Masonry Jobs Charlotte NC 2025 Salaries Outlook and How to Get Hired

If you're looking to build a career in masonry in Charlotte, SC, 2025 presents promising opportunities with 83 masonry jobs available in the area ¹. The average hourly pay for masons in Charlotte is $26.23, with potential for higher salaries depending on experience and specialization ¹. For brick masons specifically, the average annual salary in Charlotte is approximately $30,225, with entry-level positions starting at about $27,040 per year ². Aspiring masons can enter the field through apprenticeship programs that combine on-the-job training mirrored in resources like NCMCA programs, with classroom instruction, typically lasting 2-4 years ³, and most employers require a high school diploma or GED along with a driver's license, with some asking for construction experience ⁴.

Understand the Role of a Mason

Before diving into the steps to becoming a mason, it's essential to understand what the profession entails. Masons, also known as brick masons, block masons, or stonemasons, are skilled professionals who construct buildings and other structures using materials like brick, concrete blocks, and stone. Their work involves mixing mortar, laying bricks or blocks, and ensuring structures are level and plumb, often referencing guides like MCAA training.

Masonry work is physically demanding and requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to work in various weather conditions. Masons often work on scaffolding and must be comfortable working at heights. They also need to be proficient in using various tools and equipment, including trowels, levels, and power saws.

Do You Need a License to Work in Masonry in Charlotte, SC?

While specific certification requirements for masons in North Carolina are not detailed, gaining experience and possibly obtaining certifications from organizations like the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) can be beneficial for career advancement ¹⁵. In North Carolina, masonry contractors may need a general contractor or specific masonry license, as outlined in certification guides. The state differentiates between Class I and Class II licenses based on project types and sizes ⁵⁶.

For individual masons, while a license isn't typically required, certification can enhance job prospects and earning potential. The MCAA offers various certification programs that demonstrate a mason's proficiency in specific areas of the trade.

Masonry Apprenticeship Requirements and How to Find One

To become a skilled mason in Charlotte, completing an apprenticeship is highly recommended. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, providing a comprehensive education in the trade, and can be found through Gild or NCMCA.

In Charlotte, several programs are available:

• The N.C. Masonry Contractors Association (NCMCA) offers apprenticeship programs, pre-apprenticeship training, ongoing professional development, and outreach activities promoting masonry careers in the Carolinas ¹⁶.

• The City of Charlotte Mason Apprenticeship Program provides a one-year apprentice position combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction to prepare individuals to become masons ⁷.
• Private Contractors' Apprenticeship Opportunities exist, as seen with companies like Charlotte Masonry, which run apprenticeship programs requiring parental consent for minors ⁴, and more details are available via local training programs.

To find an apprenticeship:

• Use Gild to find apprenticeships in Charlotte: Gild brings thousands of masonry apprenticeship role openings all together in one place.
• Join local masonry associations: Organizations like the NCMCA often have connections to apprenticeship opportunities, including MCAA resources.

Steps to Becoming a Mason in Charlotte, SC

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

To become a mason in Charlotte, you must meet specific basic requirements:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old for most programs.
• Education: A high school diploma or GED is typically required. Coursework in mathematics, geometry, and shop classes can be beneficial, often linked to educational resources.
• Physical ability: Masonry is physically demanding, requiring strength, stamina, and dexterity.
• Basic skills: You should be able to read, write, and understand English, as well as perform basic math calculations.

2. Enroll in a Masonry Education Program (Recommended)

While not always mandatory, completing a masonry education program can give you a solid foundation in the trade. These programs are offered by trade schools, community colleges, and technical institutes in Charlotte and usually cover topics like:

• Bricklaying techniques
• Concrete block construction
• Stone masonry
• Blueprint reading
• Safety practices
• Basic math for masons

Local educational institutions such as Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte offer masonry training programs that equip students with foundational knowledge and practical skills needed for the trade ⁵, with more options at trade school listings.

