Career Overview
Lay and bind building materials, such as brick, structural tile, concrete block, cinder block, glass block, and terra-cotta block, with mortar and other substances, to construct or repair walls, partitions, arches, sewers, and other structures.
Also Known As
- Block Layer
- Brick and Block Mason
- Bricklayer
- Mason
Alternate Job Titles
- Adobe Layer
- Block Layer
- Block Mason
- Block Paver
- Blockmason
- Bottom Liner
- Brick and Block Mason
- Brick and Tile Bricklayer
- Brick Chimney Builder
- Brick Dropper
- Brick Layer
- Brick Mason
- Brick Paver
- Brick Pointer
- Brick Setter
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Measure distance from reference points and mark guidelines to lay out work, using plumb bobs and levels.
- Construct corners by fastening in plumb position a corner pole or building a corner pyramid of bricks, and filling in between the corners using a line from corner to corner to guide each course, or layer, of brick.
- Apply and smooth mortar or other mixture over work surface.
- Calculate angles and courses and determine vertical and horizontal alignment of courses.
- Break or cut bricks, tiles, or blocks to size, using trowel edge, hammer, or power saw.
- Interpret blueprints and drawings to determine specifications and to calculate the materials required.
- Remove excess mortar with trowels and hand tools, and finish mortar joints with jointing tools, for a sealed, uniform appearance.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Use drone technology to inspect and assess the condition of tall structures.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Building and Construction
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Trunk Strength
- Extent Flexibility
- Manual Dexterity
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Static Strength
- Near Vision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Visualization
- Dynamic Strength
- Finger Dexterity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Perseverance
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Achievement
- Relationships
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Windows
Tools & Equipment
- Adhesive trowels
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Adjustable wrenches
- Air compressors
- Angle grinders
- Block and tackle equipment
- Bolt cutters
- Bosun chairs
- Bracing equipment
- Brick bolsters
- Brick hammers
- Brick jointers
- Brick sets
- Brick spacing rulers
- Brick tongs
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Spend Time Standing
- Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $41,330 |
| Median | $60,800 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $95,560 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 53,520
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $46,480
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $58,540
Stonemasons
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $51,990
Tile and Stone Setters
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $52,240
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $54,660
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.