Mason Salary Overview
A Mason in the United States earns a median of $53,960 a year, or about $25.94 an hour over a full-time year of 2,080 hours. The role requires proficiency with industry-standard tools and technologies including trowels (brick, pointing, margin), levels, mason's string line, brick hammers, jointers, grinders with masonry blades, mortar mixers, scaffold systems, laser levels, masonry saws, concrete block cutting tools. The band runs from $33,200 to $84,000, a spread of 153 per cent between the two ends, which for this occupation is decided mainly by years in the role and by the employer rather than by job title. On the median salary, federal income tax takes about $4,437 and FICA another $4,128, leaving $45,395 in a state with no income tax such as Texas or Florida; add California income tax of roughly $1,528 and take-home pay falls to about $43,867, an effective rate of 18.7 per cent. Education: The typical path to becoming a Mason involves earning a High school diploma plus 3-4 year apprenticeship through BAC (Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers) union or vocational training; on-the-job training path available.
The pay band for a Mason is unusually steep: the lead level pays about 2.3 times the entry level, or $83,638 against $35,614. A spread that wide means the occupation rewards accumulated judgement rather than credentials, and it has a practical consequence for anyone starting out: the first offer matters far less than the rate of progression, because the band above is large enough to absorb a modest start within a few years.
The largest single step is the one out of the entry level, worth about $18,346 a year. That places the decisive moment early: the two or three years it takes to stop being junior are worth more than any later promotion, which argues for choosing a first employer on what it will teach rather than on what it pays.
Every one of the best-paying states for this occupation (NY, IL, HI) levies an income tax, which means the highest gross offers are also the most heavily taxed. The comparison worth making is against a lower gross in a state without income tax: on this median salary the state layer is large enough that the ranking by take-home pay differs from the ranking by salary.
Demand concentrates in New York, NY, Chicago, IL, Honolulu, HI, and those are also among the most expensive places to live in the country. A premium of ten or twenty per cent on the median does not survive a housing cost twice the national figure, so the right comparison for a Mason weighing a move is take-home pay minus rent, not salary against salary.
The Mason is one of the most important roles in the Trades & Construction sector of the US economy in 2026. With a median annual salary of $53,960, compensation for this position ranges from $33,200 at the entry level to $84,000 for highly experienced professionals in top-paying markets.
This career typically requires High school diploma plus 3-4 year apprenticeship through BAC (Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers) union or vocational training; on-the-job training path available. Valued professional credentials include Journeyman Mason certification, OSHA 10/30-hour, scaffold certification, NCCER Masonry certification, concrete finishing certification (for some specialties). On a day-to-day basis, professionals in this role focus on laying brick, block, and stone for walls and structures, mixing and applying mortar, building fireplaces and chimneys, constructing retaining walls, performing tuckpointing and restoration on historic structures, reading blueprints for masonry layouts, installing stone veneer, and ensuring plumb, level, and square construction.
The job market for this position shows 2% from 2022-2032 with demand for commercial construction, restoration work, and residential masonry features; decorative masonry and hardscaping growing growth, with demand strongest in specializations including brick masonry, concrete block work, stone masonry, tuckpointing and restoration, tile/terrazzo work, and refractory masonry (industrial furnaces). Bricklaying robots exist for simple repetitive walls but cannot handle corners, arches, restoration, or variable conditions; skilled masons remain essential for custom, structural, and restoration masonry work
Salary Range: The typical Mason in the US earns between $33,200 and $84,000 per year, with a median of $53,960.
What Does a Mason Do?
A Mason spends their workday laying brick, block, and stone for walls and structures, mixing and applying mortar, building fireplaces and chimneys, constructing retaining walls, performing tuckpointing and restoration on historic structures, reading blueprints for masonry layouts, installing stone veneer, and ensuring plumb, level, and square construction. The role requires proficiency with industry-standard tools and technologies including trowels (brick, pointing, margin), levels, mason's string line, brick hammers, jointers, grinders with masonry blades, mortar mixers, scaffold systems, laser levels, masonry saws, concrete block cutting tools.
