5 free templates for brick, block, stone, and concrete masons, each with the OSHA silica, fall protection, and FLSA guidance the generic templates skip. Download as DOCX.
Mason is an umbrella term. It covers brickmasons and blockmasons, stonemasons, and cement masons, each working with different materials and skills. Hiring one well starts with naming the specialty, and with getting right the part most templates skip: the OSHA safety requirements, especially silica dust, that govern masonry work and protect both your crew and your business.
These five templates cover the trade: a general mason, a brick and block mason, a stonemason, a cement mason or concrete finisher, and a small-contractor version with an entry-level masonry laborer option. Each is ready to use, with the OSHA, FLSA, and workers' comp details the generic templates leave out. For the fundamentals behind any posting, the guide to writing a job description is a useful companion.
TL;DR
A mason builds and repairs structures with brick, block, stone, and concrete. Mason is an umbrella term covering brickmasons, stonemasons, and cement masons. The role is hourly and non-exempt, with a median near $56,600 a year (May 2024). The biggest compliance item generic templates skip is OSHA silica dust control (29 CFR 1926.1153), along with fall protection and scaffolding. Download five templates as DOCX, by specialty, with the safety guidance built in.
What a Mason Does
A mason builds and repairs structures using brick, concrete block, stone, and concrete, reading plans, mixing mortar, laying and binding materials, cutting to fit, and finishing surfaces to specification. The work is skilled, physically demanding, and safety-critical, often outdoors and at height.
The federal occupation groups brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons as masonry workers, with cement masons and concrete finishers as a related occupation; the O*NET profile for brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) lists the common job titles. What changes across specialties is the material: brick and block, natural stone, or concrete. The templates here are organized by specialty so you can match the posting to the work rather than adapt a generic block.
Mason, Bricklayer, and Stonemason
The masonry trade splits by the material worked. These five templates cover the specialties employers hire for, plus a small-contractor version with an entry-level laborer option.
Specialty
Material
Federal occupation
Brickmason / blockmason
Brick, concrete block, tile
47-2021
Stonemason
Natural and artificial stone
47-2022
Cement mason / concrete finisher
Concrete
47-2051
General mason
All masonry materials
Masonry workers
Masonry laborer / helper
Supports the crew (entry-level)
47-3011
Bricklayer is just another word for a brickmason or blockmason. Tile setters are a separate trade with their own occupation. Pick the row that matches your work and use the matching template.
Duties and Responsibilities
Mason duties cluster into four areas: laying and building, plans and layout, mortar and finishing, and safety on site. A strong job description picks the specific responsibilities from each area that match the specialty you are hiring, rather than listing every possible task.
Laying and building
Lay and bind brick, block, and stone
Build walls, partitions, and structures
Cut and shape materials to fit
Plans and layout
Read blueprints and project specs
Lay out and measure work
Check for level, plumb, and alignment
Mortar and finishing
Mix mortar to the right consistency
Apply and finish concrete and surfaces
Tuck point and repair masonry
Safety on site
Follow OSHA construction standards
Control silica dust when cutting
Work safely on scaffolding at height
A brick mason weights toward laying and pointing; a cement mason toward finishing. For a structured way to scope the role, the guide to defining job responsibilities walks through the process.
Which Template Should You Use?
Pick the template by specialty. The core structure is the same across all five, but each emphasizes the materials, skills, and duties that fit a specific kind of masonry work. Use this guide to choose the closest fit, then adjust.
General Mason
Brick, block, stone, concrete
The umbrella version covering all masonry materials. Use this when you need a versatile mason and want a single, adaptable posting.
Brick & Block Mason
Brick and CMU
For a brick and block contractor: laying brick and concrete block, blueprint reading, mortar mixing, and tuck pointing. The most common specialty.
Stonemason
Natural and artificial stone
For natural stone and restoration work: cutting, dressing, and setting stone, decorative finishes, and repair. A distinct, skilled specialty.
Cement Mason / Concrete Finisher
Concrete
For a concrete contractor: setting forms, pouring, finishing, and curing concrete, including decorative and stamped finishes.
Small Contractor / Laborer
Owner-led, entry-level option
For an owner-led masonry contractor, with a masonry laborer option for an entry-level hire. Includes the OSHA, workers' comp, and Davis-Bacon notes.
Match the Template to the Work
Versatile, all-materials mason: General Mason. Brick and concrete block: Brick & Block Mason. Natural stone or restoration: Stonemason. Pouring and finishing concrete: Cement Mason / Concrete Finisher. An owner-led contractor, or hiring an entry-level helper: Small Contractor / Laborer, which includes the OSHA, workers' comp, and Davis-Bacon notes.
