Trades & Construction

How to become a Brick Mason

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

2–4 years

Typical pay

$46k–$68k

Starting from

No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required — not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   3–6 months

   Start as a mason tender

   Mixing, hauling and setting up scaffold. It is how you learn the pace of a wall.

   Typical titles at this level

   • Mason tender
   • Hod carrier
2. 2

   6–18 months

   Learn to lay to the line

   Level, plumb and consistent joints, over and over. Speed comes years later.

   Course that covers thisWoodworking & Carpentry Masterclass: Beginner To AdvancedUdemy · around $19.99 →
3. 3

   2–4 years

   Complete an apprenticeship or on-the-job progression

   Union locals run 3-year programs; non-union you progress by proving output.

4. 4

   2+ years

   Specialise

   Restoration, stone and firebrick work pay well above standard block laying.

5. ✓

   Destination

   Brick Mason

   Browse jobs now →

Course links are Udemy affiliate links. We earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.