Masonry Careers in Oxford AL 2025 High Demand

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The masonry trade is experiencing significant growth in Oxford, AL, in 2025, offering promising career opportunities and competitive compensation for skilled professionals. As the construction industry thrives in Oxford, with 41 construction jobs currently available ¹ and 97 construction-related positions listed on job platforms ², the demand for masonry professionals is on the rise. Local initiatives like the CREATE workforce development program, offering free commercial construction classes ³, are equipping residents with essential skills to meet this growing need. Additionally, explore job opportunities on Indeed.

The Role of a Mason in Oxford, AL, in 2025

Masons in Oxford play a crucial role in shaping the city's infrastructure by designing, constructing, and maintaining structures made of materials such as brick, block, and stone. Their responsibilities include:

• Reading blueprints and technical specifications
• Measuring and cutting masonry materials to size
• Mixing mortar and laying bricks or blocks with precision
• Applying finishing touches such as stucco coatings or decorative patterns
• Ensuring compliance with local building codes and safety standards

With Oxford's ongoing industrial expansions, such as the establishment of the Wellborn Cabinets facility and continued infrastructure projects ⁴, masons contribute to both residential and commercial development, supporting the city's economic growth. For more on network connections in masonry, check out Procore.

Licensing Requirements for Masons in Oxford, AL

Unlike some trades, the State of Alabama does not require masons to hold a specific license. However, many employers require proof of competency and training before hiring for masonry positions. Workers are often expected to obtain certifications that validate their skills in key areas.

• NCCER Certification: The National Center for Construction Education and Research offers widely recognized credentials in masonry, carpentry, and other construction trades ⁵. Learn more about masonry jobs in Alabama on ZipRecruiter.
• OSHA-10 Certification: Safety is a top priority in construction, and OSHA-10 ensures workers understand basic health and safety hazards on job sites ⁵.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Some masonry roles, such as those involving the transportation of materials, may require a CDL ⁵.

The NCCER Core Curriculum, available through programs like CREATE in Oxford, provides foundational training that aligns with national industry standards, offering a path to employment or further education ⁵.

Exploring Masonry Apprenticeships in Oxford, AL

One of the most effective pathways into the masonry trade is through an apprenticeship, combining both classroom instruction and hands-on experience.

Finding an Apprenticeship

To kickstart a masonry apprenticeship in Oxford or surrounding areas:

• Visit Gild: Gild connects apprentices with local masonry job opportunities, allowing candidates to explore real-time listings and apply directly.
• Contact Trade Programs: Institutions like Wallace Community College offer Masonry Technology programs in Alabama with specialized training in brick veneering, cement finishing, and block installation ⁴. For detailed salary information, refer to ZipRecruiter salaries.
• Explore Dual Enrollment Options: Students enrolled in high schools in coastal Alabama can take advantage of early-entry masonry programs offered through Coastal Alabama Community College, though enrollment is limited to high school students ⁶.

Masonry Apprenticeship Requirements

To qualify for most apprenticeship programs, candidates must meet the following basic requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Have a valid U.S. driver’s license
• Be physically capable of performing construction tasks

Apprenticeships typically span from 3 to 5 years depending on the program, during which apprentices receive structured training and gain supervised work experience ⁷.

Here’s a breakdown of common apprenticeship timelines across related construction trades:

These durations vary based on the complexity of the trade, with specialized fields requiring more extended training and expertise.

Steps to Becoming a Mason in Oxford, AL

1. Meet Basic Requirements

As outlined above, aspiring masons must be of age, have a high school diploma or GED, hold a valid driver’s license, and be physically fit for construction work ⁵.

2. Enroll in a Masonry Education Program (Recommended)

While not always mandatory, completing a structured masonry training program significantly enhances job prospects and provides foundational knowledge. Options include:

• CREATE Workforce Program: Offers hands-on training in a range of construction trades and is accessible at Oxford High School. Participants can earn valuable certifications such as OSHA-10 and NCCER ³.
• Wallace Community College: Provides a structured Masonry Technology program with coursework in layout techniques, blueprint reading, and masonry repairs ⁴.
• Apprenticeship Partnerships: Joining programs like those offered through the Construction Education Foundation of Alabama (CEFA) in Birmingham or other state institutions equips students with practical experience alongside academic training ⁷. Check Indeed for construction jobs to find related opportunities.

