Bricklayer and blockmason

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. Installers of mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units are classified in “Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers” (37-3011). Federal job definition

How people get into it

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists apprenticeship as the typical training for this job.

Apprentices learn by working with experienced masons.

Masons typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and learn the trade either through an apprenticeship or on the job.

These programs operate both independently and in conjunction with apprenticeship training.

From the Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Typical education to start
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical training on the job
Apprenticeship

Registered apprenticeships are run by employers, unions and industry groups. To find openings near you, search the U.S. Department of Labor's apprenticeship finder, or contact your state's apprenticeship office.

What it pays

Yearly pay for all workers in this job nationally, including experienced ones. Apprentices usually start lower and get raises as they advance.

  • Bottom 10% earn under$44,820
  • Middle (median)$62,120
  • Top 10% earn over$100,010
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
Median pay by state (50 states)
StateMedian payWorkers
Alabama$49,710370
Arizona$59,2601,190
Arkansas$55,100450
California$69,0503,820
Colorado$65,260870
Connecticut$67,960480
Delaware$66,550200
District of Columbia$64,450200
Florida$52,7602,610
Georgia$50,650—
Hawaii$79,250120
Idaho$62,510320
Illinois$89,9802,490
Indiana$73,1101,770
Iowa$69,440290
Kansas$59,220330
Kentucky$59,820780
Louisiana$57,440240
Maine$42,71090
Maryland$59,0301,650
Massachusetts$94,9501,570
Michigan$63,5002,240
Minnesota$95,2201,040
Mississippi$48,820160
Missouri$72,3701,940
Montana$56,030140
Nebraska$61,200350
Nevada$60,670810
New Hampshire$66,890140
New Jersey$77,010520
New Mexico$44,980270
New York$84,4103,790
North Carolina$49,9401,760
North Dakota$79,940150
Ohio$70,9502,770
Oklahoma$50,620580
Oregon$79,450650
Pennsylvania$69,5602,910
Rhode Island$79,280220
South Carolina$49,010410
South Dakota$60,380320
Tennessee$63,8501,050
Texas$56,4104,300
Utah$60,4501,590
Vermont$59,590100
Virginia$54,6802,350
Washington$83,190600
West Virginia$46,600210
Wisconsin$80,1201,050
Wyoming$60,040230

Job outlook

People in this job
62,400
Openings each year
4,100projected average, 2025–35, including people retiring or changing jobs
Change in jobs
+1.1%expected to grow 1.1%, 2025–35
Source: BLS Employment Projections

Where these numbers come from

Pay comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' wage survey (May 2025). Jobs, openings, growth, education and training come from BLS Employment Projections (2025–35). The description of the job is the federal Standard Occupational Classification definition, and the quote is from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. For how many apprentices there are in each state, see the Department of Labor's apprentices by state dashboard. Updated November 5, 2026.