Mason / Bricklayer
Lay brick, block, and stone for walls, foundations, chimneys, fireplaces, and architectural features. The trade with the longest history in construction — and one of the most reliably hiring across all four states.
Mason / Bricklayer goes by many names
On KinTrades, all of these job titles route to the Mason / Bricklayer trade — so search any of them and you'll find matching work.
Day to day on the job
Masons spread mortar and lay brick, concrete block, or stone in courses that build walls, foundations, fireplaces, and architectural features. The work is physical, weather-dependent, and rewards anyone who likes precise hand-eye work.
Specializations diverge by material. A Bricklayer works residential and commercial brick. A Block Mason works larger CMU on commercial walls and foundations. A Stone Mason works decorative stone — the highest-paid specialization. A Refractory Mason lines industrial furnaces and kilns.
Most masons work for masonry subcontractors. The trade hires on demonstrated skill — direct hire as a helper is common. BAC apprenticeships pay better long-term and provide clear progression.
How you move up as a Mason
Most masons come up through the BAC (Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers) apprenticeship or direct hire at a masonry subcontractor. BLS OES 47-2021, May 2025.
Apprentice — what this rung looks like
What Mason / Bricklayers earn in VA, DC, MD & NC
Pay data: BLS OEWS · May 2025 · VA · DC · MD · NC. Expanding nationally.
Is Mason / Bricklayer a growing trade?
Core craft + supporting skills
Core skills (orange) are required for the Mason / Bricklayer trade; supporting skills (gray) round out a well-rounded journeyworker.
Paths into the Mason / Bricklayer trade
BAC Bricklayers Apprenticeship
Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers locals serve VA/DC/MD (BAC Local 1 PA/DE/VA, BAC Local 1 MD/VA/DC) and NC (Carolinas). BAC →
ABC Masonry Apprenticeship
DOL-Registered masonry apprenticeships through ABC Virginia, ABC Metro Washington, ABC Greater Baltimore.
Direct hire as helper
Most masons come in as helpers at masonry subcontractors with no prior credentials. Pay scales with demonstrated speed and accuracy.
Certifications that help
NCCER Masonry Levels 1–4, OSHA 10/30, silica-awareness training, state masonry contractor license for ownership.
Common pathways into Mason / Bricklayer work
KinTrades welcomes Mason / Bricklayer workers from every walk of life. Whether you're a veteran transitioning out of service, a student planning your career, or someone returning to work — there's a clear path in.
Veterans
Army 12W Carpentry & Masonry Specialist and Navy BU (Builder, Seabees) crosswalk directly. Air Force 3E3X1 Structural covers masonry in civil engineering.
Helmets to Hardhats connects veterans to BAC apprenticeships.
The GI Bill covers apprenticeship-related fees.
Veterans on KinTradesHigh School Students
Masonry is one of the lowest-barrier construction entry points. HS construction CTE programs include masonry.
BAC apprenticeships start at age 18 with HS diploma or GED.
FastForward VA covers tuition for Virginia students.
Students on KinTradesSecond Chance
Masonry is among the most second-chance friendly trades — most masonry subcontractors hire on physical readiness and willingness to learn.
Background checks are uncommon at entry level.
BAC and ABC apprenticeships consider applicants with felony histories case-by-case.
Second-chance hiringCertifications, apprenticeships & licensing for Mason / Bricklayers
Certifications that move you up
- OSHA 10-Hour Construction (OSHA-10) Recommended
Registered apprenticeship programs
- BAC Local 1 of Maryland, Virginia & Washington, DC — Registered Apprenticeship (JATC) 3 yr
- BAC Local 1 of Maryland, Virginia & Washington, DC — Registered Apprenticeship (JATC) 3 yr
- BAC Local 1 of Maryland, Virginia & Washington, DC — Registered Apprenticeship (JATC) 3 yr
Union locals in our region
- BAC Local 1 of Maryland, Virginia & Washington, DC DC, MD, VA
If Mason / Bricklayer interests you, also look at
Common questions about becoming a Mason / Bricklayer
What does a Mason / Bricklayer do?
Masons spread mortar and lay brick, concrete block, or stone in courses that build walls, foundations, fireplaces, and architectural features. The work is physical, weather-dependent, and rewards anyone who likes precise hand-eye work.
What does a Mason / Bricklayer make in Virginia, DC, Maryland, and North Carolina?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2025, Mason / Bricklayers earn an annual median of $55K in Virginia (range $39K–$66K), $64K in DC ($62K–$101K), $59K in Maryland ($38K–$71K), and $50K in North Carolina ($38K–$62K).
How do you become a Mason / Bricklayer?
BAC Bricklayers Apprenticeship: Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers locals serve VA/DC/MD (BAC Local 1 PA/DE/VA, BAC Local 1 MD/VA/DC) and NC (Carolinas). BAC →
How long is Mason / Bricklayer apprenticeship in Virginia, DC, Maryland, or North Carolina?
3 years through BAC or 1–2 on the job before running solo. Most masons come up through the BAC (Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers) apprenticeship or direct hire at a masonry subcontractor.
Is Mason / Bricklayer a growing career?
Yes — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections have Mason / Bricklayer employment set to grow 3.2% between 2024 and 2034. The BLS projects about 5,600 openings per year nationally, most from workers retiring or leaving the trade.
Is Mason / Bricklayer a good career path for someone with a record?
Masonry is among the most second-chance friendly trades — most masonry subcontractors hire on physical readiness and willingness to learn. Background checks are uncommon at entry level. BAC and ABC apprenticeships consider applicants with felony histories case-by-case.