If you're looking to start a career in the masonry trade in Philadelphia, NJ, 2025 presents exciting opportunities. The region has 75–73 masonry jobs available in Philadelphia, PA, and 148 masonry jobs in New Jersey, according to leading job platforms like Indeed and ZipRecruiter [sources 6–9]. Masons in the Philadelphia area can expect competitive wages, with an average of $25.90 per hour, and a solid career path supported by local training programs and apprenticeship opportunities from institutions like the Preservation Trades Center at Eastern State Penitentiary and Williamson College of the Trades [sources 6–7]. In this article, we’ll walk you through:
Visit the BLS Masonry Workers Page for more national statistics.
Before jumping into the steps to becoming a mason, it’s important to understand what the job entails. Masons specialize in building structures using bricks, stones, concrete blocks, and other masonry materials. They work on a range of projects, from laying foundations and constructing walls to restoration work on historic buildings. This career requires physical stamina, precision, and attention to detail, as masons spend long hours working manually and often outdoors in various weather conditions [source 7].
Masons use tools such as trowels, levels, and power saws and must possess the following skills:
Yes. While a formal license may not be required for entry-level masonry work, employers and unions highly value formal training and apprenticeships, especially in competitive markets like Philadelphia and New Jersey. Masons typically start as apprentices and work up to the rank of journeyman, with further opportunities to gain specializations or start their own businesses.
Minimum Requirements to Begin a Masonry Career:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | High school diploma or GED equivalent [source 5] |
| Age | At least 18 years old [source 5] |
| Residency | Philadelphia residency preferred for local programs [source 2] |
| Driver’s License | Preferred but not always required [source 5] |
| Drug Test | Some programs require a clean result [source 5] |
While a high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement, students can benefit from taking recommended courses that build foundational knowledge:
These courses help future masons get a head start on the trade skills they’ll develop through hands-on experience. For more details, check out resources from Philadelphia Technician Training Institute.
Training and skill development in masonry typically occur through apprenticeships, which provide a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Apprentices spend several years working under skilled masons while learning:
| Program | Location & Focus | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Preservation Trades Center at Eastern State Penitentiary | Philadelphia | Specializes in masonry, carpentry, and plaster for historic preservation work [source 6] |
| Rebuild’s Skilled Trades Academies - Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Academy | Philadelphia | Practical training for masonry with potential apprenticeship connections [source 2] |
| Williamson College of the Trades | Delaware County, PA | Hands-on masonry instruction with a focus on block, brick, stone, and tile [source 7] |
| Philadelphia Technician Training Institute (PTTI) | Philadelphia | Offers construction and masonry programs for aspiring tradespeople [source 9] |
For individuals interested in formal certification, programs offered by institutions like the International Masonry Institute (IMI) or the New Jersey Department of Education can enhance career prospects by providing industry-recognized credentials. The NJDOE even offers a Brick and Stone Masonry/Tilesetting endorsement for mason instructors [source 10]. Explore IMI resources at International Masonry Institute.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Meet basic training eligibility | Have at least a high school diploma or GED [source 5] |
| 2. Apply to apprenticeship programs | Explore options from Preservation Trades Center (Philadelphia), Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Academy [source 2] |
| 3. Develop essential skills | Gain proficiency in tool usage, measurement, and safety protocols [source 7] |
| 4. Search for masonry jobs | Use sites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter [sources 6–9] |
| 5. Pursue certifications | Optional, but valuable for career growth (e.g., International Masonry Institute) [source 10] |
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects little or no change in masonry employment between 2023–2033 nationwide, there are consistently 21,800 job openings each year due to turnover and retirements [source 10]. These include:
In Philadelphia, masons can expect to earn around $25.90 per hour on average [source 7], and many employers offer paid training, apprenticeships, and pathways to full-time employment.
The masonry trade in Philadelphia and New Jersey also benefits from:
For additional job listings, visit Gild.
As the construction industry evolves, masonry is being shaped by several major trends:
Despite favorable job access and training programs, the masonry trade in Philadelphia and New Jersey faces several key challenges in 2025:
The construction industry as a whole is projected to need 454,000 workers nationwide in 2025 to meet demand [source 7]. This includes masonry workers, and the scarcity of skilled labor is felt particularly in places like Philadelphia and New Jersey, where there are more open positions than unemployed workers [source 6].
Masonry work is physically demanding, and risks such as falls, tool-related injuries, exposure to hazardous materials, and long-term musculoskeletal strain remain significant. Training programs like those from OSHA and local trade academies emphasize compliance with safety regulations to mitigate these risks [source 6].
The rapid introduction of robotics and digital tools poses a re-skilling challenge. Workers who fail to keep pace with technology may find job opportunities declining as employers favor those with both traditional craftsmanship and digital literacy [source 9].
Starting a career in masonry in Philadelphia, NJ in 2025 offers a direct entry point into one of the most in-demand skilled trades. With an average hourly wage of $25.90, and programs like the Preservation Trades Center, Rebuild Philadelphia, and Williamson College, there are structured paths for both newcomers and returning professionals looking to enter the field [sources 6–10].
Ready to begin? Explore masonry apprenticeship opportunities and job openings today at Gild, where dozens of masonry roles are currently listed in the region with competitive pay and career development paths [source 1]. Don’t miss out on more resources from Philadelphia Airport Jobs.
Don’t miss your chance to become a part of this time-honored, evolving craft. Whether you’re looking to join a union, start your own masonry business, or specialize in historic restoration, 2025 represents a strong year to break into masonry in Philadelphia and New Jersey.
