Career comparison
Quarry Rock Splitter vs. Stonemason
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Stonemasons earn more at the median ($57,390 vs. $48,740), while quarry rock splitters usually get to work faster (A few weeks on the job of training). Quarry rock splitters split and shape stone blocks at quarries. 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
| Quarry Rock Splitter | Stonemason | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $48,740 ($23.44/hr) | $57,390 ($27.59/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $37,340 – $67,710 | $39,300 – $86,180 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +5.8% (faster than average) | -5.4% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 400 | 500 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | A few weeks on the job | 3–4 year apprenticeship |
| Key credential | MSHA Part 46 | Masonry apprenticeship |
| Work setting | Rock splitters work outdoors at quarries.. | Stonemasons work outdoors on homes, commercial buildings and landscapes.. |
What each job does
Quarry Rock Splitter
- Drill holes
- Drive wedges
- Split blocks
- Saw stone
- Trim stone
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, and working outdoors. They sit in different fields, energy & utilities and skilled trades & construction, but share transferable skills such as stamina and patience.
Which should you choose?
Choose quarry rock splitter if…
- I like heavy outdoor work
- I like stone
- I’m strong
Choose stonemason if…
- I like working with my hands
- I like lasting work
- I’m strong
Still torn? Take the Quarry Rock Splitter fit quiz and the Stonemason fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, quarry rock splitter or stonemason?
Stonemasons earn more at the median: $57,390 versus $48,740 for quarry rock splitters, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Quarry Rock Splitters typically train faster (A few weeks on the job) than stonemasons (3–4 year apprenticeship).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects quarry rock splitters to grow +5.8% from 2025–35, compared with -5.4% for stonemasons.