Concrete & Masonry
Concrete work, bricklaying, and stone construction
Wages & Job Outlook
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024) and Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024–34 projections.
Work-Life & Stability
Overview
Concrete and masonry workers pour and finish concrete, lay brick and block, and construct stone structures. The trade spans residential flatwork to commercial foundations and decorative masonry.
Day in the Life
Early morning pours before heat sets in. Mix design review with batch plant. Finish crew follows the pour with floats and trowels. Block layers work from blueprints building walls course by course. Estimating and material orders in the evening.
How to Get Started
Registered Apprenticeship
apprenticeshipBAC (Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers) 3-year apprenticeship program
On-the-Job Training
on-the-jobMost concrete finishers learn on the job starting as laborers
Trade School / Vocational Program
trade-schoolMasonry technology programs at vocational schools
How to Pay for Your Training
Multiple funding programs can offset or eliminate the cost of training. Here are the most commonly applicable ones.
Career Ladder
Masonry Laborer
Mixes mortar, moves materials, assists masons
Masonry Apprentice
Learning layout, mixing, and placement techniques
Journey Mason
Works independently on brick, block, and concrete projects
Master Mason
Handles complex decorative and structural masonry
Masonry Contractor
Owns masonry contracting business
Licensing by State
| State | Required? | License type | Issuing body |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA | Yes | C-8 Concrete Contractor / C-29 Masonry Contractor | CSLB (Contractors State License Board) |
| TX | No | – | – |
| FL | Yes | Certified Specialty Contractor — Structural Masonry (5-AM) / Structural Pre-stressed Precast Concrete (5-AN) | Florida DBPR / CILB (Construction Industry Licensing Board) |
| NY | No | – | – |
| IL | No | – | – |
| PA | Yes | Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration | PA Office of Attorney General (HICPA) |
| OH | No | – | – |
| GA | No | – | – |
| NC | Yes | General Contractor license — S(Concrete Construction) / S(Masonry Construction) specialty classification | NCLBGC (NC Licensing Board for General Contractors) |
| MI | Yes | Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license (Concrete / Masonry classifications) | Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes |
| WA | Yes | Registered Contractor — General or Specialty (Masonry/Concrete) | Washington State Dept. of Labor & Industries (L&I) |
| AZ | Yes | CR-9 Concrete / CR-31 Masonry (dual residential+commercial; also split C-9/R-9, etc.) | Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) |
| VA | Yes | Contractor license (Class A/B/C) with Masonry (BRK) specialty / CIC-CBC for concrete | Virginia DPOR — Board for Contractors |
| NJ | Yes | Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration | NJ Division of Consumer Affairs (Office of Consumer Protection) |
| TN | Yes | Contractor license — BC-9 Masonry (and concrete under Building/Industrial classifications) | Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC) |
Time to Enter
Wages (BLS 2024)
BLS OEWS May 2024. Wages vary by state and employer.
Own a concrete & masonry business?
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Ways out for concrete & masonry owners
Compare all →Industry Associations
- MCAA
Physical Requirements
- Heavy lifting (blocks 30–50 lbs each)
- Kneeling and bending extensively
- Outdoor work in all weather
- Standing on hard surfaces all day