Washington, IN presents a promising yet evolving marketplace for masonry apprenticeships, driven by infrastructure funding, construction surges, and labor shortages. Entry-level brickmasons in Washington, IN earn an average of $30.42/hour, contrasting with the $24.41–$26.45/hour statewide average in Indiana 1. The Infrastruction Investment and Jobs Act linking to construction insights, along with increased building permits and industrial development near I-65, is bolstering demand for skilled tradespeople 2. With cement masons projected to see a national -4.0% job outlook from 2022 to 2032, but brickmason roles expected to grow by 0.4%, differentiation within the trade is crucial 3. Entrants should prioritize foundational steps including education, apprenticeship, and certification, while staying ahead of technological shifts as explored in industry reports.
Masons are tradespeople who build enduring structures using brick, stone, tile, block, and concrete materials. These professionals work on both residential and industrial construction sites, handling everything from mortar application and leveling to blueprint reading and formwork. Their work is physical, requiring stamina, strength, and job-specific technical skill 4. In Washington, IN, construction growth and federal funding under acts like the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS Act are amplifying the need for masonry expertise in building infrastructure, commercial centers, and housing 1. For more on career roles, check out Construction Managers.
While Washington, IN does not enforce specific statewide licensing rules on masonry trades, most masons require the proper industry certifications to ensure career viability. Officially, the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) provides national credentialing options through programs like their Certified Concrete Mason Program, while the International Masonry Institute (IMI) also offers certification tracking and upskilling tools 1. Additionally, some counties or localities may require general contractor licensing to independently oversee projects or manage client accounts 4.
This is significant because, as of 2025, many employers and contractors actively seek masons with documented professional development and verified experience. This applies even to Washington due to increased industrial projects, federal spending, and the need for compliance with updated construction codes and building safety standards. For licensing details, visit harbor compliance.
Masonry education typically starts with vocational school, but it’s on-the-job training through a formal apprenticeship that establishes most masons as professionals. A masonry apprenticeship in Indiana lasts 4–5 years, aligning with the national average, and includes structured classroom instruction plus supervised, hands-on work 4. Apprentices can expect to begin at or near the $14.97/hour entry-level wage, with a $43.56/hour ceiling for experienced workers based in Washington, IN 1.
To begin your apprentice journey:
While there are fewer dedicated training programs in Washington specifically, Indiana has apprenticeship networks and school programs leading to certification and journeyworker status. Associate employers often provide endorsement or college credit to fast-track applicants 4. For salary insights, explore ZipRecruiter.
| Masonry Role | Typical Apprenticeship Duration |
|---|---|
| Basic Entry Mason | 2–4 Years (Depends on prior experience) |
| Brick Mason | 4-Year Program |
| Cement Mason | 3-Year Program |
| Certified Mason Apprentice | 4–5 Years with MCAA Credits |
Follow this guide to lay a career in masonry:
1. Meet the Basic Requirements
To begin training you'll need:
2. Enroll in a Masonry Education Program (Recommended, Not Always Required)
Though on-the-job learning is a dominant format, courses in carpentry, blueprinting, welding, and masonry trade at technical schools and community colleges help applicants earn faster consideration for apprenticeships.
3. Start an Apprenticeship in cooperation with a union or specialty school, or find jobs that offer structured mentorship and applications with documentable hours.
To find an apprenticeship, use a centralized platform like Gild, where you can apply specifically for masonry apprenticeships in Washington, IN and surrounding areas.
4. Obtain Trade Certification or Licensure (as applicable)
Completing the abovementioned 4–5-year apprenticeship qualifies you for journeyman-level status. At that stage, you can pursue MCAA certifications for brick masonry specialties, such as thermo-structural masonry or architectural masonry, with exams costing $600 for MCAA members and $850 for non-members. Renewal is every three years at $500 per certification 1.
5. Pursue Leadership and Specializations as a Master Mason or Contractor
If overseeing large projects or starting a small contracting operation appeals to you, applying for a full contractor's license or specialized masonry license is the next step. This usually requires at least five years of documented practical experience and passing an exam covering construction codes, business law, and project management 4.
According to recent economic data, Indiana's real GDP is projected to increase by 2.9% by the end of 2025, which bodes well for skilled trades in a sector critical to industrial and infrastructural expansion. The 23% increase in building permits in the first half of 2024 signals high construction activity in both residential and non-residential sectors 2. Industrial projects have surged along I-65, directly increasing demand for mason labor 5.
Even though Washington ranks 50th out of 50 for statewide masonry pay, hourly wages hover closer to the national average for cement masons (~$29/hour) 1. These wages can grow toward the top range of $43.56/hour based on experience and certifications.
Further, automation and bricklaying robots are anticipated to enter the field by 2025, potentially displacing repetitive labor roles. However, human masons will remain critical for design, oversight, and craftsmanship 6. Adaptation through digital literacy and automation collaboration skills will enhance long-term employability. For more on trends, view Indiana's outlook.
Masonry offers a viable and evolving career path in Washington, IN where inflation-adjusted incomes across the state are growing and federal investment is flooding infrastructure work. Whether you're entering directly after high school or transitioning from another field, the steps are clear: start with initial education, apply for apprenticeships, develop specialty certification, and seek upward mobility through business and legal endorsements.
To get started on finding real masonry jobs, visit Gild where you can find the current and future openings from reputable employers across Washington, IN, all in one place. Additionally, for more job listings, check out ZipRecruiter for Brick-Mason roles. Your journey toward becoming a valued part of a thriving trade begins with that first application.
https://www.americanworkforcegroup.net/2025/03/27/washington-construction-outlook-2025/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
http://buildingindiana.com/stories/growth-despite-odds,10482 ↩ ↩2
https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/brickmason/job-market/ ↩
https://www.abcindianakentucky.org/the-age-old-problem-of-bringing-youth-into-the-construction-industry/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
https://www.ibisworld.com/us/industry/indiana/industrial-building-construction/22710/ ↩
https://www.constructconnect.com/hubfs/2025%20-%20Q1%20ConstructConnect%20Construction%20Starts%20Forecast%20Report.pdf ↩
