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Mason/Bricklayer

Masons and Bricklayers build and repair brick, block, and stone assemblies—setting lines, keeping walls level and plumb, finishing joints, and maintaining quality under jobsite conditions. This is an informational role overview for the United States; exact terms (location, schedule, start date, tools, and compensation) depend on the hiring employer and site type. CV is required for review.

CV is mandatory: candidates without a CV are not reviewed.

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Sector: Construction & Trades Typical route: EB-3 (skilled) Work type: Permanent Typical gross pay: $19–$46/hr Last updated: January 1, 2026

US jobsite reality: masonry work is often outdoors and schedule-driven. Employers value accuracy (line/level/plumb), safe scaffold habits, and clean production that does not require rework.

What this role typically covers

“Mason/Bricklayer” is a broad title in US construction. Depending on the project, you may lay brick veneer, concrete block (CMU), stone, or do repair/repointing work. Most roles require consistent measurements, clean mortar work, and safe productivity around scaffolds, saws, and material handling.

Role story (non-template):

On fast-paced sites, the best masons are known for “straight walls and no surprises.” They keep layout tight, maintain mortar consistency, correct small drift early, and leave the next lift ready—so the crew stays on schedule without rework.

Typical tasks (examples)

Set lines and layout; maintain level, plumb, and correct bond patterns
Mix or manage mortar/grout; maintain workable consistency for conditions
Lay brick/block/stone; cut units safely; finish joints to spec
Install ties/anchors where required; keep openings and corners accurate
Maintain a clean work zone; handle materials safely; follow site rules

Quality markers: straight lines, consistent joint thickness, clean faces, correct corners/openings, and controlled tolerances.

Short candidate portrait

Precision-driven: measures twice, keeps line/level consistent
Production-safe: works fast without shortcuts on scaffolds or saws
Material-smart: understands mortar behavior in heat/cold/wind
Jobsite-ready: dependable attendance and early starts
Clean finisher: joints, edges, and face cleanup are consistent

Minimum requirements (detailed)

CV and jobsite communication

English CV is required for review. Many sites expect enough English to follow safety briefings, understand measurements/instructions, and report issues clearly.

Core masonry competence

Employers typically expect hands-on ability with layout and unit setting: line, level, plumb; consistent joints; clean corners and openings. If you are junior, show strong fundamentals and willingness to learn production standards.

Tools & methods (what counts as real experience)

Trowel work, jointers, levels, masonry line/blocks, saw use (site policy), mixing mortar/grout, staging materials, and finishing/cleanup. Listing specific materials (brick veneer, CMU block, stone, repair/repointing) helps matching.

Safety, heights, and dust control

Safety compliance is critical. Many jobs involve scaffolds/ladders and cutting/grinding tasks. Follow PPE rules and site procedures. Some employers have additional site policies and onboarding.

Physical readiness & schedule

Expect heavy material handling, repetitive motion, kneeling/standing, and outdoor conditions. Ability to start early and maintain steady output is commonly required.

Note: additional requirements may apply by state, employer, and site policy.

Skills & scope map (what employers want to see on a CV)

The fastest reviews happen when your CV shows scope by materials, methods, and jobsite outcomes. Use the map below as a checklist of what to mention.

Layout & geometry

Line/level/plumb discipline
Openings, corners, returns
Bond patterns and consistency

Materials

Brick veneer, CMU block, stone (as applicable)
Mortar/grout handling and curing awareness
Anchors/ties where required

Finishing quality

Joint finishing and consistency
Face cleanup and edge control
Repair/repointing (if applicable)

Tools

Trowels, jointers, mixers
Cutting tools per site rules
Measuring and marking

Jobsite flow

Staging materials efficiently
Working with laborers/foremen
Maintaining clean zones

Safety habits

Scaffold/ladder discipline
PPE compliance
Safe cutting/handling

CV tip: include a short “proof line” like: “Set lines, kept walls level/plumb; consistent joints; clean finish; supported fast schedule without rework.”

Gross pay and overtime (USA planning ranges)

Pay varies by state, project type (commercial/residential), and experience. The ranges below are realistic for planning; exact offers depend on employer and site.

Level (typical)	Gross hourly pay	Gross annual estimate (40h/week)	Typical scope
Junior / support 0–18 months	$19–$25/hr	$39,520–$52,000	Material handling, basic setting under supervision, cleanup, learning layout and finishing.
Skilled mason 1–4 years	$25–$33/hr	$52,000–$68,640	Independent laying, consistent joints, accurate openings/corners, steady production.
Experienced / lead-capable 4+ years	$33–$46/hr	$68,640–$95,680	High-quality output at speed, layout leadership, troubleshooting drift, mentoring.

Overtime (gross)

Overtime depends on employer policy and classification. Planning example at $29/hr: 40h = $1,160; plus 10h overtime at 1.5× adds $435 → $1,595 gross/week.

Seasonality

Many masonry projects are weather-sensitive. Some sites reduce hours in extreme conditions; others shift work timing or focus on indoor tasks when available.

What increases pay

Consistent layout accuracy (line/level/plumb)
Clean finishing with low rework
Speed with safety discipline (no shortcuts)
Commercial scope and complex details
Dependable attendance and early starts

Important: all figures above are gross (brutto) and for orientation. Taxes and deductions depend on payroll setup and location/status.

Work conditions in the USA (practical overview)

Environment

Work is often outdoors with early starts. Expect standing, lifting, and repetitive motions, plus weather exposure depending on region and season.

Safety

Many sites enforce strict safety behavior (PPE, scaffold rules, controlled cutting/grinding, clean access paths). Safe productivity matters as much as speed.

Quality standards

Tolerances and finish expectations depend on project type. Clean joints, straight lines, and correct openings are typically checked continuously.

What employers commonly expect

Accuracy first: drift is corrected early; corners/openings stay true.
Clean finish: consistent joints, controlled mortar, neat face work.
Safe habits: disciplined movement on scaffolds; tools used per rules.
Jobsite reliability: on-time starts, steady output, teamwork.

CV wording that helps: “Brick/CMU,” “layout,” “line/level/plumb,” “joint finishing,” “openings/corners,” “commercial/residential,” “repair/repointing.”

Typical employer-provided items (varies)

Jobsite onboarding and safety orientation
PPE rules and issuance (site policy)
Tools policy (varies by employer and trade practice)
Benefits package may exist depending on employer and role

Visa & authorization disclaimer: any U.S. work authorization path (e.g., H-2A, H-2B, EB-3) depends on the hiring employer, eligibility and official procedures. This page is informational and not legal advice.

Next steps

Create/upload your CV and keep contact details up to date.
After review, we confirm role fit and available projects.
If shortlisted, you proceed to employer interview and documentation steps.

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What to include in your CV

Materials: brick veneer, CMU block, stone, repairs/repointing (as applicable)
Layout methods: line/level/plumb, openings/corners, bonds/patterns
Finishing: joint types, cleanup standards, accuracy outcomes
Tools: mixers, saws (if used), trowels/jointers, measuring tools
Project types: commercial/residential; indoor/outdoor; pace expectations

Common rejection reasons

No English CV or incomplete contact details
Vague experience (no materials/methods listed)
No proof of layout/finishing competence
Mismatch on schedule reliability or jobsite readiness

Fix these before applying to improve review speed.

FAQ (role-specific)

Related roles in Construction & Trades

Use these internal links to compare similar roles before applying.

Visa & authorization disclaimer: any U.S. work authorization path depends on the hiring employer, eligibility and official procedures. This page is informational and not legal advice.