stonemason

Finish high school
Work as a mason helper
Join an apprenticeship
Become a journeyman
Specialize

A high school diploma and an apprenticeship are typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a stonemason →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Stone cutting
Mortar mixing
Setting stone
Pointing
Reading plans

People skills

Patience
Eye for detail
Stamina
Craftsmanship

All stonemason skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Lasting craftsmanship
Creative work
Can run your own business
Restoration niche

Cons

Heavy lifting
Weather
Seasonal work
Declining employment

Certifications and licenses

Masonry apprenticeship: Union or employer.
Restoration training: Helpful.
OSHA 10: Safety.
Silica training: Required.

Career path

Mason Helper: Entry.
Apprentice: Training.
Journeyman Stonemason: Skilled.
Contractor: Own business.

Learn the job before day one

Our Stonemason training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as build a dry-stacked stone wall and repoint a historic stone wall, safety and how to land your first job.

View Stonemason training Is this career right for me?

Brickmason

Build durable walls, chimneys and structures from brick, block and stone.

$62,120
3–4 years (apprenticeship)

Mason Helper

Mix mortar and supply bricklayers and stonemasons on the job.

$47,550
A few weeks on the job

Terrazzo Worker

Pour, grind and polish terrazzo floors in airports, schools and lobbies.

$76,170
3–4 year apprenticeship

Concrete Finisher

Place, level and finish concrete for slabs, floors, sidewalks and roads.

$57,020
3–12 months on the job

Compare: Stonemason vs. Brickmason · Stonemason vs. Mason Helper · Stonemason vs. Terrazzo Worker · Stonemason vs. Concrete Finisher

Stonemason FAQ

Do I need an apprenticeship?

It’s the common path.

Is the trade growing?

BLS projects decline.

Is restoration a niche?

Yes, historic work needs skilled masons.

How much does a stonemason make?

The median annual wage for stonemasons was $57,390 ($27.59 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $39,300 and the highest 10% earned more than $86,180.

How long does it take to become a stonemason?

Most people need about 3–4 year apprenticeship of training. A high school diploma and an apprenticeship are typical.

Do you need a degree to be a stonemason?

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

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 47-2022 (Stonemasons).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Stonemasons (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.

Stonemason