Masons construct buildings like homes, walls, and pathways using bricks, stones, and cement. Masonry has been a practiced by humans for thousands of years, and over time, the methods and supplies have changed. Masons can work with marble, granite, and other stones, as well as brick, concrete blocks, cement, and heat- and fire-resistant materials.
Most new masons receive their training through an apprenticeship. Technical and community colleges, professional mason’s and builder’s associations, and masonry unions all provide apprenticeship programs. In most cases, you must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or a GED in order to enroll in an apprenticeship. Additionally, prospective apprentices might need to pass an aptitude test.
Masonry apprenticeship programs are three to four years long and combine classroom learning with on-the-job training. As they advance in their program, apprentices earn a higher wage and additional job benefits like health insurance and vacation time. Apprentices are sponsored by an employer or union and paid on a scale while in training. They also go to classes to learn about their industry, usually at night.
A masonry apprenticeship’s classroom instruction includes lessons in reading blueprints, construction math, and the history of the trade. Additionally, apprentices study the equipment and supplies needed for their trade. The specifics covered during the apprentice’s on-the-job training vary depending on the type of masonry they are learning. Apprentice cement masons spend a lot of time learning how to do things like set forms, establish grades, spread and finish cement, and make steps and trim. Apprentice bricklayers gain knowledge of how to build walls, arches, columns, and decorative brick patterns in addition to cleaning and repairing existing masonry.
Building contractors and subcontractors must be licensed by each state, and some masons may need a license in order to provide their services. A license is typically required of a mason who runs a business and deals directly with clients. If a contractor manages a project and it exceeds a predetermined state threshold, subcontractors may also need a license. It may be necessary to pass a licensing exam, submit financial records, supply references, and show proof of insurance before being granted a contractor or subcontractor license.
According to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2012 and 2020, employment of bricklayers, blocklayers, and stonemasons will increase in the United States by 34%, and that of cement masons will increase by 29%. Each trade’s anticipated growth is significantly greater than the average for all other occupations.
Salary and job outlook
Stone masons frequently need to use a variety of skills throughout their careers, including:
Teamwork
To complete their work, stonemasons frequently need to collaborate with other laborers or masons. Stonemasons can perform their duties more effectively and with better communication if they have strong team-working abilities. Working as a team can also help stonemasons and their coworkers follow safety procedures and look out for one another’s well-being.
Active listening
For a stonemason to do their job effectively, active listening is crucial because it can help them comprehend the needs of customers or businesses. Stonemasons can remember the crucial information they need to know by using active listening techniques, such as asking pertinent questions and verbally responding to the person. They can then communicate that information to their coworkers as necessary.
Attention to detail
Paying close attention to detail is essential when working as a stonemason in order to spot and correct flaws in the stonework, carefully read through blueprints, and make sure the building is to the client’s or company’s satisfaction. Slowing down, looking at the stonemasons’ work from various angles, and closely examining the structure all contribute to powerful attention to detail.
Dexterity
When using some of their craftsman tools, like the chisel and hammer, stonemasons frequently use dexterity skills. It frequently calls for strong dexterity and extreme precision to hold the tools for extended periods of time while concentrating their strength so they don’t break the stone too much.
Mathematics understanding
It can be crucial for stonemasons to have solid mathematical knowledge and proficiency when examining blueprints because it can enable them to determine the quantity of materials needed for the project and understand how to read and construct specific stone structures’ proportions. The majority of stonemasons learn math in school and possibly during their apprenticeship.
Problem solving
When resolving issues with building designs or figuring out how to fix outdated structures during the course of their workday, stonemasons can benefit greatly from having problem-solving abilities. Stonemasons can master the art of problem-solving by exercising their creativity and working together with their coworkers to find solutions to challenges relating to structures.
What does a stonemason do?
A stonemason is a person who uses stone to construct things like bridges, statues, and tombstones. Since they spend their entire career working with heavy components and construction equipment, their job is frequently physically taxing. Other responsibilities a stone mason fulfills during their workday include:
How to become a stonemason
The following are some steps you can take to train as a stone mason:
1. Gain relevant experience
Gaining relevant experience with certain jobs, such as a construction worker or mason tender, can be advantageous before becoming a stonemason. You can demonstrate your ability to complete stonemason work and demonstrate important knowledge and understanding of construction sites by gaining experience in labor-intensive positions. Possessing experience pertinent to the stonemason position can also make potential employers take notice of your resume.
2. Fulfill an apprenticeship
The majority of stonemasons learn their key abilities and knowledge during an apprenticeship. In order to eventually perform the duties of the job on your own, you can learn trade techniques and knowledge through apprenticeship programs from a mentor or skilled professional. Some businesses pay apprentices a portion of the full-time wage for the position until the apprenticeship is finished. The newly trained individual is then occasionally hired by businesses as an employee.
An apprenticeship in stonemasonry can last three to four years and frequently includes both formal classroom instruction and on-the-job training. This can help stonemasons develop crucial mathematical knowledge needed for their job as well as crucial technical abilities they can use at work.
3. Consider additional training
You can strengthen your credentials and show prospective employers that you are an expert stonemason by pursuing more training in this field. Ask your local community colleges or organizations if they offer any masonry or laborer training if you’re looking for additional training to advance your professional knowledge. Some colleges have one-year programs that can teach you more about the role of a mason and possibly prepare you for future employment as a brick mason or cement mason.
4. Obtain licensing and certifications
In order to practice stonemasonry or provide your services to specific companies and clients, it’s possible that you’ll need to obtain a license or certification from your state of residence. For instance, masons who are also contractors and own their own masonry company frequently need to use specific business licenses in order to practice their trade. Consider contacting your state’s business or licensing department to learn more if you’re unsure of which licenses you might need.
Masons who don’t need a state license can still find certifications that show their professional qualifications to clients and other people. Some organizations, like the Mason Contractors Association of America, provide training and certification exams that enable people to work as stonemasons, enhancing their credentials and attracting potential employers.
Career Advice on becoming a Stonemason by Andy O (Full Version)
FAQ
How hard is it to be a stonemason?
Since they spend their entire career working with heavy components and construction equipment, their job is frequently physically taxing. A stone mason’s daily duties also encompass the following tasks: Constructing or maintaining stone buildings and monuments Fitting and estimating material required for stonework.
Do stonemasons make good money?
Stonemasons earn an average yearly salary of $47,610. Wages typically start from $30,180 and go up to $75,940.
How do I learn to be a Mason?
In most cases, you must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or a GED in order to enroll in an apprenticeship. Additionally, prospective apprentices might need to pass an aptitude test. Masonry apprenticeship programs are three to four years long and combine classroom learning with on-the-job training.
What do you do as a stone mason?
To erect or repair stone structures, stonemasons cut and prepare the stone. These may include homes, historical buildings, monuments, headstones and statues. Additionally, stonemasons may work with a variety of other organic materials, including granite and quartz.
