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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 47-2021 Brickmasons and Blockmasons
Lay and bind building materials, such as brick, structural tile, concrete block, cinder block, glass block, and terra-cotta block, with mortar and other substances to construct or repair walls, partitions, arches, sewers, and other structures. Exclude "Stonemasons" (47-2022). Classify installers of mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units in "Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers" (37-3011).
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Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
OJT: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Tasks: Remove excess mortar with trowels and hand tools, and finish mortar joints with jointing tools, for a sealed, uniform appearance. Construct corners by fastening in plumb position a corner pole or building a corner pyramid of bricks, and filling in between the corners using a line from corner to corner to guide each course, or layer, of brick. Measure distance from reference points and mark guidelines to lay out work, using plumb bobs and levels. Break or cut bricks, tiles, or blocks to size, using trowel edge, hammer, or power saw. Interpret blueprints and drawings to determine specifications and to calculate the materials required. Fasten or fuse brick or other building material to structure with wire clamps, anchor holes, torch, or cement. Lay and align bricks, blocks, or tiles to build or repair structures or high temperature equipment, such as cupola, kilns, ovens, or furnaces. Mix specified amounts of sand, clay, dirt, or mortar powder with water to form refractory mixtures. Calculate angles and courses and determine vertical and horizontal alignment of courses. Clean working surface to remove scale, dust, soot, or chips of brick and mortar, using broom, wire brush, or scraper. Apply and smooth mortar or other mixture over work surface. Examine brickwork or structure to determine need for repair. Remove burned or damaged brick or mortar, using sledgehammer, crowbar, chipping gun, or chisel.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Good
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $15.44   Entry $32,109.00
Mean $19.51   Mean $40,563.00
Experience $21.54 Experience $44,795.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
74079070.65
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Occupational Videos
47-2021.00 Brickmasons and Blockmasons