5 Free Mason Job Description Templates
Download all five as a single Word document or copy individual templates. Each follows the same structure: company and job summary, key responsibilities, physical requirements, qualifications, and how to apply, with a safety acknowledgment line and an EEO statement. Fill in the brackets and post.
Download All 5 Job Description Templates
General, brick and block, stone, cement, and small contractor. All in one DOCX.
Template 1: General Mason
The umbrella version covering brick, block, stone, and concrete. Use this when you need a versatile mason and want a single, adaptable posting.
Mason Job Description (General)
MASON JOB DESCRIPTION (GENERAL)
Company: __
Location: __
Reports to: __ (Foreman / Owner)
Employment type: [ ] Full-time [ ] Seasonal
FLSA status: Non-exempt (hourly)
Pay rate: $_____ to $_____ per hour
ABOUT [COMPANY NAME]
[One or two sentences about your masonry or construction company and the
crew the mason will join. Note typical projects and whether work is
residential, commercial, or both.]
JOB SUMMARY
[Company Name] is hiring a Mason to build and repair structures using
brick, block, stone, and concrete. You will read plans, mix mortar, lay
and bind materials, and finish surfaces to spec, working safely on every
job site.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Lay and bind brick, block, and stone with mortar
•Read blueprints and follow project specs
•Mix mortar and prepare materials
•Cut and shape brick, block, and stone
•Build and repair walls, partitions, and structures
•Apply and finish concrete and surfaces
•Follow all OSHA and site safety procedures
•Maintain tools and keep the work area safe
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
•Lift and carry up to [50] lbs repeatedly
•Stand, kneel, bend, and reach for long periods
•Work outdoors in varying weather
•Work safely at height on scaffolding
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•High school diploma or equivalent preferred
•Masonry experience or completed apprenticeship
•Ability to read plans and use masonry tools
•Commitment to job-site safety
•Reliable transportation to job sites
PREFERRED
•Journeyman status or registered apprenticeship
•OSHA safety training
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Pay rate: $_____ to $_____ per hour
To apply, send your resume to __.
Safety acknowledgment: I understand the safety requirements of this role.
Signature: __ Date: ______
[Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Template 2: Brick & Block Mason
For a brick and block contractor: laying brick and concrete block, blueprint reading, mortar mixing, and tuck pointing. The most common specialty.
Brick & Block Mason Job Description
BRICK & BLOCK MASON JOB DESCRIPTION
Company: __
Location: __
Reports to: __ (Foreman / Owner)
Employment type: [ ] Full-time [ ] Seasonal
FLSA status: Non-exempt (hourly)
Pay rate: $_____ to $_____ per hour
JOB SUMMARY
[Company Name] is hiring a Brick and Block Mason to lay brick, concrete
block, and structural tile to build and repair walls, partitions, and
structures. You will read plans, mix and apply mortar, and finish work
to spec, safely and to a high standard.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Lay brick, concrete block, and structural tile with mortar
•Read and work from blueprints and specs
•Mix mortar to the correct consistency
•Build walls, partitions, arches, and chimneys
•Tuck point and repair existing masonry
•Cut brick and block to fit
•Check work for level, plumb, and alignment
•Follow all OSHA and site safety procedures
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
•Lift and carry up to [50] lbs repeatedly
•Stand, kneel, bend, and reach for long periods
•Work outdoors and at height on scaffolding
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•High school diploma or equivalent preferred
•Brick and block experience or apprenticeship
•Blueprint reading and mortar mixing skills
•Commitment to job-site safety
PREFERRED
•Journeyman status or registered apprenticeship
•OSHA safety training
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Pay rate: $_____ to $_____ per hour
To apply, send your resume to __.
[Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Still Using Spreadsheets for Onboarding?
Automate documents, training assignments, task management, and track onboarding progress in real time.
For an owner-led masonry contractor, with a masonry laborer option for an entry-level hire. Includes the OSHA, workers' comp, and Davis-Bacon compliance notes.
