CFChooseField
Construction and Trades

Brickmasons and Blockmasons

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Brickmasons and Blockmasons
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Median pay

$60,800
Median annual pay for Brickmasons and Blockmasons.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

3.2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

5,600
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

74,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Brickmasons and Blockmasons in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+2,400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Apprenticeship.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Mathematics

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Building and Construction
  2. 2Mathematics
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Public Safety and Security
  5. 5Production and Processing
  6. 6Design

Abilities

  1. 1Trunk Strength
  2. 2Extent Flexibility
  3. 3Arm-Hand Steadiness
  4. 4Manual Dexterity
  5. 5Near Vision
  6. 6Static Strength

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Handling and Moving Objects
  2. 2Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  3. 3Getting Information
  4. 4Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  5. 5Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  6. 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  3. 3Spend Time Standing
  4. 4Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  5. 5Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  6. 6Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Fasten or fuse brick or other building material to structure with wire clamps, anchor holes, torch, or cement.

Software and tools

Intuit QuickBooks · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyConstruction Management Software ProEstCPR Visual EstimatorDaystar iStructural.comEstimating softwareRISA Technologies RISA-3DTradesman's Software Master Estimator

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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