Brickmasons and blockmasons
SOC Code: 47-2021
Brickmasons and blockmasons carries a 24% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $60,800 and +3.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 74,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Brickmasons and blockmasons (SOC 47-2021) carries an AI exposure score of 24%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 74,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.2% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $60,800, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Brickmasons and blockmasons. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Measure distance from reference points and mark guidelines to lay out work, using plumb bobs and levels.
- 2. 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.
- 3. Apply and smooth mortar or other mixture over work surface.
- 4. Calculate angles and courses and determine vertical and horizontal alignment of courses.
- 5. Break or cut bricks, tiles, or blocks to size, using trowel edge, hammer, or power saw.
- 6. Interpret blueprints and drawings to determine specifications and to calculate the materials required.
- 7. Remove excess mortar with trowels and hand tools, and finish mortar joints with jointing tools, for a sealed, uniform appearance.
- 8. Fasten or fuse brick or other building material to structure with wire clamps, anchor holes, torch, or cement.
- 9. Clean working surface to remove scale, dust, soot, or chips of brick and mortar, using broom, wire brush, or scraper.
- 10. Examine brickwork or structure to determine need for repair.
Key Skills Required
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Time Management
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Building and Construction
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Production and Processing
- Design
- Administration and Management
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Brickmasons and blockmasons?
Brickmasons and blockmasons has an AI exposure score of 24%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Brickmasons and blockmasons?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Brickmasons and blockmasons is projected to grow by 3.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 74,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Brickmasons and blockmasons?
Key skills for Brickmasons and blockmasons include Critical Thinking, Coordination, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Brickmasons and blockmasons earn?
The median annual wage for Brickmasons and blockmasons is $60,800, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Brickmasons and blockmasons?
The typical entry-level education for Brickmasons and blockmasons is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Apprenticeship. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Brickmasons and blockmasons?
Brickmasons and blockmasons roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).