[Company Name] is an owner-led masonry contractor hiring a [Mason /
Masonry Laborer]. A mason lays brick, block, and stone and finishes
work to spec. A masonry laborer supports the crew by mixing mortar,
moving materials, and keeping the site safe and stocked, a strong entry
point into the trade with on-the-job learning.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (SCALE TO THE ROLE)
Mason:
•Lay and bind brick, block, and stone with mortar
•Read plans and finish work to spec
Masonry laborer / helper:
•Mix and supply mortar to masons
•Move and stock brick, block, and materials
•Set up and tear down scaffolding under direction
•Keep the work area clean and safe
Both:
•Follow all OSHA and site safety procedures
•Wear required PPE at all times
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
•Lift and carry up to [50] lbs repeatedly
•Stand, kneel, bend, and reach for long periods
•Work outdoors at height on scaffolding
COMPLIANCE NOTE (READ BEFORE POSTING)
This role is non-exempt and hourly. Masonry work is covered by OSHA
construction standards (29 CFR 1926), including respirable crystalline
silica (1926.1153), fall protection, and scaffolding. Masonry contractors
typically carry workers' compensation under class code 5022. On federal
or federally assisted projects over $2,000, Davis-Bacon prevailing wage
applies. This is general information, not legal advice.
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Pay rate: $_____ to $_____ per hour
To apply, send your resume to __.
[Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
OSHA Safety, FLSA, and Workers' Comp
This is the part the generic templates skip, and it is the part that protects a masonry contractor: the silica standard that defines the trade, fall protection and scaffolding, the straightforward FLSA classification, and the workers' comp and Davis-Bacon considerations.
Silica dust: the rule masons most often miss
Cutting, grinding, and drilling brick, block, stone, and concrete releases respirable crystalline silica, and OSHA regulates it tightly under the construction silica standard (29 CFR 1926.1153). The standard sets a permissible exposure limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter as an 8-hour average and an action level of 25 micrograms. Employers must follow the Table 1 controls, such as wet cutting and vacuum dust collection, or assess exposure directly, and maintain a written exposure control plan, a competent person, training, and medical surveillance where respirators are used heavily. This is the single biggest compliance item generic masonry templates ignore. Build silica controls and training into the role from day one. This is general information, not legal advice.
Fall protection and scaffolding
Masonry work happens at height, on scaffolds and elevated work surfaces, which brings it under OSHA's construction standards for fall protection and scaffolding (29 CFR 1926). Employers must provide and maintain proper scaffolding, fall protection such as guardrails or personal fall arrest systems where required, and the training to use them. Falls and being struck by objects are among the most common masonry injuries, along with cuts. State the safety expectations and required personal protective equipment, hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, high-visibility vest, and fall protection, clearly in the posting so candidates understand the role. This is general information, not legal advice.
FLSA: a mason is non-exempt and hourly
Classification is straightforward. Masonry is manual, skilled trade work, which does not qualify for the white-collar exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act, so a mason is non-exempt and entitled to overtime at one and a half times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. The Department of Labor is explicit that blue-collar and manual trade workers are entitled to minimum wage and overtime no matter how skilled or highly paid. Because masonry often involves overtime to meet construction deadlines and seasonal schedules, track hours carefully. Some states set higher minimum wages and additional overtime rules on top of the federal standard. This is general information, not legal advice.
Workers' comp and Davis-Bacon
Two more items shape masonry hiring. Workers' compensation for masonry contractors usually falls under NCCI class code 5022, one of the more expensive classifications because of the fall, lifting, and silica risks, so the cost of an uninsured or misclassified worker is high. Separately, on any federal or federally assisted construction project over 2,000 dollars, the Davis-Bacon Act requires paying the locally prevailing wage plus fringe benefits and submitting certified weekly payroll. Neither applies to every masonry employer, but both are real for the contractors who do public work. Factor them into your pay and insurance planning before you hire. This is general information, not legal advice.
Silica Dust Is the Defining Compliance Item
Cutting brick, block, stone, and concrete releases respirable crystalline silica, regulated under the OSHA construction silica standard (29 CFR 1926.1153), with a permissible exposure limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter and an action level of 25, both as 8-hour averages. On federal projects over $2,000, the Davis-Bacon Act requires prevailing wages. This is general information, not legal advice.
Masons combine skilled hand work, the ability to read plans, physical capability, and a commitment to safety. Most enter through apprenticeship or experience. Scale the requirements to the specialty and seniority.
Requirement
What to look for
Education
High school diploma or equivalent preferred
Training
Registered apprenticeship (3 to 4 years) or equivalent experience
Lift around 50 lbs, kneel, bend, work at height outdoors
Safety
OSHA awareness; silica, scaffold, and fall-protection practices
Classification
Non-exempt, hourly; overtime over 40 hours a week
Keep the posting neutral and inclusive, since the EEOC prohibits job advertisements that show a preference based on a protected characteristic, and the SHRM guide covers the standard sections of a job description.
