How To Become A Mason
Masons, also known as masonry workers, are a special type of construction worker. They use bricks, stones, concrete, granite, and other natural materials in order to build objects. Whether they are building a residential home or a commercial building such as a school or hospital, masons are needed for their expertise in construction. If you love working outdoors, if you enjoy being hands-on and working with materials, if you are physically fit and like to work on projects, then you may enjoy a career as a mason.
Why Become A Mason
Schools, hospitals, local businesses, government buildings – we need construction workers who will build the facilities that make up our cities and towns. Masons specialize in the use of brick, stone, and other natural materials. They know exactly what types of materials are needed to get the job done. Many people are interested in using brick, stone, and concrete for construction projects because of their strength, resilience and versatility.
A mason works on both commercial and residential projects. A mason will read blueprints to help understand the needs of their construction project. They lay out their forms and foundations. They mix materials to make mortar, and break and cut materials into the appropriate sizes. Using concrete, brick, block and stone, they build the foundations of their construction projects. They clean and polish their work as they go, and fill in the foundations with appropriate caulking materials.
A mason is an expert in their knowledge of building materials such as brick and stone and concrete. They are professional construction workers who are needed to build the many homes and business facilities in our towns and cities. This is a good career choice for somebody who enjoys being hands-on, working with materials such as brick and concrete, and likes working on projects.
Masons should possess the following qualities and skills:
- Physically fit
- Hand-eye coordination
- Strength
- Knowledgeable
- Enjoys mathematics
- Attention to detail
- Quality control
- Mechanical
Mason Work Environment
Masons work outdoors. Their work involves construction, handling materials such as concreate, brick, stone, granite, tile and glass. A mason must be physically fit to perform these jobs. They may be lifting heavy materials. Due to the nature of this work, there is a risk of injury involved. Often this work involves a lot of noise, dust, and becoming dirty. Masons usually only work when there are good weather conditions; they may be expected to work outside on very hot days to complete jobs.
Mason Salary
The median annual salary for masons was $41,230 per year in 2016, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
There are many things that may be a factor in determining salary. Some masons work for companies, either large or small, while others are self-employed. The years of experience a person has can help increase salary. The location where a person works might be a factor in pay. All of these must be considered when determining how much a person gets paid.
Mason Career Outlook
Employment for masons is expected to grow by 15 percent from 2014 to 2024. This is faster growth than other occupations within the United States.
There will continue to be need for construction of buildings. Whether it is new construction or restoration, masons will be needed to get the job done. Schools, hospitals, government buildings, and more – masons will be counted on for their expertise in stone and brickwork. The use of stone is increasing because it is strong and versatile. In areas that are prone to hurricanes, tornados, and other natural disasters, stone and brick is capable of holding up to the task.
Mason Degree
If you would like to become a mason, read below for more information.
Step 1: High school diploma. It is required to receive your high school diploma to become a mason. In high school you will take classes such as mathematics, reading and writing. These will serve as a core foundation that will help you in your future career.
Step 2: Undergraduate degree. A college education is not required to become a mason, but it can give you an advantage. There are many vocational and community colleges that offer programs in masonry. In these programs, you will learn about the technical knowledge involved with masonry. You will also get a hands-on look at the profession. An associates program takes two years to complete.
Step 3: Training. Becoming trained in masonry is essential for learning the trade. Most masons spend three to four years in a training or apprenticeship, learning the craft. Within each year of their training program, a mason completes 144 hours of technical instruction. They also complete 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. They train under the guidance of an experienced mason worker. During their apprenticeship, mason workers focus on basics such as safety and first aid, reading blueprints, mathematical skills such as mixing and measurement, and building code requirements.