3. Start an Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a crucial step in becoming a mason. In Charlotte, apprenticeships typically last 2-4 years, during which time you'll gain hands-on experience while also receiving classroom instruction ³. During your apprenticeship, you'll work under the supervision of experienced masons and learn the practical skills needed for the job, such as mixing mortar, laying bricks, and ensuring structures are level.

4. Obtain Certification (Optional but Beneficial)

While not always required, obtaining certification can enhance your career prospects. The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) offers certification programs that validate your skills in specific masonry techniques, accessible via MCAA certification. Certification typically involves passing both written and practical exams.

5. Advance Your Career

As you gain experience, you can advance to more specialized roles or take on supervisory positions. Some masons choose to start their own businesses, which may require additional licensing as a masonry contractor in North Carolina ⁶, and resources for this are available at harbor compliance.

Your Next Steps

Starting a career as a masonry professional in Charlotte, SC, is an exciting opportunity to enter a field that is both essential and well-compensated. With the construction industry experiencing a high demand for skilled labor due to a shortage of workers ⁶, masons in Charlotte have a promising job market with opportunities for employment and growth.

Whether you're just finishing high school or considering a career change, following these steps will set you on the path to success in this critical industry. As you gain experience and build your credentials, the opportunities in masonry will only continue to grow. Good luck on your journey and be sure to check out Gild for apprenticeship opportunities near you!

Salary Expectations and Job Outlook

The masonry trade in Charlotte, NC, is expected to remain vital, with a continued need for skilled professionals and a focus on adapting to evolving construction trends [A]. For masonry workers in North Carolina as a whole, the average annual salary is around $33,606, while brick masons in the state are reported to earn an average of $50,720 annually ⁸. Hourly rates for masonry jobs in North Carolina can range from about $14.53 for brick masons to a broader range of $24.41 for masonry jobs in general ⁹², with job market insights from Costar.

Factors influencing salary changes include experience, location, specialization, and market demand [A]. With Charlotte's continued growth in infrastructure and residential developments, the demand for masonry services is expected to maintain or increase [B].

Challenges and Opportunities in the Masonry Job Market

Masons in Charlotte have a promising job market with numerous opportunities for employment and growth. As of May 2025, there are numerous job openings for masons in Charlotte, indicating a strong demand for skilled masonry workers ¹⁴. This could present opportunities for both experienced and new masons to find employment, with listings on Indeed.

However, there may be challenges related to economic uncertainty and potential labor shortages. While the construction industry, including masonry, is generally robust, there could be potential labor shortages due to a lack of skilled workers ¹⁴. This is a common issue in skilled trades across the United States.

Despite these challenges, Charlotte's strong job market in certain sectors suggests ongoing infrastructure development, which can create opportunities for masons to work on new construction projects ⁷. Additionally, many construction companies offer benefits such as health insurance, 401(k) matching, and more, which can attract skilled workers to the field ¹.

Resources and Programs to Help Secure Masonry Jobs

Several resources and programs are available in Charlotte, NC, to help individuals secure masonry jobs through apprenticeships and job placement services:

• The N.C. Masonry Contractors Association (NCMCA) offers apprenticeship programs, pre-apprenticeship training, ongoing professional development, and outreach activities promoting masonry careers in the Carolinas ¹⁶, with details at NCMCA website.
• The City of Charlotte Mason Apprenticeship Program provides a one-year apprentice position combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction to prepare individuals to become masons ⁷.
• Local Educational Institutions such as Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte offer masonry training programs that equip students with foundational knowledge and practical skills needed for the trade ⁵, accessible via college resources.
• Private Contractors' Apprenticeship Opportunities exist, as seen with companies like Charlotte Masonry, which run apprenticeship programs requiring parental consent for minors ⁴. These programs provide real-world experience, often leading to employment, and more info at Angi listings.

Together, these programs offer structured pathways for skill acquisition and job placement in masonry within the Charlotte area. They combine classroom education, practical training, industry networking, and certification to support aspiring masons in securing masonry jobs.

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