The masonry industry in Florida is projected to reach $2.3 billion by 2025, emphasizing its continued relevance in the construction sector1. For those looking to begin careers in Brent, FL, masonry trade jobs offer competitive wages, hands-on skill development, and long-term stability. Masonry is vital in the construction of infrastructurally sound and resilient buildings—especially crucial in hurricane-prone Florida where building codes emphasize durability, as detailed in reports like the Florida Construction Outlook.
Masonry careers in Brent, FL, tightly mirror the statewide 4.5% construction sector growth in 2023 and 4.9% in 2024, indicating a sustained—but slowing—demand for skilled local workers. These jobs frequently involve tasks like bricklaying, grouting, concrete finishing, and blueprint reading, all emphasizing the need for certified aptitude and safety compliance23. According to recent data, masonry wages range between $16 to $28 per hour statewide, with job posting volumes remaining stable overall, especially in regions neighboring Pensacola4.
Masons are skilled tradespeople who build, repair, and maintain structures using materials like bricks, concrete blocks, and stone. The work is physically demanding, requiring strength, durability, and precision. In Florida—and particularly in Brent, FL—masons often find employment in both residential and commercial construction, focusing on foundational elements designed to withstand extreme weather like hurricanes and flooding5. Masonry job postings most often include positions such as concrete finishers, laborers, and drywall finishers, all of which bring stability in a growing construction market6.
In Brent's evolving residential and infrastructure development landscape, masons are increasingly relevant for projects requiring sustainability, eco-friendliness, and climate resilience, in response to updated building regulations and climate change adaptation strategies5. For more insights, check out job market data on IbisWorld.
Unlike some trades, Florida does not mandate a statewide license for masonry work. However, voluntary certification and apprenticeship completion are often expected by employers to ensure competency and safety compliance, especially in a highly regulated building environment. Completing a state-certified apprenticeship program—often backed by organizations like Florida Masonry, Inc., or the Masonry Association of Florida—provides a needed foundation while increasing acceptance into key employers in the field26. Explore additional resources on student support at Florida Masonry for Students.
A core pathway into the masonry trade involves completing a registered apprenticeship program, which combines classroom instruction and on-the-job training. In Florida, these programs typically last 3 years and require 144 hours of classroom instruction plus 1,500 hours of work experience annually4. Entering individuals can sign up through specialized unions, local associations, or online job match platforms like GetGild [https://jobs.getgild.com/near-me/masonry-jobs-in-brent--florida], which aggregates apprenticeship and job opportunities for tradespeople across Florida7. Additional apprenticeship listings are available on Indeed's Masonry Jobs in Florida.
For apprentices, available roles include:
To help guide applicants, here’s a breakdown of typical steps required to enter a masonry apprenticeship:
Step | Description |
---|---|
Education | Obtain a high school diploma or GED—49% of Florida masons start here5 |
Train | Enroll in a vocational or technical school program (20.6% of masons do so)5 |
Apply | Reach out to registered masonry apprenticeship programs through statewide organizations or sites like iHireConstruction |
Practice | Complete required 1,500 annual on-site work hours + classroom study tracks for foundational skill development |
Masonry programs are also offered through platforms like National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and Florida Masonry, Inc., focused on critical technical knowledge like legal code compliance, safety procedures, and blueprint reading7. Specific program outlines can be found at Florida Masonry Apprenticeship page.
To embark on this trade, individuals must be:
Training programs are widely recognized by sector employers and union or industry-backed apprenticeships. These are skill-focused, and graduates often secure certificates or micro-credentials useful in job applications. Many are developed by Workforce Florida, the Department of Education, and the Florida Masonry Association to align with industry needs5.
An apprenticeship is hands-down the most accessible routing to skilled full-time masonry. Apprenticeships in Florida typically include:
Start the process by:
While not state-mandated, certifications boost your marketability. Voluntary accreditations include:
These credentials can unlock additional opportunities in larger infrastructure projects, green homebuilding, or urban restoration projects, enhancing earning and leadership opportunities5. For more job listings, visit Glassdoor for Brent Concrete Jobs.
Masonry professionals who expand their qualifications tend to qualify for promotions as foremen, specialty contractors (e.g., brickwork), or even project designers. As Southeastern Florida continues to expand workforce and skill development programs, attaining advanced certifications in sustainable building methods or climate resilience construction practices can induce lucrative long-term returns.
For example, with updated hurricane resilience construction requirements, skilled masonry in reinforced structures is experiencing strong demand, even amidst projected construction job growth deceleration from 4.9% to 2.7% in 2025 onward8.
Masonry careers in Brent, FL are witnessing both steady growth and specific technological and regulatory shifts, particularly regarding climate-resistant infrastructure. Apprentices and job seekers entering the trade today will likely see demand for specialty-compliant masons accelerate in the coming years5.
If you're ready to begin a rewarding masonry journey, start by exploring training and job opportunities today:
✅ Enroll in Florida’s 3-year masonry apprenticeship program to build foundational expertise and connect with employers6
✅ Search available masonry job listings on GetGild to stay informed about openings7
✅ Connect with local Masonry Associations, like the Masonry Association of Florida (MAF), for certifications and educational insights3
Florida masons with adaptability and a focus on continuous learning are particularly well-positioned in a challenging but progressive economic environment. Whether you're starting fresh or already working in construction, the future is shaped by those who prepare for tomorrow. Don't forget to check Florida Department of Education resources for more educational options.
Begin your journey today and gain entry into a field with impactful opportunities. Explore masonry apprenticeships and job programs in Brent, FL, and start your path toward a well-paid, in-demand skilled trade.
Find a masonry apprenticeship opportunity near you through this resource: Masonry apprenticeship listings on GetGild7.
https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/florida/masonry/19924/ ↩
https://toptradeschools.com/near-you/masonry-worker/florida/ ↩ ↩2
https://www.floridamasonry.com/uploads/2/3/1/4/23145284/2021_contractor_guide_to_masonry_apprenticeship.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/brent-concrete-jobs-SRCH_IL.0,5_IC3815704_KO6,14.htm ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://www.ihireconstruction.com/t-mason-s-florida-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
https://www.indeed.com/q-masonry-l-florida-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://www.floridamasonry.com/apprenticeship.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://business.ucf.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/03/WINTER-2025-UCF_FLMetro_Forecast-Web.pdf ↩