Skilled trades keep drawing attention in 2026 as high school seniors and career changers weigh college costs against paid, hands-on training. In a qz.com roundup based on a ServiceTitan guide, 11 trades show median annual wages above $50,000, and brickmasons and blockmasons make the list.
For brickmasons and blockmasons, the median wage sits at $56,600, the lowest of the 11 trades listed but still above the $50,000 mark. The outlook calls for 2% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, which points to steady demand instead of a rapid hiring spike.
The article highlights a familiar entry route for masonry. A high school diploma or equivalent opens the door, and apprenticeships deliver the training. Unions, contractor associations, and other organizations sponsor programs that cover blueprint reading, measurement math, building codes, safety, and first aid. The story also notes that technical schools offer masonry courses, and that the Home Builders Institute and the International Masonry Institute provide pre-apprenticeship training in several construction trades, including masonry.
For mason contractors, the takeaway is straightforward. Recruiting runs through training partnerships. Apprenticeship seats, jobsite mentoring, and clear progression from trainee to journey-worker status tie directly to workforce supply. Pay also varies by region, experience, and union membership, and the article notes that union members receive higher pay on average along with structured shifts and overtime terms.
The roundup also underlines how broad “masonry” work gets on real jobsites, from brick, terracotta, and concrete block construction to refractory work in high-heat environments. It also acknowledges the physical demands of repetitive unit installation, which keeps job planning, material handling, and safety practices front and center for every crew.
Read the full, original article from qz.com here.