Mason Pay
Masons are paid hourly, with pay varying by specialty, region, and experience. Set your range using government data as a baseline, then adjust for your local and union market.
Median Near $56,600 a Year (BLS)
Per the May 2024 federal data, masonry workers had a median wage of $56,600 a year, with the lowest 10 percent under $38,520 and the highest 10 percent above $90,120. By specialty, brickmasons and blockmasons had a median of $60,800, stonemasons $51,990, and cement masons and concrete finishers $54,660.
Specialty
Median (BLS, May 2024)
Brickmasons and blockmasons
$60,800
Masonry workers (combined)
$56,600
Cement masons and concrete finishers
$54,660
Stonemasons
$51,990
Entry-level laborers and apprentices start below the median, often around 60 percent of the journeyman wage, and step up with experience. Union markets pay higher, and the occupation is projected to add about 20,700 openings a year through 2034, mostly to replace retiring workers, so a competitive rate helps a smaller contractor compete for skilled masons.
Hiring a Mason as a Small Contractor
Most masonry contractors in the United States are small, owner-led businesses. The owner or a foreman writes the posting, screens applicants, and onboards the new mason, often from the job site between everything else. The compliance, though, is the same as it is for a large firm.
Same Compliance, Smaller Team
A small masonry contractor does not get a pass on OSHA. If your crew cuts brick, block, stone, or concrete, the silica standard applies, along with fall protection and scaffolding rules, the same as for a large firm. Workers' compensation under class code 5022 and, on federal projects, Davis-Bacon prevailing wage also apply. The advantage of a smaller operation is that it is simpler to set up a safe, compliant hiring and onboarding process once and keep it current. That is where FirstHR fits: offer-letter and safety-acknowledgment e-signature, OSHA silica and scaffold training modules, onboarding workflows, and document management for certifications and class-code records. FirstHR is an onboarding and HR platform, not a safety or job-site tool, and it does not run payroll, so pair it with those providers. Applicant tracking is coming soon.
From Hiring to Onboarding
The job description is step one. Once a candidate accepts, the same document becomes the basis for the offer, the safety acknowledgment, and a safety-first onboarding. Because masonry is covered by OSHA and runs on a tight seasonal schedule, a smooth, repeatable process pays off every time you hire.
Send the offer
Confirm the role, hourly pay, and non-exempt status in writing, with an offer letter and safety acknowledgment the new hire can e-sign.
Train on safety first
OSHA silica, fall protection, and scaffolding training, with PPE issued and a signed safety acknowledgment kept on file.
Run first-week onboarding
I-9, paperwork, tools, and a clear first-week checklist so a new mason ramps up safely on the crew.
Store the records
Keep the signed offer, safety acknowledgment, certifications, and workers' comp class documentation organized.
Once your offer is ready, the offer letter template handles the next step, and an onboarding template gives the new mason a structured start. FirstHR connects the offer, the safety acknowledgment, e-signatures, OSHA silica and scaffold training, and document management in one place so a small masonry contractor can manage the full process from one system. FirstHR is an onboarding and HR platform, not a safety or job-site tool, and it does not run payroll, so connect those separately. Applicant tracking is coming soon to FirstHR.
Key Takeaways
Mason is an umbrella term covering brickmasons and blockmasons, stonemasons, and cement masons, each working with different materials.
Use the template that matches the specialty: general, brick and block, stone, cement, or a small-contractor version with a laborer option.
The role is hourly and non-exempt; the masonry workers median is $56,600 a year, with brick and block masons higher at $60,800.
The defining compliance item is OSHA silica dust control (29 CFR 1926.1153), with a 50 microgram PEL, alongside fall protection and scaffolding.
Masonry contractors typically carry workers' comp under class code 5022, and federal projects over $2,000 require Davis-Bacon prevailing wage.
Onboarding is where safety gets handled: signed safety acknowledgments, silica and scaffold training, and stored certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a mason do?
A mason builds and repairs structures using brick, concrete block, stone, and concrete. Day to day, that means reading blueprints, mixing mortar, laying and binding materials, cutting and shaping brick, block, and stone, building walls, partitions, arches, and other structures, and finishing surfaces to specification. Mason is an umbrella term that covers several specialties: brickmasons and blockmasons work with brick and concrete block, stonemasons work with natural and artificial stone, and cement masons and concrete finishers pour and finish concrete. The work is physically demanding and safety-critical, often performed outdoors and at height on scaffolding. A good mason combines skilled hand work, the ability to read plans, and a strong commitment to job-site safety. This is general information, not legal advice.
