Stonemasons

O*NET 47-2022.00 · SOC 47-2022

Stonemason is a risky career choice. Median pay is $57k a year with -5.4% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 500 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+-5.4%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$57k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
1k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Cut and shape stone pieces to specified sizes and angles.
  • →Set stone units in mortar for walls, floors, and facades.
  • →Polish and finish stone surfaces to achieve desired texture.
  • →Align stone courses using levels, plumb bobs, and guide lines.
  • →Clean and seal finished stonework to protect against weathering.

Education & How to Get In

🎓
Job Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

Stonemason roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Stonemason? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
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Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
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Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
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LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Stonemason involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningCut and shape stone pieces to specified sizes and angles.
MiddaySet stone units in mortar for walls, floors, and facades.
AfternoonPolish and finish stone surfaces to achieve desired texture.

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)7.0
Conventional (Organizers)3.0
Artistic (Creators)2.9
Investigative (Thinkers)2.1
Social (Helpers)1.9
Enterprising (Persuaders)1.3

Who Thrives as Stonemason?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISTPThe CraftspersonISFPThe ComposerESTPThe DynamoISTJThe Inspector

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Stonemason Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

Indeed ↗LinkedIn Jobs ↗ZipRecruiter ↗

Similar Careers

Plasterers and Stucco Masons+2.8%Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers+2.5%Carpenters+3.9%Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers+1.3%Painters, Construction and Maintenance+3%Glaziers+1.9%Tile and Stone Setters+9.8%Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners+1.9%

Explore More Careers

Best Trades & Skilled Labor Careers →Browse all careers →

Job Outlook

Employment of Stonemasons is projected to decline 5.4% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

44/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·47% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
  • ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
  • ·Declining employment suggests structural disruption

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Stonemason make?

The median Stonemason earns $57k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Stonemason jobs?

Our model puts Stonemason at 44 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 47% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress; industry sector with low automation exposure.

Is Stonemason a growing field?

Employment is projected to shrink 5.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Stonemason?

Most Stonemason roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.

How long does it take to become a Stonemason?

Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Stonemason career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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