Building with materials that are both beautiful and sturdy, masonry workers create structures that last. Masonry workers, also known as masons, use weatherproof bricks, stones, and concrete to build new homes and buildings, and to maintain the historic structures we want to preserve. Masons specialize in different materials and structures: Brickmasons and blockmasons build and repair walls, chimneys, and other structures. Some specialize in brickwork for industrial facilities that can tolerate intensely high temperatures. Cement masons and concrete finishers lay walls and sidewalks, and form the pieces that make up heavily-used roads and buildings. Segmental pavers install interlocking brick walkways, patios, and walls. Stonemasons carefully cut and select stone to create patterns as they build walls, unique fireplaces, and building exteriors. Terrazzo workers add fine marble chips into the finish of cement or resin to create decorative walkways and floors. Masonry work is fast paced and strenuous. It includes heavy lifting, using sharp tools, and working from scaffolds. In addition to strength and stamina, masons need the ability to see subtle color variations and envision how stones will fit together to build attractive and stable structures. Work hours are generally full time, with some overtime to meet deadlines. Cold or rainy weather can stop work. After completing a high school education, most masons learn on the job or through a 3- to 4-year apprenticeship.
What they do:
Lay out, cut, and place segmental paving units. Includes installers of bedding and restraining materials for the paving units.
On the job, you would:
Prepare base for installation by removing unstable or unsuitable materials, compacting and grading the soil, draining or stabilizing weak or saturated soils and taking measures to prevent water penetration and migration of bedding sand.
Supply and place base materials, edge restraints, bedding sand and jointing sand.
Discuss the design with the client.
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
building and construction
Business
management
Transportation
movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Social
changing what is done based on other people's actions
understanding people's reactions
Hand and Finger Use
hold or move items with your hands
keep your arm or hand steady
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Controlled Movement
use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Self Control
Concern for Others
Integrity
Initiative
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Graphics or photo imaging software
Decorative Software Online Visualizers
Depiction Software Deco-Con
high school diploma/GED or certificate after high school usually needed
Produced by 
License
