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Brickmasons and Blockmasons

Also called: Block Layer, Brick and Block Mason, Bricklayer, Mason

What they do:

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.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • building and construction
  • design

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Physical Strength

  • use your lower back and stomach
  • lift, push, pull, or carry

Endurance

  • exercise for a long time without getting out of breath

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Cooperation
  • Independence
  • Achievement/Effort

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Project management software

  • Daystar iStructural.com
  • Estimating software

Accounting software

  • Intuit QuickBooks

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $59,000

Education

High school diploma/GED or no high school diploma/GED is usually needed.

Explore More

See other careers in the Construction industry.