What You'll Do

  • 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.
  • Calculate angles and courses and determine vertical and horizontal alignment of courses.
  • Fasten or fuse brick or other building material to structure with wire clamps, anchor holes, torch, or cement.
  • Break or cut bricks, tiles, or blocks to size, using trowel edge, hammer, or power saw.
  • Remove excess mortar with trowels and hand tools, and finish mortar joints with jointing tools, for a sealed, uniform appearance.
  • Interpret blueprints and drawings to determine specifications and to calculate the materials required.
  • Apply and smooth mortar or other mixture over work surface.
  • Mix specified amounts of sand, clay, dirt, or mortar powder with water to form refractory mixtures.
  • Examine brickwork or structure to determine need for repair.

Essential Skills

Critical Thinking 3.12/5
Coordination 3.12/5
Active Listening 3.0/5
Speaking 3.0/5
Monitoring 3.0/5
Operations Monitoring 3.0/5
Quality Control Analysis 3.0/5
Time Management 3.0/5
Mathematics 2.88/5
Active Learning 2.88/5
Complex Problem Solving 2.88/5
Judgment and Decision Making 2.88/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Dependability, Integrity, Cooperation, Independence

Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Trunk Strength 4.0/5
Extent Flexibility 3.88/5
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.75/5
Manual Dexterity 3.75/5
Static Strength 3.75/5
Near Vision 3.75/5
Visualization 3.62/5
Multilimb Coordination 3.62/5

Technologies & Tools

Construction Management Software ProEst CPR Visual Estimator Daystar iStructural.com Estimating software Intuit QuickBooks Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Windows RISA Technologies RISA-3D Tradesman's Software Master Estimator

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.71/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.39/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 4.16/5)
  • Cooperation (High importance: 4.09/5)
  • Independence (High importance: 3.97/5)

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How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Adobe Layer Block Layer Block Mason Block Paver Blockmason Bottom Liner Brick and Block Mason Brick and Tile Bricklayer Brick Chimney Builder Brick Dropper Brick Layer Brick Mason Brick Paver Brick Pointer Brick Setter Bricklayer Brickmason Casing Builder Casing Man Casing Worker Chimney Builder Chimney Mechanic Chimney Repairer Cinder Block Mason Coke Oven Mason Coke Oven Patcher Concrete Block Layer Concrete Block Mason Concrete Mason Construction Bricklayer Cupola Liner Cupola Mechanic Cupola Patcher Door Liner Duct Layer Epoxy Specialist Firebrick and Refractory Bricklayer Firebrick and Refractory Tile Bricklayer Firebrick Layer Fireplace Installer Fitter Furnace Builder Furnace Liner Furnace Mason Furnace Mechanic Furnace Reliner Gypsum Block Setter Hot Top Liner Journeyman Mason Kiln Car Repairer Kiln Door Builder Kiln Mechanic Kiln Repairer Ladle Builder Ladle Liner Ladle Mechanic Ladle Patcher Liner Lining Mechanic Manhole Builder Mason Mason Laborer Mason Liner Masonry Contractor Masonry Installer Masonry Laborer Oven Builder Patcher Permastone Mechanic Plaster Block Layer Pottery Kiln Builder Refractory Bricklayer Refractory Mason Reliner Segment Block Layer Setter Silo Erector Smelter Liner Spout Liner Stopping Builder Tender Terra Cotta Mason Terra Cotta Setter Tunnel Kiln Repairer Vessel Builder Vessel Liner