Brick Mason Salary in the USA

If you are looking for a brick mason salary, bricklayer salary, or want to know how much does a brick mason make in the United States, the pay can be different depending on state, experience, union status, type of construction work and location. In May 2025, brickmasons and blockmasons had a national median wage of about $62,120 per year, which is around $29.87 per hour when converted to a full-time work year. The average or mean wage was higher at about $68,280 per year. Entry-level workers can earn less while experienced brick masons, journeyman bricklayers and workers in higher-paying markets can make much more than the national median. This guide looks at brick mason salary, bricklayer hourly pay, starting salary, experienced mason pay and brick mason salary by state across the USA.

Brick Mason Salary in the USA

A brick mason, also called a bricklayer in many construction jobs, builds and repairs walls, fireplaces, foundations and other structures using brick, concrete block and other masonry materials. The brick mason salary in the USA is not one fixed number because construction companies, contractors, unions and local markets can pay workers differently. According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for May 2025, the median annual wage for brickmasons and blockmasons was $62,120. The hourly median equivalent is about $29.87 an hour. The bottom 10 percent earned less than $44,820, while the top 10 percent earned more than $100,010 a year.

This means a person searching for how much do bricklayers make may see very different answers depending on where the job is located and how much experience the worker has. A new worker or apprentice may start at a lower wage, while a skilled journeyman bricklayer, union bricklayer or experienced commercial mason can move into a much higher pay range. Overtime, project type and local construction demand can also change total income.

Brick Mason Salary by State

The brick mason salary by state can vary a lot across the United States. Some states have median wages well above the national figure, while other states are below it. For example, the May 2025 BLS state estimates show a median wage of about $94,950 in Massachusetts, $84,410 in New York, $83,190 in Washington and $80,120 in Wisconsin. California was about $69,050, while Texas was about $56,410 and Florida about $52,760. These differences can come from local construction demand, cost of living, union coverage, type of construction and the mix of workers in each state.

*The Minnesota figure should be treated carefully in this table because the available source data can differ depending on the state estimate series and publication. The national BLS data confirms Minnesota among the higher-paying states for brickmasons and blockmasons, with an annual mean wage of about $91,330 in May 2025.

The state figures above are based on May 2025 wage estimates and the hourly amount is shown as an approximate full-time equivalent. Actual brick mason pay can be higher or lower based on experience, employer, union membership, overtime, construction type and the local area inside the state. State wage data also should not be treated as a guaranteed salary for every worker.

How Much Does a Brick Mason Make?

So, how much does a brick mason make in the United States? The answer depends on experience, location, employer and the type of masonry work. A brick mason can make around $20 to $50 or more per hour in different situations, while the national median for brickmasons and blockmasons is close to $30 per hour. A new worker normally starts at a lower rate, but an experienced brick mason can earn much more, especially when working on commercial construction projects, large union projects or in states where construction wages are higher.

Brick masons are usually paid by the hour rather than receiving one fixed yearly salary. Because of this, overtime can make a big difference in yearly income. A worker who gets regular overtime during busy construction periods may earn considerably more than the basic annual salary. Some experienced masons also take contractor or subcontractor work, which can give them another way to increase their income.

Brick Mason Salary Per Hour

The brick mason salary per hour is one of the most common things people search before entering this trade. Based on the national median wage, a brick mason earns roughly $29.87 per hour. This is a useful national benchmark, but actual brick mason hourly pay can be lower for beginners and much higher for skilled workers.

Hourly pay also changes from one city to another. A mason working in a major metropolitan construction market may receive a higher wage than someone working in a smaller town. However, higher wages often come with higher living costs and sometimes more demanding commercial projects.

• Entry-level brick mason: Often starts below the national median hourly wage.
• Brick mason with several years of experience: Can move closer to or above the national median.
• Experienced journeyman bricklayer: Can earn significantly more depending on location and employer.
• Union bricklayer: May receive higher total compensation through negotiated wages and benefits.
• Specialized or highly experienced mason: May earn premium hourly rates on difficult or large projects.
• Overtime brick mason: Can increase total annual income by working additional hours when projects require it.

Brick Mason Starting Salary

The brick mason starting salary is normally lower than the wage of an experienced mason. People entering this career often begin as helpers, laborers or apprentices before becoming fully skilled brick masons. At this stage, the worker is learning how to mix mortar, prepare materials, use masonry tools, read basic construction plans and place bricks correctly.

Starting pay can also depend on whether a person enters through an apprenticeship program or gets hired directly by a construction company. Apprentices may receive scheduled wage increases as they complete training and gain more skills. This makes masonry different from some jobs where the starting salary may remain similar for several years.

Someone searching for a bricklayer starting salary should therefore look at the full career path instead of only the first-year wage. The earning potential can improve considerably as the worker becomes more productive and can complete complicated masonry work without close supervision.

Brick Mason Apprentice Salary

A brick mason apprentice salary is usually lower than the pay of a fully qualified brick mason. An apprentice is still learning the trade while working on real construction projects. The exact wage depends on the apprenticeship program, location, employer and stage of training.

Many apprenticeship systems use progressive wages. This means an apprentice may start at a percentage of the skilled worker's wage and receive increases as training milestones are completed. An apprentice can therefore earn money while learning instead of having to pay for a traditional four-year college program.

