Brickmasons and Blockmasons
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
Lay and bind building materials, such as brick, structural tile, concrete block, cinder block, glass block, and terra-cotta block, with mortar and other substances, to construct or repair walls, partitions, arches, sewers, and other structures.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $34K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $43K
Median Salary: $55K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $69K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $89K
Demand
Core Tasks
Measure distance from reference points and mark guidelines to lay out work, using plumb bobs and levels.
Construct corners by fastening in plumb position a corner pole or building a corner pyramid of bricks, and filling in between the corners using a line from corner to corner to guide each course, or layer, of brick.
Apply and smooth mortar or other mixture over work surface.
Calculate angles and courses and determine vertical and horizontal alignment of courses.
Break or cut bricks, tiles, or blocks to size, using trowel edge, hammer, or power saw.
Interpret blueprints and drawings to determine specifications and to calculate the materials required.
Remove excess mortar with trowels and hand tools, and finish mortar joints with jointing tools, for a sealed, uniform appearance.
Fasten or fuse brick or other building material to structure with wire clamps, anchor holes, torch, or cement.
Clean working surface to remove scale, dust, soot, or chips of brick and mortar, using broom, wire brush, or scraper.
Examine brickwork or structure to determine need for repair.
Mix specified amounts of sand, clay, dirt, or mortar powder with water to form refractory mixtures.
Lay and align bricks, blocks, or tiles to build or repair structures or high temperature equipment, such as cupola, kilns, ovens, or furnaces.
Remove burned or damaged brick or mortar, using sledgehammer, crowbar, chipping gun, or chisel.
Spray or spread refractory material over brickwork to protect against deterioration.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Building and Construction
96%
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Mathematics
70%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
66%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Design
63%
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Production and Processing
63%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Public Safety and Security
63%
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Administration and Management
61%
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Mechanical
61%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Customer and Personal Service
56%
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Engineering and Technology
56%
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Top 10 Skills
Coordination
63%
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking
63%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
60%
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring
60%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operations Monitoring
60%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis
60%
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Speaking
60%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management
60%
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning
58%
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving
58%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Top 10 Abilities
Trunk Strength
80%
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
Extent Flexibility
78%
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
75%
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Manual Dexterity
75%
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Near Vision
75%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Static Strength
75%
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Dynamic Strength
73%
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Multilimb Coordination
73%
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Visualization
73%
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Finger Dexterity
65%
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Top 10 Work Activities
Handling and Moving Objects
83%
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
83%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Getting Information
82%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
81%
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
79%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
78%
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
78%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Performing General Physical Activities
78%
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Scheduling Work and Activities
78%
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
77%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Detailed Work Activities
Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
Mark reference points on construction materials.
Install masonry materials.
Apply mortar.
Plan layout of construction, installation, or repairs.
Cut tile, stone, or other masonry materials.
Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
Estimate materials requirements for projects.
Remove excess materials from finished construction projects.
Clean surfaces in preparation for work activities.
Inspect work sites to determine condition or necessary repairs.
Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities.
Remove worn, damaged or outdated materials from work areas.
Align masonry materials.
Apply sealants or other protective coatings.
Work Context
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
Spend Time Standing
How much does this job require standing?
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Education
Interests
Realistic
100%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
62%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Investigative
62%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Artistic
39%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Enterprising
19%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Social
15%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
95%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability
88%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Integrity
84%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Cooperation
82%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Independence
80%
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Achievement/Effort
79%
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Concern for Others
77%
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Initiative
77%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Persistence
77%
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Analytical Thinking
73%
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Work Values
Support
67%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Working Conditions
58%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
48%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Achievement
43%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Relationships
39%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Recognition
34%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
