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.
BLS SOC 47-2021 · O*NET-SOC 47-2021.00 · BLS 2025–2035 · O*NET 31.0
Median annual wage, 2025
$62,120
Projected change, 2025–2035
1.1%
2025–2035 annual average openings
4,100
AI exposure
Low
Editorial analysis
Masonry looks repetitive until the jobsite starts changing
Brick and block placement can appear highly repetitive, which has made masonry an interesting target for construction robotics. Machines can perform portions of layout or placement under controlled conditions, potentially increasing productivity on large, uniform walls.
The last few feet are often the difficult part
Real buildings include corners, openings, penetrations, varying bond patterns, repairs, uneven substrates, decorative details, scaffolding constraints, weather, and constant interaction with other trades. Skilled masons continually adjust line, level, mortar, cuts, and sequencing.
- Robotics may handle portions of repetitive new construction.
- Digital layout systems can improve accuracy and planning.
- AI-assisted estimating can calculate quantities and labor requirements more quickly.
- Restoration, complex layouts, repairs, detailing, and changing site conditions remain much harder to automate.
Masons may increasingly work alongside layout and placement technologies rather than being replaced wholesale. Skills in restoration, specialty masonry, complex geometry, and supervision of automated equipment can broaden long-term opportunities.
Labor-market picture
Two measures, different questions
These measures offer two different ways to understand the occupation: BLS projections show how national employment may change over time, while relative AI exposure highlights where tasks may intersect with AI-related capabilities. Read them with the work profile and your local context to decide what deserves closer investigation.
Employment
- Employment, 2025
- 62,400 jobs
- Projected employment, 2035
- 63,100 jobs
- Projected change, 2025–2035
- 700 jobs (1.1%)
Relative AI exposure
BLS category: Low. This is a relative task-exposure classification, not a forecast of employment change, automation, wages, or worker replacement.
Relative AI exposure · Low
Work profile
Representative tasks
These task statements come from O*NET 31.0. They are source facts, not labels assigned by the AI exposure measure.
- 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.
Skills that matter
Skills in the source profile
Importance uses O*NET's 1–5 scale. Level uses its 0–7 scale. Select a skill to see its source definition and reported values.
Technology and tools
These technology records come from O*NET and show software or tools reported in the occupation profile. They describe work context, not a required checklist for every employer.
- Analytical or scientific software
- Project management software
- Accounting software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Operating system software
- Computer aided design CAD software
Preparation
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Related experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Apprenticeship
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Source provenance
Labor-market and exposure facts: bls-ep-2025-35. Work profile: onet-31.0. Verify release details on the Sources page.