If you're looking to jumpstart a career in masonry in Fort Myers, FL, the first step is to become an apprentice under a licensed or journeymen mason. Masons in Fort Myers earn between $19.26 and $25.07 per hour, with the potential to earn up to $35.90 depending on experience and overtime opportunities 123. The region’s masonry jobs have grown by 34.6% since 2019, and construction spending is up nearly 10% nationwide, showing that Fort Myers is outpacing both Florida and national trends 4. After completing a 3-year apprenticeship, you’ll be eligible to apply for a journeyman mason license—a credential that opens doors to higher wages and more specialized work.
Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand what being a mason entails. Masons are skilled professionals who build structures using materials like brick, concrete block, and stone. They work across residential and commercial Construction sites and are responsible for interpreting blueprints, mixing mortar, laying materials, and ensuring that finished structures are level, plumb, and durable.
Yes, while Florida does not have a statewide mason license, the state requires a Structural Masonry Specialty Contractor License for masons who manage their own projects or oversee crews 2. This involves passing an exam and submitting documentation, including liens satisfaction and electronic fingerprints, with application fees totaling either $145 or $245, depending on timing 5. Many aspiring masons first gain experience through apprenticeships or vocational education programs before applying for full licensure.
If you're interested in becoming a refractory mason, restoration mason, or another masonry specialty, starting with an apprenticeship is the most reliable path. Apprentices in Fort Myers receive a 3-year earn-while-you-learn program that combines classroom education and hands-on training 67.
Florida offers over 100 training facilities, many in high schools or technical centers, that offer free pre-apprenticeship programs for adult learners ready to start a masonry apprenticeship 8. These programs are typically offered at no cost and help participants meet the requirements for advanced apprenticeships 9.
To find apprenticeship and job opportunities:
To enroll in a masonry apprenticeship or training program in Fort Myers, you must:
While a high school diploma or GED is not strictly required, it’s strongly recommended to improve your skillset and competitiveness in the job market 9.
Hands-on experience is crucial in masonry. Apprenticeships allow you to learn from professionals while earning a paycheck. Fort Myers offers:
Apprentices are often employed full time and earn wages while they're learning, making it easier to gain real-world experience without financial strain.
During your apprenticeship, you'll learn everything from basic masonry techniques to project management principles relevant to Fort Myers construction patterns and climate conditions.
To apply:
While not always mandatory, completing specialized masonry training through technical schools can boost your knowledge and competitiveness.
Programs typically include:
Vocational programs often provide industry certifications, (e.g., the Mason Contractors Association of America), and advanced professional recognition4.
After completing your apprenticeship, you’re eligible to become a journeyman mason by passing a written and oral exam administered by a training facility or professional association 12. Some experienced masons move on to get licensed as contractors, which allows them to start their own businesses or supervise other masons.
Licensing steps include:
Additional training pathways offer national certifications for:
These certifications differentiate you in a growing, skilled labor market and elevate opportunities within Fort Myers' booming construction industry 4.
Fort Myers is a construction hotspot, with demand for masons and skilled laborers rising steadily. The Cape Coral-Fort Myers region added 400 construction jobs in just one year leading up to February 2025 14. Between 2019 and 2025, Fort Myers masonry and trade employment surged 34.6%, far outpacing growth in other Florida cities like Naples (+ 21%) and Tampa (+ 18.1%) 4.
Key drivers of construction and masonry employment growth in Fort Myers include:
| Driver | Supporting Detail |
|---|---|
| Population Growth | Fort Myers is among the fastest-growing metro areas in Florida, creating demand for new homes, offices, and infrastructure. |
| Residential Development | No slowdown in high-end build-outs or new neighborhoods, meaning ongoing need to install stone, brick, and blockwork. |
| Community & Utility Project Spending | A riding wave of +10% national construction spending reflects increased demand for infrastructure and utility installation where brick and stone play key roles. |
| Job Specific Growth | Regional demand shows 43,200 people employed in construction and related trades as of early 2025 4, from strong increases across sectors dependent on masonry work |
Masons in Fort Myers enjoy competitive wages, with hourly rates ranging from $19.26 to $25.07, and up to $35.90/hr on some job boards 123, checks out to above-or-comparable to national averages.
Additionally, mason positions often provide health benefits, overtime wage supplements, and retirement plan contributions, common in union apprenticeships and large-scale construction firms 2.
While opportunities are strong, new masons must be prepared for a demanding job market, potential labor shortages, and physical demands such as repetitive lifting and working at heights.
Also, while local demand is strong, economic factors like inflation, material availability, and housing market shifts could impact construction timelines and job consistency 3. However, with a structural masonry specialty contractor license and strategic certifications, masons can stay agile and in demand, even in a changing market.
Starting a career as a masonry apprentice in Fort Myers, FL, is an exciting opportunity to enter a high-earning, in-demand trade with clear paths to advancement and leadership. Whether you’re just finishing high school or looking for a career change, Fort Myers offers strong training options, reliable job growth, and competitive wages.
As you advance, apprentice learning and growing credentials will help you climb the ranks into specialized and management roles. Gild can help you find the best masonry openings in Fort Myers, so head over to Gild to get started today!
https://www.floridatrend.com/article/42295/southwest-floridas-economic-forecast-for-2025/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://www.wgcu.org/section/business/2025-05-01/jobs-report-shows-growth-north-some-decline-in-southwest-florida ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
https://cleared4takeoff.com/floridas-labor-market-job-growth-unemployment-and-workforce-trends/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://www.swflinc.com/business-directory/florida-masonry-apprenticeship-and-education-foundation ↩
https://toptradeschools.com/near-you/masonry-worker/florida/ ↩ ↩2
