Are you considering a masonry career in Cullman, AL? With ongoing construction activity and over 200 construction-related job openings in the area, the outlook for mason careers remains promising. Masonry skills are essential in commercial, industrial, healthcare, and residential construction projects across Cullman. From landmark structures to new school renovations, masons play a key role in shaping the city’s infrastructure 123. For more on masonry career insights, check masonry training programs in Alabama.
If you're looking to begin this rewarding career, apprenticeships and masonry training programs are available locally, particularly through institutions in nearby cities like Birmingham and Rainsville. Certification programs and union options provide strong pathways into the trade. Additionally, navigating licensing, safety training, and job opportunities is crucial for long-term success in this skilled trade 45.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the requirements, apprenticeship options, salary expectations, job demand, and long-term career paths available for masons in Cullman, AL, as of 2025. We also include key calls-to-action for finding apprenticeships and trade training programs 6.
Before diving into the steps, it's essential to understand what being a mason entails. Brick masons, stone masons, and concrete masonry specialists are responsible for laying bricks, stones, blocks, and other masonry materials to construct buildings, walkways, and retaining walls. They must ensure structural integrity, efficiency, and code compliance while adhering to safety practices on job sites 5. For detailed student resources, explore masonry career information.
Masons apply mortar, level materials, make rooftop repairs, and follow architectural specifications. They often work outdoors and may specialize in residential construction, masonry restoration, or industrial projects, depending on the needs of the region 3.
Yes! While Cullman itself does not set its own mason licensing requirements, Alabama mandates that all masonry contractors earn a state license. To do this, individuals must pass a trade-specific exam and a Business & Law Exam through PSI. While no continuing education is necessary to maintain the license, experience and proven expertise in bricklaying, blockwork, and construction best practices are required 47.
Additionally, OVSA safety training and IMI (International Masonry Institute) certifications add credibility, especially for those seeking union-affiliated mason positions or roles with larger construction firms.
Masonry apprenticeships in Cullman and Alabama last about three years, with each apprentice completing 144 classroom hours and 1,500 on-the-job training hours annually. Wages often start at 50% of a journeyman’s salary, increasing to 90% by the final year of the program 5.
To find an apprenticeship:
Several vocational schools and community colleges across Alabama accept students into these programs. For instance:
| Institution | Location | Proximity to Cullman |
|---|---|---|
| Dekalb County Technical Center | East Rainsville | Approximately 60 miles away |
| Construction Education Foundation of Alabama (CEFA) | Birmingham | Approximately 70 miles away |
Many high school students also enroll in programs like those at Central High School in Phenix City, which offer early masonry instruction or access through dual enrollment 47.
All aspiring brick masons in Alabama must follow the same general path to qualification. Here are the steps to enter the trade and begin your masonry career:
To become a mason in Cullman, AL, you must meet the following requirements:
While not mandatory, completing a masonry education program strengthens your application for apprenticeships and job placements. Local training centers such as the Construction Education Foundation of Alabama (CEFA) and Dothan Technical College teach essential classroom basics before employment or apprenticeships 7.
After completing a training program or applying directly, a registered masonry apprenticeship is next. This step consists of 3 years of hands-on construction work combined with training in masonry fundamentals and skills such as finishing concrete, bricklaying, and blocklaying 56.
To find an apprenticeship:
During your masonry apprenticeship, you’ll learn on the job and receive structured instruction from qualified journeymen or foremen. Your skills in brick installation, curing stone, building chimney systems, and laying mortar will significantly improve 5.
After completing your apprenticeship, you become a journeyman mason. While not currently required by Cullman law, earning your journeyman registration strengthens your employability and earning potential, especially when bidding job tenders or negotiating contracts 4.
To apply for a journeyman license, contact the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors and follow the steps to receive recognition of your experience and skills 5.
With several years of on-site experience, you may choose to launch your own masonry business, specialize in stone masonry restoration, or pursue an estimator or project leadership position. Some journeyman masons go on to manage teams full-time or focus on high-precision work like chimney restoration, architectural stone installations, or custom bricklay 34.
As of March 2025, the average hourly mason wage in Alabama is $24.34, translating to an annual income of between $44,740 and $53,740 depending on experience, union status, and specialty 87. Cullman’s strong local construction demand supports mason earnings, and construction foremen, project managers, and estimators have flexible salary ranges from $62,000 to $105,000 per year 9.
Institutional projects, such as the $24 million West Elementary School renovation and upcoming Cullman High School STEM wing, add to the regional construction demands and increase the need for specialized brick masonry, blocklayers, and concrete finishers 7. For the latest construction jobs, visit Indeed in Cullman, AL.
Starting a career as a masonry apprentice in Cullman, Alabama, is a promising way to build expertise in a construction niche that continues to grow. With strong job openings in construction, from routine masonry to large-scale institutional builds like OmniPlex, the need for skilled masons remains strong. Whether you're just finishing school or looking for a career change, the path outlined above will set you up for a lasting and professionally satisfying masonry career.
Explore current masonry apprenticeship opportunities on Gild’s masonry job board in Cullman, AL—and start your journey on firm ground.
https://www.indeed.com/q-construction-jobs-l-cullman,-al-jobs.html ↩
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Construction/-in-Cullman,AL ↩
https://quarrymill.com/masons/alabama/bentley-masonry-contractors-llc/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://masoncontractors.org/find-a-masonry-training-program/AL/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://masoncontractors.org/masonrycareers/careerinformation/career-information-for-students/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
https://www.specmix.com/masonry-training-programs/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://gobuildalabama.com/the-training/bricklayers-local-no-8-southeast/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://tallo.com/jobs/architecture/construction-foreman/al/cullman/ ↩
