Chicago’s architectural legacy—from the iconic Willis Tower to the historic Wrigley Building—relies on skilled masons to preserve its character and drive its future. As the city invests $12.6 billion in infrastructure modernization and sustainable construction, masonry careers offer stability, competitive wages, and opportunities to shape the urban landscape. This guide breaks down the licensing process, apprenticeship pathways, and financial considerations for aspiring masons in Chicago, with insights into regulatory updates, technology trends, and long-term career strategies.
In Chicago, masonry professionals must adhere to strict licensing standards under Municipal Code § 4-376-020. All contractors and subcontractors performing masonry work involving brick, concrete, stone, or fireproofing must hold a valid license issued by the City of Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB). There are three primary license classifications:
Specializations in historical restoration or seismic retrofitting require additional certifications but fall under these core categories. Notably, residential projects under $1,000 in value do not require licensure, but commercial work mandates compliance[1][2].
To qualify for licensure, applicants must pass written exams administered by Continental Testing Center, which assess knowledge of materials science, OSHA safety protocols, and construction math. Exams include 70 questions, with a 70% passing score required. Practical assessments, though less common for general masonry, may be required for niche roles like terra-cotta restoration[3][4].
The path to licensure involves education, hands-on training, and rigorous testing:
Complete an Apprenticeship:
Registered programs like the Cement Masons’ Union Local 502 or Laborers Local One combine paid on-the-job training (OJT) with classroom instruction. For example, Local 502’s 3-year program includes 6,000 OJT hours and 432 classroom hours focused on concrete finishing, formwork design, and OSHA safety protocols. Apprentices also earn CPR certifications and learn to interpret blueprints, a skill critical for modern construction projects[5][6].
Accumulate Work Experience:
After apprenticeship, masons must log supervised work hours (4,000+ hours for licensure eligibility) under a licensed contractor. This phase often involves working on large-scale projects like the O’Hare International Airport expansion or residential developments in the South Loop, providing exposure to diverse techniques[7].
Pass Licensing Exams:
Submit Documentation and Insurance:
Applicants must provide proof of $1 million in general liability insurance, passport photos, and exam results to the DOB. Licensing fees total $1,000 ($500 per B/C Card). Contractors pursuing the A Card must submit additional project portfolios demonstrating competency in both brick and concrete work[10][11].
| Stage | Duration | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 2–3 years | 2,400–6,000 OJT hours + 360–432 classroom hours; union programs include stipends for tools and safety gear[12][13] |
| Journeyman Work | 2+ years | 4,000+ supervised hours for license eligibility; union members often transition to foreman roles during this phase[14] |
| Exam Preparation | 2 weeks–2 months | Intensive prep courses (e.g., US-BES Mason Exam Prep) vs. self-study; 80% of candidates retake exams without formal training[15] |
| Licensing Process | 6–8 weeks | Application review, background checks, and insurance verification; delays common for applicants with incomplete portfolios[16] |
The fastest pathway to licensure involves completing a union apprenticeship, accumulating supervised hours, and passing exams through accelerated prep courses. For example, Laborers Local One’s 2-year accelerated track focuses on masonry restoration, allowing apprentices to log hours on city-funded preservation projects[17].
Upfront Costs
Earnings Potential
| Role | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary (Full-Time) | Union Benefits* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $18.50–$21.00 | $38,480–$43,680 | Healthcare, pension plans, tool allowances |
| Journeyman | $25.85–$32.10 | $54,328–$67,368 | Overtime pay ($45–$60/hour for weekend work) |
| Licensed Contractor | $35–$50+ | $75,000–$110,000+ | Project bonuses, equipment subsidies |
| Specialized Roles | $35–$50 | $75,000–$110,000 | LEED certification premiums (+$5–$10/hour) |
*Union benefits from Cement Masons Local 502 and Laborers Local One[24][25][26]
Licensed contractors report 25–40% higher project margins than subcontractors, while specialists in historical restoration or green construction earn premiums of up to $50/hour. For example, masons working on the Pullman National Monument restoration project earn $42–$48 hourly due to the site’s landmark status[27][28].
Chicago’s masonry sector is booming, with 41 active job postings as of March 2025 and a 12% projected growth rate through 2027[29][30]. Key opportunities include:
Union-affiliated masons have an edge, as 83% of Chicago’s commercial projects require union labor. Major employers like Turner Construction and Walsh Group exclusively hire through union halls for projects exceeding $5 million[36][37].
Chicago offers robust apprenticeship pathways through unions and technical schools:
Post-licensure, masons can advance to foreman ($68,200/year) or project engineer roles ($85,000–$110,000/year). Some transition into teaching at trade schools or launching contracting firms—over 200 masonry contractors operate in Chicago, with 15% growth since 2020[43][44].
2025 Code Revisions
Tech Integration
Chicago’s masonry trade offers a rewarding career path with competitive wages, union support, and opportunities to work on transformative projects. By completing a registered apprenticeship, obtaining licensure, and specializing in high-demand niches, masons can secure their place in a field that blends tradition with innovation. The city’s focus on sustainable infrastructure and historic preservation ensures steady demand for skilled hands. Start your journey today by exploring programs like Cement Masons Local 502 or the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program—and build a legacy as enduring as the city itself.
Sources
[1] US-BES Masonry License Benefits
[2] Chicago Department of Buildings
[3] US-BES Masonry Exam Prep
[4] Continental Testing Center
[5] Cement Masons Local 502 Apprenticeship
[6] Laborers Local One Training
[7] US-BES Masonry License Benefits
[8] US-BES Masonry Exam Prep
[9] Continental Testing Center
[10] US-BES Masonry License Benefits
[11] Chicago Department of Buildings
[12] Cement Masons Local 502 Apprenticeship
[13] Laborers Local One Training
[14] US-BES Masonry License Benefits
[15] US-BES Masonry Exam Prep
[16] US-BES Masonry License Benefits
[17] Laborers Local One Training
[18] Cement Masons Local 502 Apprenticeship
[19] Cement Masons Local 502 Wage Data
[20] Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps
[21] Continental Testing Center
[22] US-BES Masonry Exam Prep
[23] US-BES Masonry License Benefits
[24] Cement Masons Local 502 Apprenticeship
[25] Laborers Local One Training
[26] Cement Masons Local 502 Wage Data
[27] Indeed Chicago Masonry Job Postings
[28] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
[29] Indeed Chicago Masonry Job Postings
[30] Laborers Local One Training
[31] Indeed Chicago Masonry Job Postings
[32] Mason Contractors Association of Greater Chicago
[33] Chicago Department of Buildings
[34] Laborers Local One Training
[35] Indeed Chicago Masonry Job Postings
[36] Cement Masons Local 502 Apprenticeship
[37] Laborers Local One Training
[38] Cement Masons Local 502 Apprenticeship
[39] Mason Contractors Association of Greater Chicago
[40] Laborers Local One Training
[41] City Colleges of Chicago Masonry Program
[42] City Colleges of Chicago Masonry Program
[43] Indeed Chicago Masonry Job Postings
[44] City Colleges of Chicago Masonry Program
[45] Chicago Department of Buildings
[46] Chicago Department of Buildings
[47] Indeed Chicago Masonry Job Postings
[48] City Colleges of Chicago Masonry Program
[49] Laborers Local One Training
[50] City Colleges of Chicago Masonry Program