What is the difference between a mason, a bricklayer, and a stonemason?
Mason is the umbrella term, and the others are specialties under it. A bricklayer, also called a brickmason or blockmason, works specifically with brick, concrete block, and structural tile, laying and binding them with mortar to build walls and structures. A stonemason works with natural and artificial stone, cutting, dressing, and setting it for walls, exteriors, floors, and decorative or restoration work. A cement mason, or concrete finisher, works with concrete, setting forms and pouring and finishing surfaces. The federal occupation groups brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons together as masonry workers, with cement masons and concrete finishers as a related occupation. For a job description, decide which specialty you need, since the materials and skills differ, and use the matching template. This is general information, not legal advice.
Is a mason an exempt or non-exempt employee?
A mason is non-exempt and paid hourly. Masonry is manual, skilled trade work, which does not qualify for the white-collar exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act regardless of skill or pay level, so a mason is entitled to overtime at one and a half times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. The Department of Labor is explicit that blue-collar and manual trade workers are entitled to minimum wage and overtime no matter how highly paid. Because masonry often involves overtime to meet construction deadlines and runs on a seasonal schedule, employers should track hours carefully. Some states set higher minimum wages and additional overtime rules on top of the federal standard. This is general information, not legal advice.
What qualifications does a mason need?
Most masons enter the trade through a registered apprenticeship or equivalent on-the-job experience, with a high school diploma or equivalent commonly preferred. Registered apprenticeships, often run through trade organizations, typically last three to four years and combine paid on-the-job training, several thousand hours over the program, with classroom instruction each year. Apprentices usually start at around 60 percent of the journeyman wage and step up as they progress to full journeyman status. For a job description, you can require either a completed apprenticeship or comparable hands-on experience, list blueprint reading and the relevant material skills, and treat journeyman status and OSHA safety training as preferred. Scale the requirements to whether you are hiring an experienced mason or an entry-level laborer. This is general information, not legal advice.
What OSHA requirements apply to masons?
Masonry work is covered by OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR 1926). The most important and most overlooked is the respirable crystalline silica standard (1926.1153), which applies because cutting and grinding brick, block, stone, and concrete releases silica dust. It sets a permissible exposure limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter as an 8-hour average and an action level of 25, and requires dust controls, a written exposure control plan, a competent person, and training. Fall protection and scaffolding standards also apply because masons work at height, and employers must provide proper personal protective equipment. On federal or federally assisted projects over 2,000 dollars, the Davis-Bacon Act requires prevailing wages. Build silica and fall-protection training into onboarding. This is general information, not legal advice.
How much does a mason make?
Masons are paid hourly, with pay varying by specialty, region, and experience. According to the May 2024 federal data, masonry workers as a group had a median wage of 56,600 dollars a year, with the lowest 10 percent under 38,520 dollars and the highest 10 percent above 90,120 dollars. By specialty, brickmasons and blockmasons had a median of 60,800 dollars, stonemasons 51,990 dollars, and cement masons and concrete finishers 54,660 dollars. Entry-level laborers and apprentices start below the median and step up with experience, while master masons, foremen, and restoration specialists earn more. Union markets in the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Coast tend to pay higher. For a posting, benchmark to your specialty and local market and publish a pay range where required. This is general information, not compensation advice.
What is workers' compensation class code 5022?
Class code 5022 is the NCCI workers' compensation classification for masonry work, often described as Masonry NOC, used for masonry contractors. Workers' compensation rates are set by classification based on the risk of the work, and 5022 is one of the more expensive masonry-related codes because the trade carries real risks: falls from height, being struck by objects, heavy lifting, and silica exposure. For a small masonry contractor, this means the cost of carrying a worker, and especially the cost of an injury to an uninsured or misclassified worker, is significant. The practical takeaway is to confirm proper workers' compensation coverage under the correct class code before putting a mason on a job site. Rates vary widely by state, carrier, and experience rating. This is general information, not insurance advice.
When is the best time to hire masons?
Masonry hiring follows the construction season. The peak recruiting window is early spring, roughly February through April, ahead of the main building season that runs from about March through October. Demand softens in winter in much of the country, when cold weather limits outdoor masonry work, though indoor and southern work continues year-round. For an employer, this means posting and interviewing in late winter to have crews staffed before the busy season, since the best masons are often hired early. Planning your hiring around this calendar, and having a fast, ready-to-use job description and onboarding process, helps you compete for skilled masons before your competitors lock them in. This is general information, not legal advice.
