Construction

To become a Brick and Stone Mason (Laying brick stone concrete blocks) in Ontario : Salary, Training, and Career Outlook.

by Occupations.ca Team
10 min read

Have you ever looked at a beautifully crafted brick wall, a stone arch on a historic building, or a cleanly laid Concrete block foundation and thought, “I’d like to build that”? If you enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and seeing your results take shape every day, becoming a Brick and Stone Mason in Ontario could be a great path for you.

Job Description

Brick and Stone Masons in Ontario construct, Repair, and restore structures using brick, natural or manufactured stone, and concrete blocks. The official Ontario trade name is Brick and Stone Mason (401A), and the Red Seal occupation is called Bricklayer. You’ll work on residential, commercial, industrial, and civil projects—everything from homes and schools to hospitals, offices, and heritage landmarks.

Daily work activities

You’ll spend your days on active Construction sites or Restoration projects. Work is largely outdoors and physical. You’ll read blueprints, layout walls, cut and shape materials, mix and apply mortar, and ensure structures are straight, level, and weather-tight. You’ll collaborate with general contractors, site supervisors, apprentices, and other trades like carpenters, roofers, and waterproofers.

Main tasks

  • Interpret blueprints, drawings, specifications, and the Ontario Building Code requirements that apply to Masonry.
  • Lay brick, stone, and concrete blocks, maintaining correct line, level, and plumb.
  • Mix, apply, and tool mortars and grouts; install flashing, ties, Insulation, and moisture Management systems.
  • Build walls, chimneys, veneers, fireplaces, arches, columns, and structural/block foundations.
  • Cut and shape brick/stone using hand tools, wet saws, and grinders; perform tuckpointing and repointing for restoration.
  • Set up and work from scaffolding safely; follow fall protection rules and site Safety procedures.
  • Measure materials and order or coordinate deliveries; maintain Quality Control and site cleanliness.
  • Repair and restore heritage masonry, matching mortar colour and joint profiles where required.
  • Follow Ontario safety regulations, including Working at Heights and WHMIS requirements.
  • Mentor apprentices and coordinate with site supervisors and inspectors.

Required Education

In Ontario, the most common pathway is a registered apprenticeship in the Brick and Stone Mason (401A) trade, followed by a Certificate of Qualification and the Red Seal endorsement (Bricklayer).

Diplomas and credentials

  • High school: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent is strongly recommended. Focus on math, construction technology, Blueprint Reading, and science courses.
  • Postsecondary:
    • Ontario College Certificate or Diploma in masonry (e.g., Masonry Techniques, Heritage Masonry) can help you get started or qualify for apprenticeship.
    • Apprenticeship: Brick and Stone Mason (401A) in Ontario. Completing your in-class levels and required on-the-job hours leads to a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q). You can then write the Red Seal exam (Bricklayer) to work across Canada.
    • Bachelor’s degree is not required for this trade.
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Length of studies

  • Apprenticeship: typically 3 to 4 years, combining:
    • Approximately 5,400 hours of paid on-the-job Training (varies by employer and your progress).
    • About 720 hours of in-class training delivered in three levels (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced).
  • Pre-apprenticeship or college certificate programs: usually 1 year.
  • Heritage masonry diplomas: often 2 years.

Note: Brick and Stone Mason is generally a voluntary trade in Ontario, meaning you can work without compulsory certification. However, completing the apprenticeship and earning your C of Q and Red Seal significantly improves your employment prospects, mobility, and pay.

Where to study? (Ontario)

Apprenticeship in-class training and related programs are delivered by colleges and approved training centres:

Tip: Training delivery agents for specific trades can change. Always confirm current in-class training locations on Skilled Trades Ontario or by contacting the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

Salary and Working Conditions

Salary in Ontario

Pay varies by region (GTA, Ottawa, Southwestern Ontario), the sector (residential vs. industrial, commercial, institutional), and union vs. non-union settings.

  • Entry-level (apprentice/new grad): about $24–$30 per hour, depending on the employer and sector.
  • Experienced journeyperson: about $36–$46 per hour, with some unionized industrial/commercial jobs offering total compensation (including Benefits and pension) above this range.

Check current Ontario wage data:

Apprentices typically earn a percentage of the journeyperson rate, increasing each level (for example, 50–60% at Level 1, up to 80–90% by Level 3, depending on the employer or collective agreement).

Overtime, Travel premiums, and seasonal demand can affect take-home pay.

Working conditions

  • Environment: Mostly outdoors, exposed to weather. Some indoor work on large sites or during Finishing phases.
  • Schedule: Early starts; typical full-time hours with seasonal peaks. Winter can slow down, especially in residential work, though many commercial projects continue year-round with enclosures and heaters.
  • Physical demands: Heavy lifting, repetitive motions, kneeling, climbing scaffolds, working at heights, and handling tools and materials.
  • Safety requirements: You must complete Working at Heights training when using fall protection on construction projects and maintain WHMIS and other safety certifications. Learn more:
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Job outlook in Ontario

Demand for Brick and Stone Masons is tied to housing, commercial development, institutional construction (schools, hospitals), infrastructure, and heritage restoration. Growth corridors include the GTA, Ottawa, Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge, Hamilton-Niagara, and parts of Southwestern Ontario.

