Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
No formal educational credential
None
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Helpers—brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters support skilled tradespeople in construction and installation work. Nationally, this occupation has a median annual salary of $46,480 and total employment of 16,000. While projected employment growth is -10.5%, there are still an estimated 1,000 annual openings, reflecting ongoing turnover and replacement needs. This role typically does not require a formal educational credential, making it accessible for individuals looking to enter the construction trades without extensive schooling. Success in this field draws on physical strength and stamina, fine motor skills, mechanical aptitude, and strong attention to detail. Additional strengths in areas such as project management, customer service, and creativity can help helpers contribute effectively on job sites. For those exploring related hands-on careers, similar occupations include terrazzo workers and finishers, reinforcing iron and rebar workers, drywall and ceiling tile installers, tire builders, and refractory materials repairers, except brickmasons.
The national median annual salary for helpers—brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters is $46,480. Pay levels vary by location. Among the top states by opportunity score, Washington shows the highest listed median salary at $76,180, followed by New York at $62,020 and Massachusetts at $61,020. California and Colorado have median salaries closer to the national figure, at $49,590 and $49,980 respectively. At the metro level, the New York–Newark–Jersey City area reports a median salary of $70,080, while Boston–Cambridge–Newton is at $65,870 and San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont at $59,000. San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara offers $52,070, and Washington–Arlington–Alexandria is listed at $45,030. These figures indicate that earnings can differ substantially across regions, so workers may want to weigh location-specific pay levels when considering where to pursue opportunities in this occupation.
National employment for helpers—brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters is 16,000, with projected employment growth of -10.5%. Despite this projected decline, the occupation is expected to see about 1,000 annual openings. This combination suggests that much of the opportunity in the field may come from replacement needs as existing workers leave or change roles. The -10.5% growth projection appears consistently across the listed top states and metro areas, indicating a similar outlook in those highlighted regions. For individuals considering this career, it may be important to recognize that overall headcount is projected to contract, even though employers will still be hiring to fill positions each year. Those exploring alternatives might also look at related paths such as terrazzo workers and finishers, reinforcing iron and rebar workers, drywall and ceiling tile installers, tire builders, and refractory materials repairers, except brickmasons.
Career opportunities for helpers—brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters vary by state and metro area. Among states, California has the highest listed employment at 3,600 with a median salary of $49,590 and an opportunity score of 67.38. New York and Massachusetts show smaller employment levels—890 and 410 respectively—but higher median salaries of $62,020 and $61,020, each with opportunity scores in the mid‑60s. Washington stands out for its $76,180 median salary, though with employment of 150 and an opportunity score of 56.29, while Colorado has 230 employed, a $49,980 median salary, and a 56.97 opportunity score. At the metro level, the New York–Newark–Jersey City and San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara areas have the highest opportunity scores, both above 77, with median salaries of $70,080 and $52,070 respectively. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, and Boston–Cambridge–Newton also provide notable combinations of salary, employment, and opportunity scores.
This occupation typically requires no formal educational credential, making it an option for individuals who want to start working without completing a degree or certificate program. Even without formal education requirements, several skills are especially important for helpers—brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters. Physical strength and stamina and fine motor skills support the hands-on, physically demanding nature of the work. Mechanical skills, science, and mathematics provide a foundation for understanding tools, materials, and measurements. Being detail oriented helps ensure accuracy and quality, while creativity and innovation can support problem solving on projects. Leadership and project management skills are valuable for coordinating tasks and contributing to organized work sites. Customer service skills can also matter in environments where helpers interact with clients or other stakeholders. Together, these abilities form a broad skill profile that can support entry and progression within this trade-focused career path.
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