Brickmason

Your Fit

Income

$79K

Preparation

Some

Growth

0.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Brickmason?

A Brickmason is a skilled tradesperson specializing in building and repairing structures from bricks, concrete blocks, and other masonry materials. They combine physical labor with a precise skill set to create durable, functional, and aesthetic structures.

Sample job titles:

Block Layer, Brick and Block Mason, Bricklayer, Mason

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Brickmason.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Brickmason earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Brickmason.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$52K per year	$61K per year	$79K per year	$88K per year	$95K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $14K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Brickmason do?

Work environment

Brickmasons work primarily on construction sites, both in residential and commercial settings. The work is physically demanding and often conducted outdoors, requiring the ability to work in various weather conditions. Safety precautions are essential due to the physical nature of the job and the use of tools and machinery.

Quick task list

Reads and interprets blueprints and drawings.
Lays out patterns, forms, or foundations according to plans.
Mixes mortar or grout and spreads it onto slabs or foundations.
Lays bricks, blocks, or stones and aligns them properly.
Uses various tools such as trowels, levels, and jointers.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Residential Masonry: Specializing in brickwork for homes and small-scale projects.
Commercial Masonry: Focusing on larger structures such as office buildings or schools.
Restorative Masonry: Working on the restoration of historic buildings and structures.
Decorative Masonry: Specializing in intricate designs and patterns for aesthetic purposes.
Industrial Masonry: Working on heavy-duty structures, often with specialized materials.

Description

Brickmasonry is a craft that combines traditional skills with modern construction techniques. Brickmasons must have a strong understanding of building materials and construction principles, as well as the ability to work accurately and efficiently. Precision is key, as the structural integrity and appearance of the masonry work depend on their skill.

This occupation requires physical stamina and strength, as it involves lifting heavy materials and prolonged periods of standing, bending, and kneeling. Brickmasons also need good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills to place and secure bricks neatly and securely.

The job offers the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, from constructing new buildings to repairing historical structures. Brickmasons often work in teams, and collaboration is important to ensure the timely and successful completion of projects. This career is suited for those who take pride in creating tangible, lasting work.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Crafting durable structures that stand the test of time.
The physical and tangible nature of the work.
The variety of projects and the opportunity to work outdoors.
The satisfaction of seeing a project progress from blueprint to completion.

You might make a good Brickmason if you are...

Physically fit and enjoy hands-on work.
Detail-oriented with a good eye for alignment and design.
Patient and able to concentrate for long periods.
Interested in construction and skilled in using tools.
Able to work well both independently and as part of a team.

Pros:

High demand for skilled masonry work.
Opportunities to work on a variety of projects.
Satisfaction in creating lasting structures.

Cons:

Physically demanding and potentially hazardous work.
Work can be affected by weather conditions and seasonal changes.
Risk of injuries from tools and heavy materials.

How to become a Brickmason

Typical education

Typically, a high school diploma followed by a formal apprenticeship program is required. This combination of education and on-the-job training usually takes about 3-4 years to complete.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop or vocational courses in construction or masonry.
Mathematics for measurements and calculations.
Physical Education to build strength and endurance.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in construction or carpentry clubs.
Volunteering for community building projects.
Engaging in sports to develop physical fitness.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in a formal apprenticeship program through a trade union or contractor.
Gain certifications in specific masonry techniques or safety protocols.
Seek entry-level positions to gain hands-on experience and skill development.

More resources

Masonry Contractors Association of America (MCAA) - Provides education, certifications, and industry updates.
International Masonry Institute (IMI) - Offers training programs and design resources for masonry.
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) - Provides standardized training and certification for construction trades.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Offers guidelines and resources for safety in construction.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.