Stonemasons

SOC code 47-2022 · O*NET-SOC 47-2022.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades

Stonemasons pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$57,390

a year

Hourly

$27.59

per hour

10th$39,300Median$57,39090th$86,180

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$60,710

$29.19 per hour

Middle 50%

$45,450 – $71,630

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$39,300 – $86,180

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

7,820

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $39,300; $18.89/hr
25th percentile: $45,450; $21.85/hr
Median percentile: $57,390; $27.59/hr
75th percentile: $71,630; $34.44/hr
90th percentile: $86,180; $41.43/hr

What does a stonemason do?

Build stone structures, such as piers, walls, and abutments. Lay walks, curbstones, or special types of masonry for vats, tanks, and floors.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Set vertical and horizontal alignment of structures, using plumb bob, gauge line, and level.
Lay out wall patterns or foundations, using straight edge, rule, or staked lines.
Set stone or marble in place, according to layout or pattern.
Remove wedges, fill joints between stones, finish joints between stones, using a trowel, and smooth the mortar to an attractive finish, using a tuck pointer.
Clean excess mortar or grout from surface of marble, stone, or monument, using sponge, brush, water, or acid.
Shape, trim, face and cut marble or stone preparatory to setting, using power saws, cutting equipment, and hand tools.
Mix mortar or grout and pour or spread mortar or grout on marble slabs, stone, or foundation.
Construct and install prefabricated masonry units.

How to become a stonemason

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 58% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)58%
Less than a High School Diploma42%

Common questions

How much does a stonemason earn?

The national median is $57,390 a year. The full range runs from $39,300 at the 10th percentile to $86,180 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a stonemason without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.5/5
Reading Comprehension3.0/5
Active Listening3.0/5
Speaking3.0/5
Mathematics3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Building and Construction4.7/5
Design3.7/5
Mathematics3.7/5
Mechanical3.1/5
Customer and Personal Service3.0/5
Administration and Management3.0/5
English Language3.0/5
Production and Processing2.9/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management, Coordination, Operations Monitoring.