Unionized industrial/commercial work and heritage restoration can offer steadier demand through the winter. Residential markets can be more sensitive to interest rates and seasons.

Key Skills

Soft skills

  • Reliability and work ethic: Show up on time, ready to work safely in all conditions.
  • Attention to detail: Lines, levels, joint profiles, and mortar consistency affect both quality and durability.
  • Teamwork and communication: Coordinate with crew, supervisors, and other trades.
  • Problem-solving: Address site constraints, material variations, and unexpected issues.
  • Time management: Hit daily production targets while maintaining craftsmanship.
  • Adaptability: Switch between new builds, block structural work, veneer, and restoration.

Hard skills

  • Blueprint reading and layout (string line, measuring, and calculating coursing).
  • Masonry techniques: brick, block, and stone setting; tuckpointing, flashing, and moisture control.
  • Tool use: Trowels, levels, laser levels, wet saws, grinders, jointers, and mixers.
  • Scaffolding setup and safe work at heights.
  • Mortar and grout mixing, colour matching, and curing practices.
  • Cutting and shaping materials to achieve arches, corners, and complex details.
  • Building science basics for masonry walls (thermal bridging, air/vapour barriers, drainage).
  • Ontario safety standards: Working at Heights, WHMIS, lockout/tagout basics.
  • Quality control and inspection readiness, including Ontario Building Code requirements that affect masonry.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • High job satisfaction: You see your work become part of the Ontario landscape—buildings that last decades.
  • Strong earning potential: Solid hourly wages with opportunities for overtime, premiums, and benefits in unionized roles.
  • Portable credential: Red Seal lets you work across Canada; skills transfer well between sectors (residential, ICI, restoration).
  • Career pathways: Move into lead hand, foreperson, estimator, site supervisor, or start your own contracting business.
  • Variety of projects: New builds, custom homes, commercial, institutional, and heritage restoration keep the work interesting.
  • In-demand trade: Ontario’s growth regions and ongoing institutional/infrastructure projects often need experienced masons.

Disadvantages

  • Physically demanding: Repetitive tasks, lifting, bending, and working in all weather conditions.
  • Seasonality: Residential work can slow in winter; income may fluctuate if not in year-round sectors.
  • Early mornings and travel: Construction sites often start early; you may travel across the region for work.
  • Safety risks: Working at heights, silica dust, and power tools require strict safety practices and PPE.
  • Production pressure: You must balance speed with quality and accuracy.

Expert Opinion

If you’re serious about becoming a Brick and Stone Mason in Ontario, treat your first year as an investment in your future. Aim to get onto a crew where you’ll rotate through brick, block, and stone work, not just one task. Ask to learn layout, cutting, and flashing details early—these skills set you apart faster than simply spreading mortar.

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Safety training is non-negotiable; complete Working at Heights and keep your WHMIS up to date. Learn about silica exposure Controls and dust suppression right away—your long-term health depends on it.

To increase your employability:

  • Build your math and measurement skills; practice reading drawings at home.
  • Keep a tidy, efficient setup on site—good organization equals productivity.
  • Purchase a core set of quality hand tools (trowels, levels, jointers) and maintain them.
  • Consider a pre-apprenticeship if you’re brand new; it can help you secure an employer sponsor.
  • Get your Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal as soon as you qualify. It signals professionalism and opens doors across Ontario and beyond.

Finally, explore a niche. Heritage masonry work in Ontario is steady and specialized, especially in cities like Ottawa, Kingston, and Toronto. If you enjoy precision and historical techniques, heritage skills can make your career more resilient through economic cycles.

FAQ

How do I start an apprenticeship if I don’t have any experience?

Start by contacting local contractors, the Ontario Masonry Training Centre, or a union hiring hall to look for an employer sponsor. A pre-apprenticeship program can also help you gain basic skills, safety training, and a placement. Learn how to register and get Support here:

Is union membership required to work as a Brick and Stone Mason in Ontario?

No, union membership isn’t mandatory. Many masons work in unionized industrial/commercial/institutional (ICI) sectors, while others work in non-union residential settings. Unionized jobs often offer higher total compensation (wage, pension, health benefits) and steady training pathways. To explore union opportunities, check Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers of Canada: https://www.bac.ca

Can international experience help me get certified in Ontario?

Yes. If you have significant verifiable experience, you may be able to apply for Trade Equivalency Assessment through Skilled Trades Ontario to write the Certificate of Qualification exam without a registered apprenticeship. You’ll need to document your hours and scope of experience. Details:

What safety training do I need before I go on a job site?

Most Ontario construction sites require:

Can I specialize in heritage restoration, and where is that work in Ontario?

Yes. Ontario has strong demand for heritage masonry in cities with older building stock and historic districts such as Ottawa, Kingston, Toronto, Hamilton, and Niagara. Consider specialized training:

Helpful Links Recap:

If you’re ready to build a hands-on career with strong earning potential and visible results, Ontario’s Brick and Stone Mason pathway can get you there—one course, one brick, and one job site at a time.

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