What does a Mason do?

Masons build many types of structures, including patios, walkways, fireplaces, walls, floors, roads, tunnels and dams. Many specialize in one type of material, such as bricks, concrete blocks, cement, concrete, stone, terrazzo or stone veneers. Regardless of their specialty, they contribute to the success of a project when they carry out the duties assigned by a masonry job description successfully.

Their work directly impacts the satisfaction rates of clients, helping the construction companies that employ them retain customers and grow. In addition, they help protect clients and the public by ensuring structures are correctly built and safe.

Mason skills and qualifications

Assessing key skills can help a Mason perform their assigned duties proficiently. Some qualifications typically established by a Mason job description include:

• Extensive knowledge of stone and related building materials and the construction best practices for working with them

• Math skills to calculate material needs and take accurate measurements

• Ability to use trowels, masonry hammers, masonry saws, wire brushes, brick jointers, measuring lines and other masonry tools

• Analytical skills to understand blueprints

• Spatial reasoning and observation skills to layout forms and assess alignment

• Ability to move heavy materials from one location to another

• Computer skills to utilize email, cost estimator, project management and other software

• Familiarity with general construction and scaffolding safety and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Mason experience requirements

Most Masons begin their careers as apprentices, working under the supervision of more experienced masonry workers. At the end of the program, they become journeymen and can work independently. After several years of journeymen work experience, a Mason can become a mentor or supervisor and oversee the work of apprentices and new journeymen.

When determining how much experience to list as a requirement in your job description of a Mason, consider how much complex, independent work your open position involves and whether your new hire will be responsible for supervising and training other Masons.

Mason education and training requirements

An apprenticeship program is the most common training for Masons. The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) provides most apprenticeship opportunities, and the majority of apprenticeships last for two to three years.

Some employers prefer to prioritize candidates who hold certifications, such as the Certified Masonry Contractor designation granted by the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) or one of the Dry Stone Mason credentials offered by the Dry Stone Conservancy. If you’re looking to hire a Mason, consider how skills-based hiring can benefit your organization.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the Mason job description discussed above doesn’t align fully with the details of your open position, explore these related job titles:

• Construction Worker

• Foreman

• Framing Carpenter

• Laborer

Mason job description FAQs

Who does a Mason report to?

Who a Mason reports to varies. For large projects, an experienced mentor-level Mason will serve as the direct supervisor for a team of journeymen and apprentices. That senior Mason will then usually report to a Foreman or Construction Manager. With smaller projects, the Foreman or Construction Manager may serve as the direct supervisor for all Masons.

What is a Masonry Contractor?

A Masonry Contractor is a Mason who works for general contractors and construction companies on a project-by-project basis. These individuals are self-employed, so they don’t receive the same benefits as employees. If your organization only occasionally requires the work of a Mason to complete projects, you may prefer to contract a Masonry Contractor instead of hiring a Mason.

Consult your legal counsel for advice before making a decision about whether a contractor or an employee is right for your business.

What’s the difference between a Mason and a Construction Worker?

The job titles Mason and Construction Worker are closely related but not exactly the same. A Construction Worker is a laborer who builds many types of structures and works with a wide range of building materials.

A Mason specializes in constructing structures out of brick, stone, cement and similar materials. Masons are a type of specialty Construction Worker, and there are other specialty fields that fall under the job title, including Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber, Glazer, Roofer and Sheet Metal Worker.