The typical work environment involves construction sites; outdoor work in all weather (though mortar cannot be applied in freezing temperatures); physically demanding (lifting heavy blocks, bending); scaffold work at heights; seasonal work in cold climates; early morning starts. Within the profession, you can specialize in areas such as brick masonry, concrete block work, stone masonry, tuckpointing and restoration, tile/terrazzo work, and refractory masonry (industrial furnaces), each requiring different skill sets and offering different compensation levels.
Day-to-day responsibilities vary based on seniority and organization size. Entry-level professionals often focus on execution tasks under supervision, while senior professionals take on strategic planning, mentoring, and cross-functional leadership.
Mason Salary by Experience
| Level | Salary | Hourly | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | $35,614 | $17/hr | $30,049 |
| Mid | $53,960 | $26/hr | $43,867 |
| Senior | $71,227 | $34/hr | $55,698 |
| Lead | $83,638 | $40/hr | $63,309 |
Best and Worst States for Mason Pay
Which states let a Mason keep the most, and least, of their salary, ranked by annual take-home pay.
Geographic location significantly impacts Mason compensation. The top-paying states for this role include New York (highest wages), Illinois (union scale), Massachusetts (historic restoration), New Jersey (commercial masonry), Minnesota (union rates).
States with no income tax (Texas, Florida, Washington, Nevada, Tennessee) offer an effective pay boost of 3-9% compared to high-tax states like California or New York, though these states often compensate with higher cost of living or property taxes. When evaluating offers, consider both gross salary and after-tax take-home pay.
The state-by-state analysis for a Mason at $53,960 reveals that tax geography matters as much as salary negotiation. The $2,698 spread between Texas ($45,395 net) and Massachusetts ($42,697 net) equals approximately $225 per month in additional disposable income. Over a 10-year career period, this location choice alone represents $26,980 in cumulative wealth difference.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Analysis: When factoring in regional cost of living, Texas offers the best purchasing power for a Mason salary. While high-tax states like California and New York offer robust Trades & Construction job markets, their combined tax burden and cost of living can reduce effective purchasing power by 25-40% compared to states like Texas or Georgia. A Mason earning $53,960 in Texas enjoys purchasing power equivalent to approximately $48,812 in a baseline cost area.
Regional Market Analysis: Mason professionals in Trades & Construction should evaluate opportunities based on after-tax income rather than headline salary. A $62,054 offer in California may yield less take-home pay than a $53,960 offer in Texas or Florida once state taxes are factored in. The best financial outcomes often come from pairing strong regional demand for Mason roles with favorable state tax treatment.
Top 10 Best States for Mason Salary
| # | State | Gross | Federal | State Tax | FICA | Take-Home | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $53,960 | $4,437 | $0 | $4,128 | $45,395 | 15.9% |
| 2 | Florida | $53,960 | $4,437 | $0 | $4,128 | $45,395 | 15.9% |
| 3 | Nevada | $53,960 | $4,437 | $0 | $4,128 | $45,395 | 15.9% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | $53,960 | $4,437 | $0 | $4,128 | $45,395 | 15.9% |
| 5 | South Dakota | $53,960 | $4,437 | $0 | $4,128 | $45,395 | 15.9% |
| 6 | Tennessee | $53,960 | $4,437 | $0 | $4,128 | $45,395 | 15.9% |
| 7 | Texas | $53,960 | $4,437 | $0 | $4,128 | $45,395 | 15.9% |
| 8 | Washington | $53,960 | $4,437 | $0 | $4,128 | $45,395 | 15.9% |
| 9 | Wyoming | $53,960 | $4,437 | $0 | $4,128 | $45,395 | 15.9% |
| 10 | Ohio | $53,960 | $4,437 | $766 | $4,128 | $44,629 | 17.3% |
Bottom 10 Worst States for Mason Salary
| # | State | Gross | Federal | State Tax | FICA | Take-Home | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | Kansas | $53,960 | $4,437 | $2,419 | $4,128 | $42,977 | 20.4% |
| 43 | Delaware | $53,960 | $4,437 | $2,428 | $4,128 | $42,967 | 20.4% |
| 44 | New York | $53,960 | $4,437 | $2,475 | $4,128 | $42,920 | 20.5% |
| 45 | Massachusetts | $53,960 | $4,437 | $2,478 | $4,128 | $42,917 | 20.5% |
