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Masonry is a timeless trade that's both foundational and in-demand. For those in Bradenton, FL, it's a great time to consider starting or advancing a career in masonry in 2025. With strong job growth and competitive salaries, the field is ripe with opportunity. Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a mason in Bradenton—from licensing to job outlook and everything in between.
| Key Finding | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Hourly Wage | $27.31 to $35.00/hour |
| Annual Salary Range | $77,000 to $109,000 |
| Industry Value (Florida) | $2.3 billion by 2025 |
| Masonry Jobs in Bradenton | 81 listings related positions available |
| Median Home Price Growth | Up 2-4% in 20251 |
Masons are skilled tradespeople who work with materials such as brick, stone, concrete blocks, and precast concrete. They build structures, walls, pavements, and more. In Bradenton, masons play a crucial role in both residential and commercial construction projects, from single-family homes to large-scale developments.
In Florida, individual masons aren't required to be licensed, but contractors offering masonry services must be licensed. To become a masonry contractor in Florida, you must meet specific state requirements:
Optional but valuable certifications—like those from the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA)—can significantly boost your credentials, demonstrating expertise and commitment to excellence in the trade 3.
To begin your journey in masonry, start by exploring apprenticeships and trade school training opportunities.
Masonry apprenticeships are an excellent way to gain hands-on experience while earning a living and learning from seasoned professionals in the field. These programs typically require you to be at least 18 years old and require a valid driver's license and social security number 4.
A few apprenticeships and training programs you can check out include:
Choosing the right program can greatly impact your growth in the trades, so it’s a great idea to explore different training pathways to see what’s the best fit.
If you’re looking to start your journey, Gild offers a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities in masonry across the country and in Bradenton. Check their job board to find apprenticeships suited to your needs.
Meet the General Requirements
Before entering the world of masonry, you must meet a few baseline requirements:
Enroll in a Masonry Education or Training Program
Formal education through trade schools, technical institutions, and apprenticeship programs can give you a considerable edge. While not mandatory, programs often provide foundational knowledge covering:
Many of these programs also enhance your employability by improving your physical fitness, safety awareness, and adaptability to construction scales and processes.
Apprenticeships can last up to 3 years and combines practical on-site training with classroom-based learning.
For apprenticeship opportunities in your local area, you can explore options on platforms such as Indeed, Glassdoor, or with programs like those offered by the Masonry Association of Florida (MAF) 1. Alternatively, starting as a construction laborer or masonry assistant can provide entry-level work while you build your credentials 6.
**Pursue Opportunities as a Journeyman Mason
Once you've completed an apprenticeship, you can apply for roles requiring more responsibility as a journeyman mason. While a journeyman isn’t legally required in Florida 7, it often signifies the completion of sufficient training and a step toward becoming a full-fledged craftsman in the industry.
Obtain Contractor Licensing (If Going Independent)
If you’d like to advance further or start your own business, licensing as a masonry contractor in Florida is essential. You’ll need to meet the four-year experience requirement, including a supervisory year, and pass the Florida Construction Contractor’s Licensing Exam to validate your qualifications 2.
As masonry evolves with new materials, methods, and tools, the following skills have become increasingly valuable for aspiring masons in Bradenton:
Masonry Trade Certifications or Licenses
While not mandatory, having certifications or completing apprenticeship programs makes you a more competitive applicant and can improve starting wages and career advancement opportunities 6.
Basic Carpentry or Construction Skills
Masons often work alongside other trades, and familiarity with carpentry or woodworking enhances adaptability and job utility.
Physical Health and Safety Knowledge
A significant aspect of masonry work involves lifting heavy materials, working off ladders, and ensuring workplace safety standards. Physical fitness, dexterity, and OSHA-based safety certifications increase professional longevity.
Apprenticeship Training and Industry Insight
Participating in formalized programs, like those from the Masonry Association of Florida, teaches masons construction fundamentals, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Licensure as a Contractor or Specialized Masonry Expert
If you're seeking leadership or project management roles, pursuing contractor licensing not only fulfills legal requirements but also boosts your capabilities as a professional supervisor or business owner.
Bradenton boasts a robust masonry job market, with over 81 current listings in the area and even more positions in related construction fields 6. Industry reports also suggest a positive trajectory for the field in 2025, driven by residential and commercial construction growth.
Florida's masonry industry is expected to grow significantly over the past five years, reaching a staggering $2.3 billion industry value by 2025, further cementing masonry as a viable long-term career choice in the region 5.
Alongside a strong construction presence in nearby cities like Saint Petersburg 8, Bradenton's competitive job environment provides both entry-level and advanced roles, from laborers to seasoned project leaders.
Masons in Bradenton are estimated to earn between $27.31 and $35.00 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $77,000 to $109,000, making it one of the more competitive wage brackets in Florida and nationally 8.
In comparison:
Salaries in Bradenton, especially for certified journeyman masons or those in supervisory roles, can anticipate upward growth driven by market demand and the increasing complexity of masonry work.
The masonry trade is embracing cutting-edge innovations to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs. By 2025, key advancements include:
Masons who acquire familiarity with these technologies can expect increased job demand and potential roles that adapt to evolving construction industry standards.
As Florida continues to grow, so will the demand for skilled masons. From launching an apprenticeship to earning a contractor license, there are multiple paths to success in the masonry trade. If you're ready to explore platforms offering direct connections to apprenticeships and job listings like Gild is a great place to start. Start your journey today and become a cornerstone of Bradenton's construction future.
https://www.indeed.com/q-masonry-construction-l-bradenton,-fl-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/faqs/ ↩ ↩2
https://www.harborcompliance.com/masonry-contractor-company ↩
https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/florida/masonry/19924/ ↩ ↩2
https://www.indeed.com/q-masonry-l-bradenton,-fl-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
