What does a mason do?
- Lay brick, block and stone in precise patterns.
- Mix mortar and cut materials to fit.
- Build and repair walls, chimneys, patios and walkways.
- Read plans and set lines and levels.
Where do masons work?
- Homes and commercial buildings
- Outdoors on construction sites
- Restoration of older buildings
Is a career as a mason right for you?
It could be a good fit if:
- You like physical work you can see the results of.
- You have a good eye for detail and pattern.
- You want a craft that can last for generations.
How to become a mason
Masons usually have a high school diploma and learn the trade through an apprenticeship or on the job.
How much do masons make?
The median pay for masons in the U.S. was $58,270 a year in May 2025, and most earned between $39,670 to $91,350 a year. Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage: pay usually rises with experience, licenses and specialty.
Mason pay by state
| State | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| United States | $62,120 |
| Massachusetts | $94,950 |
| New Hampshire | $66,890 |
Job outlook for masons
U.S. employment of masons is projected to change by +1% (slower than average) from 2025 to 2035, with about 18,400 openings each year on average. There were 277,700 mason jobs in the U.S. in 2025.
Things to know
- Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage. Pay rises with experience and skills.
- The work is physically demanding: heavy lifting and long periods of standing, kneeling and bending.
- Much of the work is outdoors, so it can be seasonal in colder climates.
- Figures cover brickmasons, blockmasons and stonemasons together.
Mason FAQ
What does a mason do?
Masonry workers use bricks, concrete, concrete blocks and natural and manufactured stone to build walls, walkways, fireplaces and other structures. Typical work includes: lay brick, block and stone in precise patterns; mix mortar and cut materials to fit; build and repair walls, chimneys, patios and walkways; read plans and set lines and levels.
How do you become a mason?
Masons usually have a high school diploma and learn the trade through an apprenticeship or on the job.
How much do masons make?
The median pay for masons in the U.S. was $58,270 a year (May 2025, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Masonry Workers). Most earn between $39,670 to $91,350 a year. Pay varies by state, experience and specialty.
Are masons in demand?
U.S. employment of masons is projected to change by +1% (slower than average) from 2025 to 2035, with about 18,400 job openings each year on average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Which states pay masons the most?
By median annual wage in May 2025, the highest-paying states for masons were Massachusetts ($94,950), New Hampshire ($66,890), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sources
Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wayforge is a career-planning tool, not an official licensing source; always confirm requirements with your state licensing board.