Masonry Careers in Opelika AL 2025 Salaries and Job Outlook

Color masonry careers in Opelika, Alabama offer a promising path for those interested in hands-on construction work with competitive wages and steady demand for skilled tradespeople. In 2025, the average annual salary for masons in Alabama is projected to be $49,040, with hourly rates ranging from $22.91 for brick masons to $24.34 for general masons [source 1][source 5]. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about starting and advancing a masonry career in the Opelika area, including required training, earning potential, and current industry trends, and you can find more opportunities on Gild.

Understanding Masonry Careers

Traditional masonry encompasses various specialized careers including brick masons, block layers, and stonemasons, each working with different materials and techniques. These professionals are responsible for constructing walls, walkways, foundations, and other structures using materials like brick, stone, and concrete blocks. The work demands:

• Physical fitness and stamina to perform tasks involving standing, bending, lifting, and manual labor
• Hand-eye coordination and precision for accurate placement of masonry units
• Mathematical ability for measurements and calculations
• Attention to detail for creating strong, aesthetically pleasing structures
• Safety awareness when working with tools and materials at height

Successful masons must also be able to read blueprints, understand building codes, and communicate effectively with other construction professionals. For more details on occupational requirements, visit the Department of Labor.

Do I Need Certification or Licensing in Alabama?

Unlike some states, Alabama does not mandate state-wide certification or licensing for entry-level masons. However, completing formal training and earning certifications significantly enhances employment prospects and earning potential.

In Opelika and throughout Alabama, masonry training programs typically require participants to have at least a high school diploma or GED. Technical schools and community colleges offer training that covers both practical skills and classroom instruction on topics like construction math, blueprint reading, and materials handling.

Training Opportunities in Alabama

While Opelika itself doesn't have dedicated masonry training programs, several nearby institutions offer comprehensive training:

• Wallace Community College Sparks Campus in Eufaula, AL (about 35 miles southeast of Opelika) provides masonry training combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience [ref 6][ref 7]. Learn more at Wallace Community College.
• Technical centers in cities like Birmingham, Montgomery, and Phenix City also offer masonry programs that help build foundational skills needed for the trade [ref 6]. Explore additional programs through the Alabama Talent Triad.

These programs typically award certificates of completion that demonstrate competency to potential employers.

Apprenticeship Pathways

Apprenticeships represent one of the most valuable entry paths into the masonry trade. They combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn. In Alabama:

• Bricklayers Local No. 8 in Mobile offers a Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program that lasts about 3-4 years. This program includes 144 hours of classroom training per year and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training annually [ref 9]. More information is available at Bricklayers Local No. 8.
• Requirements typically include a high school diploma or GED, minimum age of 18, and passing basic math and reading assessments [ref 9].

Apprentices start at about 50-60% of a journeyman's wage and receive regular pay increases as they progress through the program.

Steps to Becoming a Mason in Opelika

To start a masonry career in Opelika, follow these recommended steps:

1. Complete high school or obtain GED - This is typically required for apprenticeship programs and technical schools [ref 6].

2. Consider basic construction training - The Ready to Work Program in Opelika provides foundational skills that can prepare you for masonry-specific training [ref 10].

3. Apply for apprenticeship programs - Seek out opportunities through unions like Bricklayers Local No. 8 in Mobile or through the Alabama Talent Triad and Go Build Alabama programs [ref 8][ref 10].

4. Enroll in technical school training - Programs at institutions like Wallace Community College build specialized skills and improve job prospects [ref 6].

5. Seek employment with local contractors - Many smaller firms will train entry-level workers on the job while they pursue formal apprenticeships.

6. Earn specialized certifications - Advanced training can lead to certification in specialized areas like historic brick restoration or decorative stonework [ref 10].

7. Prepare for leadership roles - Experienced masons may supervise crews, manage job sites, or start their own contracting businesses.

Salary Expectations and Job Outlook

Masonry careers in Opelika offer competitive wages aligned with statewide averages. In 2025:

• The average hourly wage for masons in Alabama is $24.34 [ref 1]
• Brick masons earn an average of $22.91 per hour [ref 2]
• Entry-level masons may start at $18.28-21 per hour
• Experienced masons can earn up to $41.86 per hour at the top end of the market [ref 3]

While the broader Alabama masonry industry faces some headwinds with revenue projected to decline to $285.8 million by 2025 [ref 6], several factors create opportunities in Opelika:

• Industrial development initiatives including a $1.5 million grant to enhance the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park [ref 9]
• Ongoing construction labor shortages creating opportunities for trained professionals [ref 9]
• Infrastructure investments both statewide and at the local level
• The city's decision to reduce occupational license fees from 1.5% to 1%, aimed at attracting businesses and construction activity [ref 7]

Nationally, the construction industry predicts about 21,800 annual job openings for masonry workers primarily due to replacement demand [ref 6]. Check salary data on CareerOneStop.

How to Find Masonry Opportunities in Opelika

While masonry jobs aren't directly listed in Opelika, opportunities frequently appear with companies operating in the region. For example:

• Platforms like Gild specialize in bringing together masonry apprenticeship openings in one place [ref 7]. Start searching at Gild.
• Employment boards like the Alabama Talent Triad list apprenticeships and job opportunities that may serve Opelika residents [ref 10]. Visit Alabama Talent Triad for more.
• Construction companies in the Auburn-Opelika metro area advertise masonry positions on job boards
• The Bricklayers Local No. 8 apprenticeship program, while based in Mobile, serves the broader Alabama region [ref 9]
• Networking with local contractors through industry events creates potential opportunities

Masons working in Opelika typically serve commercial, industrial, and residential construction projects throughout the Lee County area.

Building Your Masonry Career

For those committed to a long-term career in masonry, multiple advancement pathways exist:

• Specialization in bricklaying, blocklaying, or stonemasonry increases earning potential and opens specialized markets [ref 10]
• Supervisory roles managing crews and coordinating construction timelines
• Project management responsibilities for larger construction projects
• Business ownership through starting a masonry contracting company
• Teaching or training opportunities as a journeyman or master mason trains apprentices

The construction industry's ongoing labor shortage in Alabama creates opportunities for rapid advancement. Masons with five or more years of experience often take on leadership responsibilities.

Opelika's positioning as an industrial center along the I-85 corridor suggests future growth in construction projects. While Alabama's masonry industry revenue is projected to decline overall [ref 6], strategic investments in the region's industrial base position Opelika for potential growth in masonry opportunities. For more industry insights, check IBISWorld.

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