Overall employment of masons is projected to grow 40 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Population growth will create a need for schools, hospitals, apartment buildings, and other structures. However, construction of these buildings may be delayed as states and local governments face budget shortfalls.
Also stimulating demand for workers will be the need to restore a growing number of old brick buildings. Although expensive, brick and stone exteriors should remain popular, reflecting a preference for low-maintenance, durable exterior materials.
Building code requirements in hurricane-prone areas also will increase the demand for durable homes that use brick, block, or stone.
Overall job prospects should improve over the coming decade as construction activity rebounds from the recent recession. As with many other construction workers, employment is sensitive to the fluctuations of the economy. On the one hand, workers may experience periods of unemployment when the overall level of construction falls. On the other hand, shortages of workers may occur in some areas during peak periods of building activity.
The masonry workforce is growing older, and a large number of masons are expected to retire over the next decade, which will create many job openings.
Highly skilled masons with a good job history and work experience in construction should have the best job opportunities.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition