How to Become a Mason / Bricklayer — Salary, Training & Licensing
The buildings that last centuries are built with brick and stone — and masons are the craftspeople who build them. From residential fireplaces to university buildings to historic restoration, masonry combines physical strength with artistic vision. It has a 95% AI-era demand score because AI-designed buildings are more architecturally ambitious, and masons bring those visions to life.
95% High Demand
$42K–$85K+
Salary Range
High
Demand
+5%
Job Growth
℞ Prescribed by data · BLS · WEF · McKinsey
Mason / Bricklayer Apprenticeship & Training in Oregon
Licensing & Requirements
Oregon CCB contractor license required for masonry contractors. Oregon BOLI oversees apprenticeships. BAC credentials valued.
Training Programs
BAC locals in Oregon offer masonry apprenticeship training. Portland Community College has construction programs. Oregon's strong residential and commercial market supports steady masonry demand.
Specialize in high-value areas: historic restoration, natural stone, decorative masonry, or refractory (high-temperature) work
Move into foreman roles leading masonry crews on commercial projects
Historic restoration specialists command premium rates for preserving landmark buildings
Learn estimating to understand project costs and improve your value to employers
Consider pursuing MCAA Masonry Certification for additional credentials
5
Leadership & BusinessAges 30-35
Start your own masonry contracting company — residential, commercial, or restoration
Advance to superintendent overseeing masonry on large commercial projects
Become a BAC instructor training the next generation of masons
Move into construction management leveraging your masonry expertise
Some masons specialize in artisan stonework, outdoor living spaces, and high-end residential work
6
Long-Term CareerAges 35+
Business owner with masonry crews and commercial/residential contracts
Master stone mason specializing in custom residential and historic restoration
Union leadership or training program director
Construction consulting or building inspection specializing in masonry structures
Many masons transition to estimating, project management, or teaching as they age
Masonry Employers & Apprenticeship Pathways
BAC (Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers)
The BAC operates apprenticeship programs through the International Masonry Institute (IMI) with world-class training centers. 3-4 year paid program with full benefits, pension, and annuity.
McGee Brothers Company
One of the largest masonry contractors in the Southeast. Offers career paths from apprentice to project management on major commercial and institutional projects.
Western Waterproofing / Western Specialty Contractors
Major restoration contractor specializing in historic masonry repair, waterproofing, and building envelope work. Premium pay for skilled restoration masons.
Sun Valley Masonry / Interstate Brick
Large regional masonry contractors and suppliers that hire masons for residential and commercial projects. Good training ground for diverse masonry experience.
MCAA (Mason Contractors Association)
Industry association connecting masonry contractors with training, certification, and business resources. MCAA member companies are often the best employers in regional markets.
The masonry trade faces a severe workforce shortage as experienced masons retire. The average mason is over 50, and not enough young workers are entering the trade. This means demand for skilled masons is strong and wages are rising. Historic restoration work — preserving landmark buildings — is a growing niche that commands premium rates.
A college graduate starts at 22 with $40K in debt. A mason apprentice starts at 18 earning $32K+ with zero debt, full benefits, and a pension. By 22, the journeyman mason is earning $55K+ building structures that will stand for centuries. Masonry business owners in busy markets routinely earn $80K-120K+. The structures you build will outlast anything a software developer creates.
The Real Talk
The Good
Build structures that last for centuries — few careers offer this kind of permanence
Strong union pathway with pension, health insurance, and annuity
95% AI-era demand score — AI architecture is creating bold new masonry designs that need skilled human hands
Artistic potential — decorative masonry and stonework are genuine art forms
Severe workforce shortage means excellent job security and rising wages
Clear path to business ownership with steady residential and commercial demand
The Hard Parts
Extremely physical work — heavy lifting, constant bending, working in all weather
Hard on your body long-term — back, knees, and shoulders take a beating
Outdoor work means heat, cold, wind, and rain
Seasonal slowdowns in northern regions during winter months
Starting pay is modest during the apprenticeship period
Is It Worth It?
Masonry is one of the oldest and most enduring trades — and one of the most personally rewarding. When you lay brick or set stone, you're creating something that will outlast you by generations. The workforce shortage means skilled masons are in serious demand, and the combination of union benefits, business ownership potential, and the pure satisfaction of building something permanent is hard to beat. Yes, it's hard physical work, and yes, it takes a toll on your body over decades. But if you take pride in craftsmanship, enjoy working outdoors, and want a career where your work is visible for centuries, masonry is an exceptional choice.
A Career Is Just One Part of Your Story
The best careers don't just pay well — they give you freedom, purpose, and time for the people and things you love. Choose a path that makes your whole life better, not just your resume.
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