Occupation · SOC 47-2022
Stonemasons
Build stone structures, such as piers, walls, and abutments. Lay walks, curbstones, or special types of masonry for vats, tanks, and floors.
Median wage
$51,990
$37,420–$83,200
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
8,750
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
38 mapped
Core skills
Critical ThinkingTime ManagementCoordinationSocial PerceptivenessJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingSpeakingMonitoringManagement of Personnel ResourcesActive ListeningActive LearningWritingService OrientationReading ComprehensionPersuasionOperations MonitoringNegotiationInstructingQuality Control AnalysisOperation and ControlMathematicsSystems AnalysisLearning StrategiesEquipment SelectionTroubleshootingSystems EvaluationRepairingEquipment MaintenanceManagement of Material ResourcesOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignManagement of Financial ResourcesScienceProgrammingInstallation
Knowledge areas
MathematicsBuilding and ConstructionPublic Safety and SecurityDesignMechanicalEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguagePsychologyPhysicsTransportationLaw and GovernmentChemistryCommunications and MediaEngineering and TechnologyAdministration and ManagementForeign LanguageAdministrativeGeographyTelecommunicationsProduction and ProcessingCustomer and Personal ServiceSales and MarketingPersonnel and Human ResourcesTherapy and CounselingEconomics and AccountingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsSociology and AnthropologyHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsBiologyMedicine and DentistryPhilosophy and Theology
Technology & tools
CPR Visual EstimatorCitrix cloud computing softwareGregg Software Gregg Rock-ItIntuit QuickBooksMicrosoft Active Server Pages ASPMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordProEst Software ProEst EstimatingRISA Technologies RISA-3DSAP softwareTradesman's Software Master EstimatorVirtual private networking VPN software
Representative tasks
Performing General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersTraining and Teaching OthersGetting InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersCoaching and Developing OthersScheduling Work and ActivitiesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationDeveloping and Building TeamsDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesControlling Machines and ProcessesStaffing Organizational UnitsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDocumenting/Recording InformationAssisting and Caring for OthersAnalyzing Data or InformationPerforming Administrative ActivitiesProcessing InformationSelling or Influencing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Plumb bob and level — identify and handle under direct supervision to check basic vertical alignment on a masonry job site.Straight edge and staked lines — follow pre-set layout instructions to assist in marking wall patterns or foundation outlines on level ground.Cut stone and marble pieces — operate hand tools under close supervision to perform simple trimming tasks in a workshop or field setting.Mortar mix — measure and combine materials according to a prescribed recipe under a journeyman's guidance on a construction site.Pre-cut stone units — place and position in a designated layout pattern under direct supervision during new construction work.Excess mortar and grout — remove from stone or marble surfaces using sponge, brush, and water following cleanup procedures on a job site.Basic joint-filling tasks — assist a lead mason in packing mortar between stones using a trowel under step-by-step direction.Prefabricated masonry units — carry, stage, and assist in installing components as directed by an experienced stonemason on a residential project.Safety protocols and personal protective equipment — recognize and apply when handling power saws and stone-cutting equipment in a training environment.Work site materials and hand tools — identify, organize, and maintain in proper condition at the start and end of each work shift.
developing
Plumb bob, gauge line, and level — use independently to verify and correct vertical and horizontal alignment of stone walls on standard residential projects.Wall layout and foundation patterns — read blueprints and use a straight edge or rule to lay out stone courses with minimal oversight on routine assignments.Stone and marble setting — place units according to specified layout patterns, adjusting fit and spacing on moderately complex commercial or residential installations.Mortar joints — finish and smooth between stones using a tuck pointer to produce a clean, consistent appearance on standard masonry surfaces.Power saws and cutting equipment — shape, face, and trim stone or marble to required dimensions, adapting technique to varying stone types in a field setting.Mortar and grout — mix to correct consistency and spread evenly on slabs or foundations, pacing output to match the installation workflow.Prefabricated masonry units — construct and install following manufacturer specifications and project drawings with limited supervisory review.Surface cleaning — select appropriate cleaning agents including acid where required and apply safely to remove staining or excess grout from finished stone work.Time and task sequencing — manage personal workload across multiple stages of a masonry project to meet daily production targets without prompting.Arithmetic and measurement — apply job-site mathematics to calculate material quantities, cut dimensions, and mortar volumes for routine stone installations.
