Bricklayer & Stonemason
Comprehensive Sites
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Brickmasons, Blockmasons, and StonemasonsFrom this site of the U.S. Department of Labor, you can gather some basic information on what it’s like to be a bricklayer and stonemason carpenter and also details on the wages you can expect from this work and related occupations. You’ll learn about training, qualifications, and advancement. If you have a talent or knack for working with structures and surfaces, this could be the right career for you. Read this work description to find out more and help you decide for yourself.
Career Voyages: ConstructionResidential, as well as commercial and industrial construction careers, are presented at this site, intended to offer comprehensive information on the construction industry. Find an industry overview, a list of in-demand occupations, education and training, a career advisor, and links to important sites in the exploration of career options.
Construct My Future.comEnter this site, click on the student section, and find information all about the construction industry. You will find links to schools, jobs, cool stuff, links, downloads, and even scholarships. A video archive is a great place to start to learn about what area of the construction industry you want to learn more about.
Stonemason: MyFutureLook at the duties and tasks of a stone mason at this page, as well as quick facts, personal requirements for the job, related occupations, and the current labor market.
Occupational Titles
Acid Tank Liner
Adobe Layer
Apprentice, Bricklayer
Apprentice, Brickmason
Apprentice, Mason
Apprentice, Rock Mason
Apprentice, Stonemason
Artificial Stone Applicator
Block Layer
Block Paver
Blockmason
Bottom Liner
Brick Dropper
Brick Layer
Brick Mason
Brick Paver
Brick Pointer
Brick Setter
Bricklayer
Brickmason
Casing Builder
Casing Man
Casing Worker
Chimney Builder
Cinder Block Mason
Coke Oven Mason
Composition Stone Applicator
Composition-Stone Applicator
Concrete Block Layer
Concrete Block Mason
Cupola Liner
Cupola Patcher
Curbstone Setter
Door Liner
Duct Layer
Epoxy Specialist
Firebrick Layer
Fitter
Flagstone Layer
Formstone Fitter
Furnace Builder
Furnace Liner
Furnace Maintenance
Furnace Mason
Furnace Reliner
Granite Block Paver
Granite Setter
Gypsum Block Setter
Hot Top Liner
Hot-Top Liner
Kiln Maintenance
Kiln-Door Builder
Ladle Builder
Ladle Liner
Ladle Patcher
Liner
Manhole Builder
Marble Setter
Mason
Mason Liner
Mechanic, Chimney
Mechanic, Cupola
Mechanic, Furnace
Mechanic, Kiln
Mechanic, Ladle
Mechanic, Lining
Mechanic, Permastone
Monument Erector
Monument Installer
Monument Setter
Oven Builder
Patcher
Permastone Applicator
Permastone Installer
Plaster Block Layer
Pottery Kiln Builder
Refractory Bricklayer
Reliner
Repairer, Kiln
Repairer, Kiln Car
Repairer, Stone
Rock Mason
Segment Block Layer
Setter
Silo Erector
Smelter Liner
Spout Liner
Stone Layer
Stone Paver
Stone Setter
Stonemason
Stonemason Apprentice
Stopping Builder
Terra Cotta Mason
Tunnel Kiln Repairer
Vessel Builder
Vessel Liner
Accredited Academic Programs
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of TechnologyLook at what this accrediting organization has to offer in terms of promoting educational quality across technical career schools. You will find a student corner that includes information for prospective students and a comprehensive directory of schools.
ApprenticeshipsSearch for accredited training and assessment at this organization’s site, which developed a standardized contraction, maintenance, and other curricula with credentials that will take you anywhere. An overview of the construction and maintenance curriculum can be viewed, in addition to academies and different levels of career accomplishment, such as journeyman.
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc: Craft Training and ApprenticeshipRead about apprenticeships and craft training of the organization through member chapters, the Contren Learning System, and registered apprenticeship programs approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. You will also find access to other industry organizations, information on the benefits of membership, a legal directory, and details on student chapters.
National Center for Construction Education and ResearchThe National Center for Construction Education and Research offers details on careers in construction, construction training programs and much more. If you click on the construction careers header, you will find links to real people, projects in the industry. Career resources lead you to career paths, descriptions, and information on earning potential.
