Career comparison
Brickmason vs. Stonemason
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Brickmasons earn more at the median ($62,120 vs. $57,390), while brickmasons usually get to work faster (3–4 years (apprenticeship) of training). Brickmasons build durable walls, chimneys and structures from brick, block and stone. Stonemasons build and repair walls, buildings and features with natural and cut stone.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Brickmason | Stonemason | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $62,120 ($29.87/hr) | $57,390 ($27.59/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $44,820 – $100,010 | $39,300 – $86,180 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +1.1% (slower than average) | -5.4% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 4,100 | 500 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 3–4 years (apprenticeship) | 3–4 year apprenticeship |
| Key credential | Apprenticeship completion | Masonry apprenticeship |
| Work setting | Masons work outdoors on residential, commercial and institutional construction, often on scaffolds. | Stonemasons work outdoors on homes, commercial buildings and landscapes.. |
What each job does
Brickmason
- 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
Stonemason
- Read plans
- Cut and shape stone
- Mix mortar
- Set stone
- Point joints
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, working outdoors, and creative work. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose brickmason if…
- I like building things that last
- I’m comfortable with heavy physical work
- I take pride in neat, precise results
Choose stonemason if…
- I like working with my hands
- I like lasting work
- I’m strong
Still torn? Take the Brickmason fit quiz and the Stonemason fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, brickmason or stonemason?
Brickmasons earn more at the median: $62,120 versus $57,390 for stonemasons, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Brickmasons typically train faster (3–4 years (apprenticeship)) than stonemasons (3–4 year apprenticeship).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects brickmasons to grow +1.1% from 2025–35, compared with -5.4% for stonemasons.