• Learn bricklaying and masonry techniques while working.
• Assist experienced bricklayers on construction projects.
• Learn safe use of masonry tools and equipment.
• Practice measuring, leveling and aligning brickwork.
• Learn how mortar is mixed and applied.
• Gain experience with residential and commercial construction.
• Receive higher wages as skills and experience increase.

Journeyman Bricklayer Salary

A journeyman bricklayer salary is generally higher than apprentice pay because a journeyman has developed the skills needed to perform masonry work with much less supervision. A journeyman may work on walls, foundations, chimneys, decorative brickwork, commercial buildings and other masonry structures.

There is no single national journeyman bricklayer salary because the title can be used differently by employers and union organizations. Location is especially important. A journeyman working in a high-wage construction market may earn considerably more than one working in a lower-wage area.

Experience also matters. A journeyman who can read plans, calculate material requirements, maintain quality standards and lead less experienced workers can become more valuable to a contractor. Some eventually move into foreman, supervisor or contractor positions.

Union Bricklayer Salary

The union bricklayer salary can be attractive because union masonry jobs may include negotiated hourly wages along with benefits. Depending on the local union and construction agreement, total compensation can include health insurance, retirement contributions, paid training and other benefits in addition to the basic hourly wage.

Union wages are not the same everywhere. A bricklayer in one local union can have a very different wage package from a worker in another city or state. Large commercial construction projects may also have different wage requirements than smaller residential jobs.

• Higher negotiated hourly wages in some markets.
• Health and welfare benefits on eligible jobs.
• Retirement or pension contributions under some agreements.
• Formal apprenticeship and skills training.
• Opportunities to work on large commercial construction projects.
• Possible overtime opportunities during busy projects.

Experienced Brick Mason Salary

An experienced brick mason salary can be much higher than entry-level pay. Experience matters because masonry is a hands-on trade where speed, accuracy and workmanship improve with practice. A skilled mason can often complete work faster while maintaining proper alignment, level, spacing and appearance.

The highest-paid workers are not necessarily the people who have simply spent the most years in the trade. Workers who develop additional skills can have better earning opportunities. For example, experience with commercial masonry, restoration, architectural brickwork, refractory materials or supervising crews can make a mason more valuable.

The BLS wage distribution shows that the top 10 percent of brickmasons and blockmasons earned more than $100,010 per year in May 2025. This shows that the trade has room for experienced workers to move well above the national median, although reaching that level depends on location, experience, work availability and other factors.

What Does a Brick Mason Do?

A brick mason works with bricks, concrete blocks and other masonry materials to build and repair structures. The job can look simple from outside, but good bricklaying requires accuracy, physical strength and attention to detail. Every row needs to be properly aligned and the mortar needs to be applied correctly so the finished structure is strong and looks good.

Brick masons can work on new construction as well as repair and restoration projects. Residential masons may work on houses, fireplaces, walls and patios, while commercial masons can work on apartments, schools, offices, warehouses and other larger buildings.

• Lay bricks and concrete blocks according to construction plans.
• Mix and apply mortar between masonry units.
• Measure and mark work areas before construction begins.
• Check walls for level, alignment and proper spacing.
• Cut bricks and blocks to required sizes.
• Repair damaged brick and masonry structures.
• Remove old or damaged mortar during restoration work.
• Use hand tools and power tools for masonry work.
• Build walls, partitions, chimneys, fireplaces and other structures.
• Clean finished masonry surfaces after construction.
• Follow construction safety rules and use appropriate protective equipment.

Brick Mason Job Requirements

There is not always a college degree requirement to become a brick mason. Many workers enter the trade through on-the-job training, apprenticeship programs or construction experience. A person should be comfortable with physical work because bricklaying can involve lifting heavy materials, standing for long periods, bending, climbing and working outdoors.

Basic math is also useful. Brick masons need to measure distances, calculate material requirements and understand dimensions. The ability to read basic construction drawings can become increasingly important as a worker moves toward more advanced commercial projects.

• Good physical stamina and strength.
• Ability to work outdoors in different weather conditions.
• Basic measuring and math skills.
• Good hand and eye coordination.
• Ability to follow construction drawings and instructions.
• Attention to detail and accurate workmanship.
• Ability to safely use masonry tools.
• Willingness to learn through hands-on training.
• Ability to work as part of a construction crew.
• Good safety awareness on active construction sites.

How to Become a Brick Mason

For someone asking how to become a brick mason, the path can be relatively direct compared with careers that require a four-year college degree. Many people start as construction laborers or helpers and learn masonry skills on the job. Another common route is an apprenticeship where classroom instruction is combined with practical work.

During training, a new worker learns basic masonry techniques and gradually takes on more difficult work. Experience with different types of brick, blocks, mortar and construction projects can help a worker become more skilled. Some workers eventually become journeymen, crew leaders, foremen or independent masonry contractors.

• Finish high school or obtain an equivalent credential when required.
• Look for masonry helper or construction laborer positions.
• Apply for a bricklayer or masonry apprenticeship.
• Learn basic masonry tools and construction safety.
• Build practical experience under experienced masons.
• Develop skills in brick, block and mortar work.
• Learn to read construction drawings.
• Continue improving speed, accuracy and workmanship.
• Move into journeyman or experienced mason positions.
• Consider supervisory or contractor opportunities after gaining enough experience.