Bricklayers and Stonemasons

Wages & Outlook

Wages

The number of hours bricklayers and stonemasons spend on the job can vary. For example, bad weather or downturns in construction activity can reduce hours. Thus, overall earnings may be lower than these wages suggest.

Pay also varies with the employer and the type of job. Union workers often earn higher wages. Apprentices generally earn about half the wage of skilled bricklayers or stonemasons. As apprentices gain experience and skills, they receive higher pay.

Bricklayers and stonemasons who work full time may receive benefits. These benefits may include health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and a retirement plan. Bricklayers and stonemasons who are self-employed or work for small companies usually pay for their own insurance and retirement plan.

View the Regional Wage Comparison Chart for:

Employment

In Minnesota, about 3,151 bricklayers and stonemasons work in this medium-sized occupation.

About 28 percent of bricklayers and stonemasons are self-employed.

Major employers:

Masonry, stonework, and plastering contractors
Construction companies

Outlook

As the population grows, more schools, homes, factories, and other structures will be needed. This growth will contribute to the demand for bricklayers and stonemasons. Demand may also come from those who are renovating existing masonry buildings. In addition, brick exteriors on homes are continuing to be popular. This will also provide work for bricklayers.

Also increasing demand for workers are new concerns over the costs of heating and cooling buildings. Workers will be needed to build more energy-efficient buildings. They will also be needed to make existing buildings more energy-efficient. Bricklayers and stonemasons who are knowledgeable in green construction should have the best job prospects.

The demanding physical nature of this occupation and the uncomfortable working conditions keep many people from entering it. As a result, job opportunities for bricklayers and stonemasons should be good since there will be few applicants for new jobs.

Employment of bricklayers and stonemasons is sensitive to the economy. When the economy slows down, so does construction. During these periods, bricklayers and stonemasons may be unemployed or work fewer hours.

Employment Outlook for Brickmasons and Blockmasons
	Employment		Employment Change
	2010	2020	Number	Percent
U S	89,200	125,300	36,100	40.5%
Minnesota	1,547	2,277	730	47.2%
	2010	2020	Number	Percent
Central Minnesota	242	416	174	71.9%
Northeast Minnesota	67	96	29	43.3%
Northwest Minnesota	250	394	144	57.6%
Southeast Minnesota	101	135	34	33.7%
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN	778	1,095	317	40.7%