Mason

Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:

• Apply decorative masonry finishes.
• Apply material to fill gaps in surfaces.
• Apply sealants or other protective coatings.
• Build construction forms or molds.
• Cut metal components for installation.
• Drill holes in construction materials.
• Fabricate parts or components.
• Install building fixtures.
• Install masonry materials.
• Install metal structural components.

Typical Working Conditions

• Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Working outdoors exposed to weather.
• Exposure to contaminants (like gases or odors).
• The importance of being accurate or exact.
• Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
• A work pace that is determined by the speed of equipment.
• Responsibility for others’ health and safety.
• Having face-to-face discussions.
• Working with a group or team.
• High levels of competition.
• Exposure to hazardous equipment.
• Making decisions that impact co-workers or company results.
• Being in situations in which conflicts arise.

Tools & Technology used by Masons

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Most Important Skills for Masons

• Coordinating with Others—Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
• Monitoring Performance—Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Controlling Quality—Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• Managing Time—Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
• Mathematics—Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Operating Equipment—Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Solving Complex Problems—Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Monitoring Equipment—Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Thinking Critically—Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Listening—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.

Most Important Knowledge Areas for Masons

• Building and Construction—Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
• English Language—Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Public Safety and Security—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.
• Mathematics—Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Mechanical—Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Education and Training—Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• Design—Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Production and Processing—Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Customer and Personal Service—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.
• Chemistry—Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal of materials.

Interests
Different careers may be a good fit for your personality or interests. This career is:

• Realistic—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.
• Enterprising—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.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Low indicates 25% of workers earn less and 75% earn more. Median indicates 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more. High indicates 75% of workers earn less and 25% earn more.

Demand
This career is seeing high growth compared to other careers. There will be a 16.8% growth new for Masons to meet market demand between 2018-2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

This career is best for those with at least a high school degree, and many professionals attend some college. This job requires a license and certifications that could aid in showcasing knowledge.

View the local post-secondary education options from our partners: Central Lakes College & MSTATE.

Helpful High School Courses
Examples of helpful classes that help you prepare for this career:

• Accounting
• Algebra I and II
• Blueprint Reading
• Business Computer Applications
• CAD Design
• Drafting
• Electronics
• Geometry
• Physics
• Technical Writing
• Trigonometry
• Woodworking

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise