Indianapolis masons can expect a dynamic job market in 2025, with the local industry projected to reach $502 million in value and average hourly wages holding steady at $26.74. The city benefits from faster-than-average labor growth at 1.3% year-over-year and a 23% increase in building permits in the first half of 2024123. Though national masonry employment is expected to decline by 4% between 2022-2032, Indianapolis maintains stronger prospects due to local construction growth and a high concentration of masonry businesses in Marion County4. This guide explains how to enter the trade, advance your career, and take advantage of opportunities in one of Indiana’s most promising skilled trades.
Masons are skilled construction professionals who build with concrete, brick, stone, and other durable materials. Their work includes installing facades on commercial buildings, constructing retaining walls, laying decorative stonework, and repairing historic structures. The trade demands physical endurance, precision, and knowledge of construction techniques and safety standards. For more on masonry career paths, check out Gild's masonry jobs guide.
Unlike some trades, Indiana doesn’t require a traditional license for masons. Instead, certification comes through structured apprenticeship programs. Key pathways include:
Optional certifications like those from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) can enhance credentials and open more career opportunities6
The most common route into the masonry profession is through a formal apprenticeship program:
| Program | Duration | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| BAC Local 4 | 3-4 years | Tuition-free, paid training, combines 144+ hours classroom learning with 2,000+ hours hands-on experience |
| JATC | 4 years | Structured curriculum with safety training, probationary period for early skill assessment |
| Area 31 Career Center | 2+ years | Prepares students for apprenticeships or entry-level positions4 |
To find opportunities:
Most masonry apprenticeships follow a competitive application process. Prepare documentation including:
The apprenticeship combines classroom learning with hands-on instruction from master masons. Key topics include:
Participants earn wages while learning, with regular raises as skill levels increase 56. For detailed apprenticeship listings, see Gild's job feed.
While not mandatory, industry-recognized certifications such as NCCER make apprentices more competitive for advanced positions 6. Learn more about NCCER at NCCER website.
After completing the full apprenticeship program, masons can work independently on construction sites as skilled journeymen.
The Indianapolis masonry industry shows strong local growth despite national contraction trends. Key indicators include:
While the national employment projection for masonry trades shows a 4% decline from 2022-2032, Indianapolis' local market is expected to outperform. With many masons aging into retirement, job openings in central Indiana remain strong124. Explore current trends on ZipRecruiter for masonry jobs.
Employers seek candidates with both core masonry expertise and versatility across construction disciplines. Key in-demand skills include:
Essential qualifications:
Salaries for masonry jobs in Indianapolis typically range from $23-$57/hour, based on experience and specialty4. For job listings, check Indeed Masonry Jobs in Indianapolis.
The Indianapolis masonry market offers diverse pathways for advancement:
With the local industry growing to $502 million in value by 2025, career advancement opportunities outpace national averages2. Completing the full BAC Local 4 apprenticeship, acquiring NCCER certifications, and developing leadership skills can all accelerate your professional growth. Visit Gild for career resources for more tips.
Job seekers can take multiple approaches to find work in Indianapolis:
Use Specialized Job Boards
Professional Networking
Resume and Interview Tips
Search Current Openings [Gild lists active masonry apprenticeships and journeymen positions in Indianapolis at Gild's platform.]
Despite opportunities in Indianapolis, the construction industry faces several challenges:
These challenges create both urgency and opportunity: as fewer workers enter the trades, those who complete apprenticeship programs find more career advancement options than in the past. For insights on labor trends, see Gild's blog.
| Aspect | Masonry (Indianapolis) | National Median | Other Construction Trades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Wage | $26.74 | $27.21 | Similar, typically $25-$30/hour |
| Annual Salary Range | $46,740–$56,150 | $56,600 | Comparable, often $45,000–$60,000 |
| Job Outlook (2023–33) | Little or no growth nationally | 0% growth | Varies; carpentry: slower than average |
| Annual Openings (US) | ~21,800 | ~21,800 | Varies widely by trade |
While national masonry employment remains flat, Indianapolis benefits from local demand and a shrinking labor pool that makes skilled masons increasingly valuable. Compare roles on sites like ZipRecruiter.
The masonry trade offers competitive wages, steady demand, and tangible career growth in Indianapolis. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your construction skills, a masonry apprenticeship sets the foundation for lifelong earning potential and trade mastery. As infrastructure spending grows and skilled labor remains tight, now is the optimal time to launch your career in this foundational trade.
Search active masonry apprenticeships in Indianapolis on Gild today and start building a future in one of Indiana's most stable skilled trades.
https://www.ibisworld.com/us/industry/indiana/masonry/22723/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
http://buildingindiana.com/stories/growth-despite-odds,10482 ↩ ↩2
https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/cement-mason/job-market/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
https://indmasoncontractors.com/jatc-apprentice-program ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://toptradeschools.com/near-you/masonry-worker/indiana/indianapolis/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.ivytech.edu/programs/special-programs-for-students/apprenticeships/ ↩
