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If you're looking to jumpstart a career in masonry in Fort Worth, TX, the first step to becoming a skilled professional is typically to become an apprentice, which combines hands-on experience with classroom training. This pathway leads to opportunities as a journeyman, foreman, or even project manager within the thriving construction sector of the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) region. As of early 2025, total nonfarm employment in the region has grown by 53,600 jobs, signaling ample opportunity in this trade1. Use Gild to find available apprenticeships in masonry in Fort Worth2, or explore options with construction firms and unions.
Before diving into the steps, it's essential to understand what being a mason entails. Masons are skilled professionals who work with materials such as brick, block, stone, and concrete to build durable and aesthetically pleasing structures. This includes constructing walls, laying bricks, applying plaster, installing drywall, and mixing various materials. They work on both commercial and residential projects in Fort Worth including the areas around Alliance and Walsh Ranch, where heavy residential and commercial construction is ongoing3.
Fort Worth does not require a specific trade license in order to practice masonry, but certifications such as those from the International Masonry Institute (IMI) and OSHA safety credentials are often required by employers4. Employer-mandated certificates are available after completing a registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program5.
In Texas, masonry apprenticeships are typically administered under the Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), which often last 3-4 years and involve both technical instruction and real-world projects. Apprentices usually earn close to $21.80 per hour5.
| Role | Program Length | Average Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masonry Apprentice | 3-4 years | $21.805 | Required IMI and OSHA certifications offered upon completion |
| Journeyman Mason | Post-apprenticeship | $22–$43 per hour 6 | Opportunities to become lead mason and management roles |
| Masonry Foreman | Varies | Varies | Leadership training emphasized |
| Assistant Project Manager | Some construction experience | ~$43/hour | Construction management skills helpful 6 |
To find an apprenticeship:
To become a mason in Fort Worth, you must meet specific basic requirements:
Completing a masonry program can give you a head start on the trade. Offerings such as the Masonry Certificate Program at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) provide a 320-hour hands-on course at their Trade Education Center7. Admission requires a basic construction aptitude test. Other notable institutions include:
An apprenticeship provides structured, hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced professionals who offer real-world opportunities. According to projections, the DFW region will continue to sustain strong growth in masonry trade opportunities, positioning Fort Worth as a hub with over 54-61 local job openings available2.
During your apprenticeship, you’ll gain foundational skills in mix application, blueprint reading, and brick or concrete laying, all while earning approximately $21.80 per hour2. Look for apprenticeships:
Earning relevant certifications will expand your job prospects and pave the way for promotion within a masonry firm. Key certifications include:
Advanced masons can also pursue specialized initiatives such as the Masonry Skills Challenge, or take courses like the Masonry Foreman Development Course, a 2-day intensive program that trains individuals in leadership, cost planning, production control, and safety management6.
Once you've completed your apprenticeship, you can progress to become a journeyman mason. Hourly wages generally range between $22 to $43 per hour, with the potential to become a lead mason, foreman, or assistant project manager with years of experience and further education in project planning or management2.
Some masons also advance into estimator roles or start their own businesses, especially as Fort Worth’s growing commercial and residential development continues4.
For example, diverse masonry opportunities in commercial construction currently include managerial and assistant roles focused on large-scale design and management. Skills such as cost estimating and blue print reading become increasingly valuable for project-level promotions in masonry2.
Starting a career in masonry in Fort Worth is an exciting opportunity to enter a booming construction market projected to remain "beacon of growth” through 20252. Whether you're just finishing high school or considering a career change, following these steps will set you on the path to success in a vital, hands-on profession. As you gain experience and build your credentials, the opportunities in masonry will only continue to grow.
To begin your journey today, use Gild to find open apprenticeships in masonry in Fort Worth, TX2. With Fort Worth’s economy thriving through development like Alliance and Walsh Ranch3, there's no better time to start your career in masonry.
https://resource-erectors.com/dallas-fort-worth-dfw-construction-job-market-spotlight-in-2025/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9
https://www.dallasfed.org/news/releases/2025/nr250331forecast ↩ ↩2
https://masoncontractors.org/find-a-masonry-training-program/TX/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Masonry-Apprentice/--in-Texas ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.indeed.com/q-construction-apprenticeship-l-fort-worth,-tx-jobs.html ↩ ↩2