Salary Levels
PayScale: BricklayerCheck out the median hourly rate according to years of experience for a bricklayer around the U.S., with charts depicting the hourly rate in various cities and states. You can also look up similar information on median hourly rate by age or the type of employer you work for.
PayScale: BrickmasonYou will find the median hourly rate for a brickmason according to years of experience at this page, with charts depicting the hourly rate in various cities and states.
Professional Organizations
American Builders and ContractorsStudent chapters of this organization are located at 50 colleges and universities across the U.S. with construction management programs. Learn about construction management education here, or find out about related apprenticeships and training programs for carpenters.
Associated General Contractors of AmericaCreated to improved contractors’ efficiency and operability, this organization leads the way in representing all aspects of commercial construction. You can read about industry topics, such as safety, health, labor, and the environment, or find details on career development, from project management to craft training. Find out about chapter programs in local high schools or college concentrations in the construction field.
Brick Industry AssociationThe use of brick in architecture and home building are addressed here, where you can find technical notes, events and education, information on environmental health and safety, and quick notes on brick construction. Brick Briefs is a non-technical discussion of brickwork, while Builders’ Notes provide technical discussions on specific topics related to construction of residential brick masonry.
International Masonry InstituteThis organization provides masonry training and assistance in design and construction through its alliance with a contractors’ union for this industry. Learn about classes offered in brick, tile, stone, marble, and related specialties. Read the organization’s blog, and find a connection to a masonry detailing series.
Mason Contractors Association of AmericaLearn all about masonry construction at this page, which includes a history of the trade, green building, a masonry glossary, and image gallery. Technical resources, links to educational programs online, a training program search engine, and masonry headlines.
National Association of Home Builders, Home Builders InstituteStandardized craft training programs were created by this organization for portable credentials to assist in the shortage of qualified employees in this field. You’ll find a training toolbox that includes model programming information and the ability to register for events about construction careers.
National Center for Construction Education and ResearchClick on “Construction Careers” to find interesting facts about the construction industry, tools for building your future, career paths and descriptions, and a connection to a career center. Click on “Real People” or “Real Projects” to find online videos of careers in construction.
National Concrete Masonry AssociationDesign resources, safety information, news, and professional development information are collected at this page.
The Stone FoundationAt The Stone Foundation, you will learn all about stone and the creative use of it through stonemasonry work. This organization sponsors publications, workshops, seminars, and research in the stone industry and offers plenty of opportunities for education in stone work.
Licensing & Certification
Apprenticeships: AssessmentsThis organization offers a complete series of entry- and journey-level assessments for recognition in the industry, as well as a series of academic testing procedures for secondary career and technical education. You’ll also find curricula for journeyman and entry-level craft professionals.
Job Opportunity Sources
National Center for Construction Education and Research Career CenterRegister and log in to gain access to the benefits of this career database. Included, you’ll find the ability to post your resume, perform a job search for anywhere around the country, and create an account to be automatically notified when new careers occur in your area that match your criteria.
Publications
Masonry MagazineGo to the current issue, and you will find feature articles representing the voice of the masonry industry. Columns and other departments are available, as well as archived issues, news, links, and a connection to MasonContractors.org, where you will find details on certifications, education, and careers.
Stonexus The MagazineThis highly regarded periodical is a compendium published by The Stone Foundation. You can open and read issues online to find reviews of stone architecture, feature stories, and photos.
Online Forums & Blogs
Contractor Talk: MasonryHere, you’ll find forums dedicated specifically to the masonry trade, including brick and stone application and processes.
International Masonry Institute: IMI BlogThis discussion offers access to a video blog, intended for anyone interested in the stonemasonry education and workshops. You will find additional discussions on Masonry details, restoration, bricklaying, green masonry, and structural masonry, as well as site archived blogs.
Career Videos
ISeek: Bricklayers and StonemasonsLearn about the job of bricklayers and stonemasons in this career video, which discusses the hard work, as well as the art of these processes. You can also click on links that will take you to information on work activities, skills, job preparation, and wages.
YouTube: Job DescriptionThe artistry of using brick and stone to finish a home are discussed in this video. Whether you want to be a self-employed handyperson, part of a construction crew, or a union-employed stonemason or bricklayer, you’ll find the roles that these workers play in building, installation, and restoration and repair. The skills needed, such as bending and lifting, and the desire to get in on the ground floor of construction, are presented.