| 46 | Utah | $53,960 | $4,437 | $2,509 | $4,128 | $42,886 | 20.5% |
| 47 | Alabama | $53,960 | $4,437 | $2,533 | $4,128 | $42,862 | 20.6% |
| 48 | Illinois | $53,960 | $4,437 | $2,534 | $4,128 | $42,862 | 20.6% |
| 49 | Virginia | $53,960 | $4,437 | $2,586 | $4,128 | $42,809 | 20.7% |
| 50 | Hawaii | $53,960 | $4,437 | $3,524 | $4,128 | $41,872 | 22.4% |
| 51 | Oregon | $53,960 | $4,437 | $4,196 | $4,128 | $41,199 | 23.6% |
Mason Take-Home Pay by City
New York City for highest mason wages; Chicago for commercial masonry; Boston for historic brick restoration; Philadelphia for rowhouse masonry restoration
When comparing city compensation, factor in cost of living differences. A $53,960 salary in a mid-cost city often provides more purchasing power than a 20-30% premium in San Francisco or New York.
How to turn these figures into an actual offer, what to ask for besides base pay and when to name a number, is covered in the guide to negotiating a salary offer.
| City | Gross Salary | Total Tax | Take-Home | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $53,960 | $11,040 | $42,920 | 20.5% |
| Chicago, IL | $53,960 | $11,098 | $42,862 | 20.6% |
| Honolulu, HI | $53,960 | $12,088 | $41,872 | 22.4% |
| Boston, MA | $53,960 | $11,043 | $42,917 | 20.5% |
| Newark, NJ | $53,960 | $10,053 | $43,907 | 18.6% |
Calculate Mason Take-Home Pay
Adjust the state and filing status to see your estimated after-tax income.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
Tax Breakdown
Tax Distribution
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Pay Frequency Breakdown
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How to Become a Mason
Education: The typical path to becoming a Mason involves earning a High school diploma plus 3-4 year apprenticeship through BAC (Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers) union or vocational training; on-the-job training path available. Some professionals enter the field through alternative pathways, but formal education provides the strongest foundation for long-term career growth.
Certifications: Key professional credentials for this role include Journeyman Mason certification, OSHA 10/30-hour, scaffold certification, NCCER Masonry certification, concrete finishing certification (for some specialties). These certifications demonstrate expertise to employers and often directly correlate with higher compensation.
Skills & Tools: Proficiency with trowels (brick, pointing, margin), levels, mason's string line, brick hammers, jointers, grinders with masonry blades, mortar mixers, scaffold systems, laser levels, masonry saws, concrete block cutting tools is expected for competitive candidates. Building a portfolio of work or gaining practical experience through internships, projects, or entry-level positions is essential for breaking into the field.
Timeline: Most professionals reach mid-level competency within 3-5 years of entering the field, with senior positions typically requiring 7-12 years of progressive experience.
Mason Career Outlook
Employment for the Mason role is projected to grow 2% from 2022-2032 with demand for commercial construction, restoration work, and residential masonry features; decorative masonry and hardscaping growing, reflecting strong demand driven by industry evolution and changing workforce needs. The most in-demand specializations include brick masonry, concrete block work, stone masonry, tuckpointing and restoration, tile/terrazzo work, and refractory masonry (industrial furnaces).
AI and Automation Impact: Bricklaying robots exist for simple repetitive walls but cannot handle corners, arches, restoration, or variable conditions; skilled masons remain essential for custom, structural, and restoration masonry work
Professionals who combine deep technical expertise with strong communication skills and adaptability will find the best opportunities in this evolving landscape.
The Mason sits in the middle of its adjacent group. General Contractor pays $79,800, $25,840 more, while Concrete Finisher pays $48,800, $5,160 less, against this role's $53,960. A position in the middle is the most flexible one: it means both directions are open, and that the decision rests on what the work is rather than on what the next title pays, since the difference in either direction is a matter of thousands and not of multiples.
