Career comparison
Stonemason vs. Terrazzo Worker
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Terrazzo workers earn more at the median ($76,170 vs. $57,390), while stonemasons usually get to work faster (3–4 year apprenticeship of training). Stonemasons build and repair walls, buildings and features with natural and cut stone. Terrazzo workers pour, grind and polish terrazzo floors in airports, schools and lobbies.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Stonemason | Terrazzo Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $57,390 ($27.59/hr) | $76,170 ($36.62/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $39,300 – $86,180 | $46,090 – $126,130 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -5.4% (a projected decline) | -13.0% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 500 | 100 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 3–4 year apprenticeship | 3–4 year apprenticeship |
| Key credential | Masonry apprenticeship | Terrazzo apprenticeship |
| Work setting | Stonemasons work outdoors on homes, commercial buildings and landscapes.. | Terrazzo workers work in large public and commercial buildings.. |
What each job does
Stonemason
- Read plans
- Cut and shape stone
- Mix mortar
- Set stone
- Point joints
Terrazzo Worker
- Install divider strips
- Mix terrazzo
- Pour and trowel
- Grind surfaces
- Grout
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, and creative work. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose stonemason if…
- I like working with my hands
- I like lasting work
- I’m strong
Choose terrazzo worker if…
- I like artistic floors
- I’m patient
- I can run heavy grinders
Still torn? Take the Stonemason fit quiz and the Terrazzo Worker fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, stonemason or terrazzo worker?
Terrazzo Workers earn more at the median: $76,170 versus $57,390 for stonemasons, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Stonemasons typically train faster (3–4 year apprenticeship) than terrazzo workers (3–4 year apprenticeship).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects stonemasons to grow -5.4% from 2025–35, compared with -13.0% for terrazzo workers.