Brickmasons and Blockmasons

Working Schedule

• Brickmasons and Blockmasons work full-time with overtime potential during tight construction deadlines. They may need to work during non-peak times when there is less foot or vehicle traffic. 

Typical Duties

• Review blueprints or illustrations of work to be done
• Determine materials to be purchased
• Measure areas and build out any specific corners and patterns to work within
• Mix mortar or materials and lay foundations; clear any excess material
• Keep work area clear of dust, chips, or other particles 
• Shape materials to fit into pattern sizes using various tools 
• Lay bricks, tiles, blocks, stones, or other materials
• Fasten or fuse materials together as needed
• Build structural walls and ensure they are level and aligned correctly
• Use caulking materials to fill gaps

Additional Responsibilities

• Examine existing structures or surfaces for damages or flaws
• Perform minor repairs and cleaning
• Polish surfaces as needed

Soft Skills

• Dexterity
• Hand-eye coordination
• Independent
• Normal color vision
• Patience and persistence 
• Problem solving
• Safety-oriented 
• Stamina
• Time management 
• Visualization

Technical Skills

• Construction management programs
• Computer aided design 
• General office suite programs
• Project management
• Tools and equipment, such as abrasive stones, wrenches, angle grinder, pulleys, blow torches, bolt cutters, C clamps, caulking guns, chisels, compasses, cutting machines, edgers, grease guns, hammers, hoists, jacks, levels, lifts, mortar mixers, plumb bobs, power chippers, drills, saws, screw guns, steam cleaners, scaffolding, shielded metal arc welding, shoring equipment, spot welding, staple guns, tower cranes, trowels, winches, and more

• Building construction    
• Heavy and civil engineering construction
• Masonry/concrete contractors    
• Self-employed 

Brickmasons and Blockmasons have physically demanding jobs that require lots of lifting, kneeling, and bending. Work conditions are typically outside and can get dusty, wet, or hot depending on weather. The work they do is usually designed to last for a long time, so they’re expected to be very accurate with their calculations and measurements before starting and then make sure the work is done to very high standards. 

They’re required to work with patience and attention-to-detail, yet also be able to meet timelines for completion. Some jobs have to be done at odd hours, when people aren’t walking or driving on the work area itself. Another sacrifice involves the risk of injury, in particular cuts or falls. Brickmasons and Blockmasons have to keep an eye out at all times and wear personal protective gear to protect their lives and limbs. 

Their job outlook is impacted by broad factors that they cannot control. When the economy is good, construction ramps up and Brickmasons and Blockmasons have more work to do. However, even when construction is slower, there’s usually work for repairs and renovations. 

Workers with experience with cement and concrete may have an edge over terrazzo workers who are expected to be in less demand in the coming decade. Prefabricated materials also negatively impact the need for masonry specialists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that those with construction experience will fare well, but overall the industry is declining a bit. 

Brickmasons and Blockmasons love to methodically create new things and don’t mind getting their hands dirty to do it! They might have been interested in working with their hands during childhood, and probably enjoyed spending hours outdoors. They are patient and careful, with plenty of stamina to maintain a high degree of consistency over a long period of time. Such focus could have come from their upbringing or simply from hobbies they developed in their youth, perhaps related to other areas of construction such as woodworking or carpentry. They might also have been interested in arts and crafts, and would take great pride in their finished projects!