At a Glance
Quick Answer
Brickmasons and Blockmasons earn a median $28.88/hr ($60,070/yr). Top-paying state: Illinois at $45.33/hr. True labor cost with burden: ~$38.99/hr.
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.
Overview
Wage Summary
Distribution
Wage Distribution
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024. Percentiles represent the wage below which a given percentage of workers fall.
Geography
Top-Paying Regions
Top-Paying States
| # | State | Median Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | $45.33 |
| 2 | New York | $43.88 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $42.55 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $41.22 |
| 5 | Minnesota | $39.88 |
Top-Paying Metro Areas
| # | Metro Area | Median Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $50.88 |
| 2 | New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $49.22 |
| 3 | Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $46.67 |
| 4 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $44.33 |
| 5 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $42.88 |
Cost Analysis
True Labor Cost
~$38.99/hr fully loaded
The base wage of $28.88/hr becomes approximately $38.99/hr after applying a 1.35x burden rate (payroll taxes, insurance, benefits, overhead).
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FAQ
Questions Contractors Ask
What is the average salary for brickmasons and blockmasons?
The national median salary for brickmasons and blockmasons is $60,070 per year ($28.88/hour). The mean hourly wage is $30.22. Entry-level workers (10th percentile) earn $17.55/hr while top earners (90th percentile) make $46.55/hr.
What states pay brickmasons and blockmasons the most?
The top-paying states for brickmasons and blockmasons are Illinois ($45.33/hr), New York ($43.88/hr), Massachusetts ($42.55/hr), New Jersey ($41.22/hr), Minnesota ($39.88/hr). These higher wages typically reflect strong union presence, high cost of living, and prevailing wage laws.
What is the true cost of hiring brickmasons and blockmasons?
The true cost is typically 1.35x the base wage after adding payroll taxes (7.65% FICA), workers compensation insurance (varies by trade), general liability, health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. For brickmasons and blockmasons earning $28.88/hr, the fully loaded rate would be approximately $38.99/hr.
How many brickmasons and blockmasons are employed in the US?
According to BLS data, there are approximately 65,400 brickmasons and blockmasons employed in the United States.