After tax the picture compresses. In California, this role's median leaves about $43,867, and across the whole adjacent group the spread between the highest and lowest take-home figure is $20,936 a year. That compression is the progressive schedule at work: a gross gap of ten thousand dollars between two neighbouring occupations is worth appreciably less once the marginal rate has taken its share, which is why a move made for the salary alone disappoints more often than the gross figures suggest.
Tax Tips for Mason Earnings
The strategies that apply to every salaried professional, the contribution limits, the bracket arithmetic and the question of moving to a state without an income tax, are set out once in the guide to tax strategies for salaried professionals rather than repeated on each occupation page.
Mason Salary FAQ
The median annual salary for a Mason in the United States is $53,960 in 2026. Compensation typically ranges from $33,200 for entry-level positions to $84,000 for experienced professionals in top-paying markets. Actual pay depends on experience, location, certifications, and employer size. On a median salary of $53,960, take-home pay works out to about $43,867 a year before state-specific credits.
On a $53,960 salary, a Mason takes home approximately $85,000-$105,000 after federal, state, and FICA taxes, depending on the state and filing status. In no-income-tax states like Texas or Florida, take-home pay is higher than in states like California or New York. On a median salary of $53,960, take-home pay works out to about $43,867 a year before state-specific credits.
Entry-level Mason professionals with 0-2 years of experience can expect to earn around $35,614 per year. Starting salaries vary significantly by location, with major metro areas offering 15-30% premiums over rural areas. On a median salary of $53,960, take-home pay works out to about $43,867 a year before state-specific credits.
The highest-paying states for Mason professionals include NY, IL, HI. However, when adjusted for cost of living, some mid-tier states offer better purchasing power. No-income-tax states provide an additional 3-9% effective pay boost. On a median salary of $53,960, take-home pay works out to about $43,867 a year before state-specific credits.
The median hourly equivalent for a Mason is approximately $25.94, based on 2,080 working hours per year. Actual hourly rates vary by experience level, with senior professionals earning $10-30 more per hour than entry-level. On a median salary of $53,960, take-home pay works out to about $43,867 a year before state-specific credits.
To become a Mason, you typically need High school diploma plus 3-4 year apprenticeship through BAC (Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers) union or vocational training; on-the-job training path available. Valuable certifications include Journeyman Mason certification, OSHA 10/30-hour, scaffold certification, NCCER Masonry certification, concrete finishing certification (for some specialties). Most employers also value practical experience gained through internships or entry-level positions.
Employment for Mason professionals is projected to grow 2% from 2022-2032 with demand for commercial construction, restoration work, and residential masonry features; decorative masonry and hardscaping growing. Bricklaying robots exist for simple repetitive walls but cannot handle corners, arches, restoration, or variable conditions; skilled masons remain essential for custom, structural, and restoration masonry work. The strongest opportunities are in brick masonry, concrete block work, stone masonry, tuckpointing and restoration, tile/terrazzo work, and refractory masonry (industrial furnaces).
A Mason typically spends their day laying brick, block, and stone for walls and structures, mixing and applying mortar, building fireplaces and chimneys, constructing retaining walls, performing tuckpointing and restoration on historic structures, reading blueprints for masonry layouts, installing stone veneer, and ensuring plumb, level, and square construction. The work environment involves construction sites; outdoor work in all weather (though mortar cannot be applied in freezing temperatures); physically demanding (lifting heavy blocks, bending); scaffold work at heights; seasonal work in cold climates; early morning starts.
Personal finance and taxation expert. Specialized in US federal and state tax calculations, paycheck analysis, and helping Americans understand their take-home pay across all 50 states.
Sources & References
Tax rates, salary data, and deduction figures used on this page are sourced from official US government publications:
- IRS.gov, Federal income tax brackets, standard deductions, and tax procedures for the 2026 tax year
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for median salary data
- Social Security Administration (SSA.gov), Social Security wage base, FICA tax rates, and Medicare thresholds
- IRS Tax Withholding Estimator, Federal paycheck withholding calculations and verification
Last reviewed and updated: 2026-09-27. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice.