Masonry: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program develop advanced technical proficiency in constructing and installing masonry systems using a range of traditional and precision tools. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on expertise in building durable, structurally sound walls, foundations, and decorative elements from materials such as brick, concrete block, tile, and stone, while adhering to industry standards and safety protocols.
- Technical Mathematics: Applies arithmetic, geometry, and measurement principles to calculate material quantities, angles, and dimensions essential for accurate masonry layout and installation.
- Blueprint Reading: Develops the ability to interpret architectural drawings, specifications, and construction plans to guide precise masonry placement and alignment.
- Structural Masonry: Focuses on load-bearing wall systems, structural integrity, and techniques for ensuring long-term stability in residential and commercial applications.
- Decorative Masonry: Explores artistic and aesthetic techniques for creating intricate patterns, ornamental features, and custom finishes using masonry materials.
- Foundations and Reinforcement: Covers the preparation and construction of stable base systems, including footings and reinforcement methods to withstand environmental and structural stresses.
- Mortar Preparation: Teaches the formulation, mixing, and application of mortar types suited to specific materials and environmental conditions.
- Cutting and Finishing: Involves mastering tools and methods for shaping and smoothing masonry units to achieve clean, professional results.
- Codes and Standards: Ensures compliance with local, state, and national building regulations, safety requirements, and industry best practices in masonry construction.
Masonry Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Masonry Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Masonry degrees, including First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers, Brickmasons and Blockmasons and Tile and Stone Setters. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 907,090 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers 47-1011 | $78,690 | $51,290 - $126,690 | 806,080 | $37.83 |
| Brickmasons and Blockmasons 47-2021 | $60,800 | $41,330 - $95,560 | 53,520 | $29.23 |
| Tile and Stone Setters 47-2044 | $52,240 | $36,140 - $82,960 | 38,740 | $25.11 |
| Stonemasons 47-2022 | $51,990 | $37,420 - $83,200 | 8,750 | $25.00 |
Masonry Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $47,560 in Alabama to $99,020 in Alaska—a 108% difference. The highest-paying states include Alaska, Hawaii, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 907,090 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Masonry by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 32 institutions offering Masonry programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Masonry is found at Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (51 graduates), Central Arizona College (CAC) (39 graduates), Southeast Community College Area (SCC) (20 graduates), George C Wallace State Community College, Selma (18 graduates), and Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) (17 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 378 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Central Arizona College (CAC) |
Other Award
|
39 | Coolidge, Arizona | Public | centralaz.edu |
| Southeast Community College Area (SCC) |
Other Award
|
20 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | southeast.edu |
| George C Wallace State Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
18 | Selma, Alabama | Public | wccs.edu |
| Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) |
Other Award
|
17 | Sanford, North Carolina | Public | cccc.edu |
| City Colleges of Chicago (KKC) |
Other Award
|
15 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | ccc.edu |
| Piedmont Technical College (PTC) |
Other Award
|
15 | Greenwood, South Carolina | Public | ptc.edu |
| Halifax Community College (HCC) |
Other Award
|
13 | Weldon, North Carolina | Public | halifaxcc.edu |
| Williamson College of the Trades |
Associate's
|
13 | Media, Pennsylvania | Private | williamson.edu |
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (TSCT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
11 | Lancaster, Pennsylvania | Public | stevenscollege.edu |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) |
Other Award
|
11 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | matc.edu |
| Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) |
Other Award
|
11 | Fond du Lac, Wisconsin | Public | morainepark.edu |
| Tulsa Technology Center (Tulsa Tech) |
Other Award
|
11 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Public | tulsatech.edu |
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (Southwest Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
10 | Fennimore, Wisconsin | Public | swtc.edu |
| SUNY College of Technology (Alfred State) |
Associate's
|
9 | Alfred, New York | Public | alfredstate.edu |
| Arizona Western College (AWC) |
Other Award
|
8 | Yuma, Arizona | Public | azwestern.edu |
| Southeastern Community College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
8 | Whiteville, North Carolina | Public | sccnc.edu |
| Orange Coast College (OCC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Costa Mesa, California | Public | orangecoastcollege.edu |
| Eastern Arizona College (EAC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Thatcher, Arizona | Public | eac.edu |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
6 | Green Bay, Wisconsin | Public | nwtc.edu |
| Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Fort Scott, Kansas | Public | fortscott.edu |
| Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Athens, Texas | Public | tvcc.edu |
| Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | slcc.edu |
| Emily Griffith Technical College |
Other Award
|
3 | Denver, Colorado | Public | emilygriffith.edu |
| Columbus Technical College (Columbus Tech) |
Other Award
|
3 | Columbus, Georgia | Public | columbustech.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
3 | Crossville, Tennessee | Public | tcatcrossville.edu |
| Albany Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
2 | Albany, Georgia | Public | albanytech.edu |
| Coahoma Community College (CCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Clarksdale, Mississippi | Public | coahomacc.edu |
| Berks Career & Technology Center (BCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Leesport, Pennsylvania | Public | berkscareer.com |
| George C Wallace Community College (WCCD) |
Other Award
|
1 | Dothan, Alabama | Public | wallace.edu |
| Riveroak Technical College (RTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Live Oak, Florida | Public | rtc.suwannee.k12.fl.us |
| Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Alva, Oklahoma | Public | nwosu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Masonry programs
How much can I earn with a Masonry degree?
Salaries for Masonry graduates vary by role and location. First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers earn a median of $78,690 annually, while Brickmasons and Blockmasons earn around $60,800. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Alaska average $99,020 compared to $47,560 in Alabama. Approximately 907,090 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Masonry programs?
Currently 33 accredited institutions offer Masonry degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (51 graduates), Central Arizona College (CAC) (39 graduates), and Southeast Community College Area (SCC) (20 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Masonry growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 932 in 2010 to a peak of 416 in 2020, before declining slightly to 378 in 2023-24. This represents a 59% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Masonry degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers, Brickmasons and Blockmasons, and Tile and Stone Setters. Related occupations employ approximately 907,090 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Construction Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Construction field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Floor and Tile Installation
A program that prepares individuals to plan, prepare, install, and repair carpet; linoleum; vinyl; ceramic, marble, quarry, mosaic, and terazzo tiles; and wood...
Insulator
A program that prepares individuals to apply insulation materials to pipes, boilers, ducts, refrigeration systems, and related equipment to reduce the passage of...
Building Construction Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to residential and commercial building construction and remodeling. Includes instruction in construction...
Construction Finishing and Inspection
Any instructional program in building/construction finishing, management, and inspection not listed above.
Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting
A program that prepares individuals to design, install, and test industrial and commercial piping systems and automatic fire and exposure protection systems. Includes...
Plumbing Technology
A program that prepares individuals to practice as licensed plumbers by applying technical knowledge and skills to lay out, assemble, install, and maintain...