Brick Mason / Block Mason
Trades/Construction · $62,120 median · ~3 months to start, up to ~3 years training · Structurally WPE-eligible
How we know this
The wage and outlook figures are verified against the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS/OOH 2025), last reviewed August 20, 2026. We show our sources so you can check every number yourself.
Honest tradeoffs
physical demands extreme
Brick masonry is among the most physically demanding trades. Cement bags ~94 lb, bricks stacked all day, constant bending and reaching. Knee, back, shoulder injuries are career-ending for many masons in their 50s. Plan ergonomics from day one.
weather seasonality pronounced
Brick mason work is among the most weather-affected trades. Northern markets face significant winter downtime (cold temperatures prevent mortar curing). Cement work cannot proceed below ~40°F. Plan financial buffer for seasonal income variation.
Wages
Earnings by career stage
range · estimatedResearched estimates by experience level, setting, and region — see the full breakdown below. The BLS median is the one figure verified directly against bls.gov.
Pay by stage & setting
- Entry brick mason helpers $35-42K
- Experienced commercial brick mason $52-68K
- BAC Local journeymen $65-85K with pension and benefits
- Historic restoration and architectural specialty masons reach $80-100K+ in markets with demand
- Foreman/contractor $80K+. Specialty work (chimney restoration, historic preservation, architectural stone) commands significant premium. Wide regional variation — northern markets typically 40-60% higher than Southern rural.
Workforce Pell eligibility
This path's typical training duration fits under the federal Workforce Pell 599-hour cap. State approval status varies — check the Workforce Pell tracker.
Open the Workforce Pell tracker →Training
That's a wide span on purpose: you can start working after a short pre-apprenticeship or entry course, while the longer figure reflects a full apprenticeship. The career ladder below breaks the journey into steps.
Ways in
Paid, on-the-job training combined with classroom hours — you get a wage from day one instead of paying tuition.
Common sponsors: BAC (International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers), ABC (non-union), Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA)
An associate degree or certificate — usually the fastest accredited credential, far cheaper than a four-year school, and often Workforce Pell–eligible.
Credentials you'll earnwith typical prep time
Cost vs. payoff
- Training cost
- Free–$16,000
- Training pays for itself in
- about 3 months
The low end is the cheapest route in — a paid apprenticeship, community college, or employer-paid program (sometimes free); the high end is a private or for-profit school. The range is about which route you take, not extra certifications.
Getting started — your first moves
- 1
Find an apprenticeship
Apply to a registered apprenticeship — you earn a paycheck from day one while you train, instead of paying tuition.
- 2
Earn your first credential
Study for and pass the OSHA 10 (Construction).
- 3
Get hired and grow
Land an entry role and start building experience — pay climbs as you move up the career ladder above.
See it where you live
The figures above are national. Pay and programs vary a lot by state — pick yours and we'll send you straight to the official local data, no guessing.
Career ladder
Apprentice Brick Mason
Entry$41,600Entry; structured 3-year program
Training: BAC apprenticeship application + Local intake
Journeyman Brick Mason
Year 3$66,560Full journeymen status; union benefits and pension
Training: Apprenticeship completion + Local journey-out exam
Foreman or Specialty Mason
Year 8$90,000Foreman track or specialty/restoration path; both lead to high income
Training: 5+ years journey + leadership development OR specialty cert (restoration, historic)
In your state
State licensure
No state-specific licensure requirements documented in corpus.
Data limitations
- • BLS OEWS May 2025 per-occupation detail tables not yet pushed
- • Wage direct verification recommended
- • Per-state and per-MSA brick mason wage tables
- • BAC Local application windows (apprenticeship calendar pass)
Common questions
How much does a Brick Mason / Block Mason make?
The median wage is $62,120 per year (BLS OEWS 2025). Most earn between $44,820 and $100,010. Actual pay varies by region, employer, and experience.
How long does it take to become a Brick Mason / Block Mason?
Typical training runs about 3 months to get started, and up to about 3 years to reach the top of the field. This is a non-degree path — no four-year college degree is required. Many people earn a paid wage during an apprenticeship instead of paying tuition.
Do you need a college degree to become a Brick Mason / Block Mason?
No. Brick Mason / Block Mason is a non-degree career path — you qualify through training, certification, and/or on-the-job experience rather than a four-year degree.
Is Brick Mason / Block Mason eligible for Workforce Pell funding?
Structurally, yes — the typical program length fits the federal Workforce Pell hour cap. Whether you can actually use it depends on your state approving the specific program, so check the Workforce Pell tracker.
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