3. Start an Apprenticeship

Once basic training and certifications are completed, entering an apprenticeship is the next step. Apprenticeships in masonry are often structured as follows:

• 30–40 hours per week: On-the-job training under experienced professionals
• Related classroom instruction: Typically 144+ hours per year to develop technical knowledge
• Progressive wage increases: As skills develop, apprentices receive pay raises to reflect their growing experience

Apprentices can find opportunities through local contractors, union programs, or by engaging with statewide initiatives like CEFA or Wallace Community College ⁷.

4. Obtain Journeyman Certification

After completing an apprenticeship, masons may seek journeyman-level status through certification programs or by demonstrating experience equivalent to a formal apprenticeship. Many employers recognize journeyman-level masons as skilled professionals ready to take on a wider range of tasks independently.

5. Consider Master Certification or Specialization

For those aiming for leadership roles or self-employment as a masonry contractor, pursuing a Master Mason credential or specialized certifications in restoration, design, or sustainable building practices can be beneficial. Additional training through programs like Procore or industry-specific safety certifications may also be required for supervisory roles ⁷.

Career Prospects and Salary Expectations in Oxford, AL

Masonry professionals in Alabama can expect competitive wages, with masons earning a state average hourly rate of $24.34 ⁷ and brick masons averaging $22.91 per hour ⁸. While specific data for Oxford is limited, salaries for related construction roles, such as truck drivers and laborers, suggest a growing trend toward higher earnings in the industry ⁴. Refer to ZipRecruiter for masonry jobs for up-to-date listings.

In larger Alabama cities like Birmingham and Monroeville, experienced masons earn up to $34.86 per hour ⁷, indicating the potential for salary growth as masons refine their skills and advance in their careers. Oxford's strong construction market, driven by industrial expansion and real estate development, supports a positive outlook for masonry professionals seeking long-term, stable employment.

Overcoming Challenges in the Masonry Trade

Despite the opportunities, masonry workers in Oxford, AL, face several challenges that must be addressed to ensure safe and efficient work environments:

• Silica Dust Exposure: Long-term exposure remains a top health risk in masonry. Employers and programs like CREATE are emphasizing the use of silica dust control equipment and safety training ⁵.
• Permitting Complexity: Masonry contractors must comply with local regulations and navigate permitting processes. Streamlined online systems from Oxford’s Building Services can simplify these requirements ⁷.
• Workforce Development: The shortage of skilled labor is an ongoing issue. By partnering with high schools and community colleges to promote STEM and construction-related pathways, the industry can cultivate a stronger base of masonry professionals ⁶.

The Future of Masonry with Technological Advancements

The masonry trade in Oxford is evolving in response to technological innovation. Automation, advanced project management software, and sustainable building practices are shaping the industry:

• Robotics and Automation: Semi-automated brick-laying systems and 3D printing are enhancing project efficiency and reducing manual labor demands ⁷.
• Digital Project Management: Tools powered by AI and cloud integration improve planning, scheduling, and oversight of masonry projects ⁸.
• Building Information Modeling (BIM): BIM is standard for new construction projects, helping masons visualize structures before work begins and ensuring precision during execution ⁷.
• Sustainable Materials: With 78% of architects prioritizing eco-friendly designs ⁴, masons are increasingly using green materials like recycled brick and low-emission mortars. Learn more about Procore's network.

Your Next Steps Toward a Masonry Career

If you're considering a masonry career in Oxford, AL, in 2025, the time to act is now. The industry is growing, training programs are available, and job opportunities are increasing. Whether you're finishing high school or looking to switch careers, the foundation for success is being laid.

Take action today:

• Visit Gild to explore and apply for real-time masonry apprenticeships in Oxford, AL ⁹.
• Learn about upcoming CREATE program enrollment periods and sign up for foundational trades training in Oxford ³.
• Investigate enrollment options at Wallace Community College or CEFA to enter a formal masonry certification track ⁷. Visit Indeed for more job leads.

By entering the masonry trade now, you position yourself at the forefront of a dynamic, growing industry. With strong wages, meaningful work, and opportunities for advancement, masonry offers a rewarding and impactful career path in Oxford, AL, in 2025 and beyond.

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