The Work
Bricklayers construct walls, fireplaces, chimneys, industrial furnaces, kilns and other structures using brick, cement, cinder blocks, stone and marble. 
Tilesetters install ceramic tile, marble and granite. Terrazzo workers cover floors, stairways and cabinets with durable and decorative surfaces made of sand, cement, pigment and marble chips. 
Cement masons smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete. 
Marble setters cut, tool, and set marble in interior and exterior walls and floors and repair and polish marble already set in buildings. 

The Working Conditions
Bricklayers' work is usually performed outdoors, in all types of weather.  Tilesetters generally work indoors.  All mason jobs require bending and heavy lifting.  Bricklayers must be able to lift 30+ pound concrete blocks with one hand.  Workers often move to different job sites and may need to work away from home.  There may be periods of unemployment between jobs. 

Wages 
The apprentice wage for Bricklayers is $13.81 and the journey wage is $26.62.  For most other specialties, the journey wage ranges from $20 to $25 per hour. 

updated 1/03 

For more information:
For more information on this program, contact the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries at (503) 731-4072 or visit them online at: Bureau of Labor and Industries

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