proficient
Complex alignment systems — independently set and verify vertical and horizontal alignment across large or irregular structures using plumb bob, gauge line, and optical level.Custom wall and foundation layouts — interpret detailed architectural drawings and translate them into precise staked-line patterns for ornate or non-standard stone installations.Decorative and structural stonework — set stone and marble in demanding patterns, including curved, angled, or multi-material assemblies, without supervisory guidance.Joint finishing and tuck pointing — execute consistently high-quality mortar joints across varied joint widths and profiles on historic restoration and premium commercial projects.Advanced stone cutting and shaping — operate power saws and hand-cutting equipment to produce precise custom profiles, curves, and surface textures on specialty stone.Grout and mortar formulation — select mix ratios and admixtures appropriate to exposure conditions and stone type, adjusting on-site based on temperature and substrate variables.Problem diagnosis on masonry structures — identify causes of cracking, settling, or moisture infiltration and determine corrective repair strategies on active construction or restoration sites.Prefabricated and custom masonry integration — plan and execute combined installations of prefabricated units and field-cut stone to meet complex design and structural requirements.Project drawings and specifications — read and critically interpret full construction document sets including CAD drawings, ensuring stone work meets design intent and building codes.Quality control inspections — evaluate finished stone surfaces, joint work, and alignment tolerances against project specifications, identifying and correcting deficiencies before project handoff.
advanced
Project execution standards — establish masonry quality benchmarks and inspection criteria for entire job sites, ensuring all crew members adhere to alignment, finish, and safety requirements.Crew training and skill development — mentor emerging and developing stonemasons in stone-cutting, setting, and joint-finishing techniques across live residential and commercial projects.Scope and sequencing planning — develop detailed work plans for large-scale masonry projects, coordinating material delivery, crew scheduling, and subcontractor sequencing to meet milestones.Complex problem resolution — diagnose and resolve non-routine structural or aesthetic failures in stone installations, applying advanced judgment to historic, architectural, or high-profile projects.Client and design team consultation — communicate technical masonry requirements, material limitations, and value-engineering options to architects, engineers, and clients throughout project delivery.Estimating and cost management — prepare comprehensive material and labor estimates using project management and spreadsheet software, controlling budget variances across multiple concurrent jobs.CAD and specification review — evaluate architectural CAD drawings and stone specifications for constructability, flagging design conflicts and recommending solutions before work commences.Safety and compliance leadership — develop and enforce site-specific safety protocols for power equipment, heavy stone handling, and hazardous cleaning agents across an entire masonry operation.Organizational best-practice development — author standard operating procedures for mortar mixing, stone cutting, and installation sequences, institutionalizing quality across a masonry contracting firm.Strategic workforce and business development — identify skill gaps, guide hiring decisions, and build vendor relationships that position a masonry business for sustained growth in the construction market.
Also known as
33 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Artificial Stone ApplicatorBanker MasonComposition Stone ApplicatorConstruction Monument SetterCurbstone SetterFlagstone LayerFormstone FitterGranite Block PaverGranite SetterMarble InstallerMarble SetterMarble Shop WorkerMasonMason MechanicMaterial ApplicatorMemorial MasonMonument ErectorMonument InstallerMonument MasonMonument SetterPermastone ApplicatorPermastone InstallerRock MasonStone Chimney MasonStone DerrickmanStone InstallerStone LayerStone MasonStone PaverStone RepairerStone SetterStonemasonUtility Applicator