What does a Brick and Stone Mason (401A) do?

Brick & Stone Masons prepare and lay bricks, concrete blocks, stone, and other masonry units to construct/repair structures like walls, patios, arches, fireplaces, and chimneys. They may also lay materials used in the construction of industrial furnaces, retorts, and boilers.

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • Reads and interprets drawings and blueprints; measures accurately and uses plumb lines and a mason's level as required
  • Works by hand or with power tools; may use hammers, chisels, or masonry saws to cut/fit bricks
  • Understands and applies properties of mortar and other bonding materials to various projects
  • Spreads mortar over the base and brick; lays bricks in position and removes excess mortar
  • Lines or relines furnaces, kilns, boilers, and similar installations using refractory or acid-resistant bricks, concretes, plastics, or other material
  • Works independently or with team and uses problem solving to address construction challenges


What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

  • Grade 8 is the legal minimum, but grade 12 is usually required by employers/unions
  • While not mandatory, apprenticeship training is recommended; completion of 6,000 hours includes on-the-job and in-school training

What's Your Future as a Brick and Stone Mason (401A)?

  • May be employees of contractors or self-employed; often construction union members
  • Varied conditions including working outdoors and at heights
  • Often hired by construction firms, residential building developers, building construction firms, primary steel producers, construction contractors, and refractory companies

Wage Rate

Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $23.00-$28.00 per hour.

Self-Rating

Brick & Stone Mason (401A)

Ask Yourself: Yes No
Do you have a valid driver’s license?
Are you able to work indoors and outdoors? Are you comfortable working at all heights?
Are you able to read blueprints and measurements accurately? Have basic math skills.
Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines?
Are you able to lift more than 50lbs? Are you able to stand or sit for long periods of time?
Are you detailed oriented and good with colors? Do you have the ability to work closely with others?
Are you reliable, a self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision? Can you start and finish work on time?


If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Brick & Stone Mason may be for you!

You might want to look at these similar trades as well;

  • Tilesetter
  • Carpenter
  • Plasterer
  • Concrete Finisher
  • Roofer
  • Industrial Woodworker

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