Brickmasons and Blockmasons
Construction and Extraction
Each course of brick or block is set to lines and levels after corners are plumbed and a guide line is stretched between them. Mortar is spread and smoothed, then excess is struck off and joints are finished so the wall is sealed and even. Blueprints determine layout, materials, and angles; bricks and blocks are cut to size with a trowel edge, hammer, or power saw when a course needs a fit. Units may be fastened with wire clamps or cement. Suits people who like measured hand work, checking alignment as they go, and coordinating with others on a shared wall.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$62'120
Median Wage Market Position
$62'120
What you might do
- Lay brick and block to form walls
- Spread and smooth mortar over the surface
- Build plumb corners and string a guide line
- Cut bricks and blocks to fit the space
- Figure materials and layout from the drawings
- Finish mortar joints with a jointing tool
Skills that matter
- Measuring and marking guidelines for each course
- Building plumb corners course by course
- Applying and smoothing mortar on the wall
- Cutting brick and block to size
- Interpreting drawings for layout and materials
- Tooling joints for a sealed finish
AI & the future of this role
Laying brick and block remains physical, site-specific craft work shaped by uneven surfaces and structural judgment. Layout apps may help with measurements, yet mortar work and aesthetic finishing are likely to stay human-led.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details