Brickmasons and Blockmasons Earn $62,120 Median: 2025 Salary & Career Guide
Brickmasons and blockmasons earned a median salary of $62,120 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean hourly wage is about $30, with typical pay ranging from $44,820 at the 10th percentile to $100,010 at the 90th. This guide covers what you can expect to earn, how to enter the trade, and what the job market looks like through 2034.
How much Brickmasons and Blockmasons earn
Nationally, the median annual wage for brickmasons and blockmasons is $62,120. The highest-paid 10 percent earn over $100,010, while the lowest-paid 10 percent make less than $44,820. Most workers are paid hourly, with a mean wage of $30 per hour.
Pay varies significantly by industry. Those working in nonresidential building construction tend to earn more, while residential contractors often pay closer to the median. Overtime and prevailing wage projects can boost annual income.
Pay by state
Where you work heavily affects your paycheck. The highest-paying state for brickmasons and blockmasons is Minnesota, with an average salary of $95,220. Massachusetts ($94,950), Illinois ($89,980), New York ($84,410), and Washington ($83,190) also offer top wages.
The lowest-paying states are Maine ($42,710), New Mexico ($44,980), and West Virginia ($46,600). Keep in mind that cost of living differs — a lower salary in a cheap state may stretch just as far as a higher salary in an expensive one.
How to become Brickmasons and Blockmason
Most brickmasons and blockmasons learn through a 3- to 4-year apprenticeship sponsored by unions or contractor associations. Apprentices combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction in blueprint reading, mathematics, and masonry techniques.
Some start as helpers or laborers and learn informally. Others attend vocational schools offering certificate or associate programs, but this is less common. No specific degree is required. Completion of an apprenticeship typically leads to journey-level status. Voluntary certification through the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) can improve job prospects.
- Minimum age 18 with high school diploma or GED
- Apprenticeship or vocational training
- On-the-job training under experienced masons
- Optional: NCCER masonry certification
Job outlook
Employment of brickmasons and blockmasons is projected to grow 3.2 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This translates to about 5,600 new job openings each year over the decade, mostly due to the need to replace workers who retire or leave the trade.
Demand is tied to construction activity — both residential and commercial. New building techniques, like prefabricated masonry panels, may slow growth slightly, but restoration and repair work will keep masons busy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the hourly wage for brickmasons and blockmasons?
The mean hourly wage is about $30, according to BLS data. The lowest-paid 10 percent earn under $21.55 per hour, while the top 10 percent earn over $48.08.
Is brickmason a good career?
It offers solid pay (median $62,120) and good job security with 3.2% growth. The trade requires physical stamina but provides a clear path to a skilled craft with no college debt.
How long does it take to become a brickmason?
Most apprenticeship programs last 3 to 4 years. You earn while you learn, so you start income immediately. Some workers pick up skills on the job as helpers, which can take longer to reach journey level.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Brickmasons and Blockmasons data.