Individuals ready to pursue a masonry career in Alaska must understand that the preparatory step is only complete once they understand every requirement expected of them along the way. Thankfully, readers of this page will not have to worry about that as we have highlighted below basically every key detail of starting this process in the state.
We have broken down the steps into easily digestible sessions, including basic requirements, training options, and chances for career opportunities.
We also explore the licensure and certification requirements, the top masonry programs in the state, and the annual average salary that candidates can expect at various career junctures.
How to Become a Masonry Worker in Alaska
Candidates must follow the steps below to start their masonry career in Alaska.
Step 1: Prerequisites
Before they can acquire training and start working professionally, individuals who wish to become masons in Alaska are expected to be in good physical condition with excellent endurance for physical tasks.
A high school diploma or GED is also important, making the other steps easier.
Step 2: Complete a Training Program
Most masonry workers complete an apprenticeship program to start their careers. Apprenticeship programs usually emphasize both classroom and on-the-job training. Masonry is one of the professions that require a great deal of real-world familiarity before anyone can become a professional in it.
Of course, there are also academic programs offered by community colleges and universities across the state. These programs include extensive classroom training and hands-on training.
Some achieve the latter by partnering with apprenticeship programs and union organizations, which allows candidates to work with actual tools in the real world.
Step 3: Specialty, Employment & Continuing Education
During training, prospective masonry workers can specialize in one area or another. Most may choose brick masonry, while others may choose concrete or terrazzo.
Upon completing their training, candidates should be able to secure employment regardless of their specialties. However, certain considerations regarding license and certification must also be made. We look deeper into this in the section below.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
In Alaska, masonry workers are not legally mandated to receive a license to start their careers. However, those working as specialty contractors must receive a specialty contractor license.
The Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development issues contractor licenses. To become a contractor in Alaska, candidates must provide proof of insurance and pass a professional examination.
Certification is not mandatory, but obtaining professional credentials provides many benefits, including career growth and continuing education. The National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) and the International Masonry Institute (IMI) are the most notable alternatives for candidates wanting to become certified masonry workers in Alaska.
Top Masonry Schools in Alaska
The following are the most prominent training options for aspiring masons in Alaska.
BAC Local 1 of Alaska
Tukwila, WA Campus Only
Candidates looking for strong apprenticeship training to start their masonry careers in Alaska may consider the programs offered by BAC Local 1 of Alaska. They can acquire skills in various masonry areas, including stone, countertop, terrazzo masonry, and tile setting.
Tuition
FreeContact
(206) 248-2456
staff@bacnorthwest.org
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK Online + Campus
The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a Construction Trade Technology Program that candidates may leverage to start their masonry careers in the state. Along with acquiring relevant skills, they also earn a certificate.
Tuition
$7,896 - $22,032Contact
(907) 474-7500
uaf-admissions@alaska.edu
Alaska Laborers Training School
Anchorage, AK Campus Only
Candidates looking for an apprenticeship training program other than the one offered by BAC Local 1 of Alaska may consider the program offered by Alaska Laborers Training School.
Tuition
Call for DetailsContact
(907) 345-3853
training@aklts.org
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Salary & Career Outlook
Masonry workers in Alaska tend to take home an annual average salary of around $29,616 if they fall among the bottom 10% of earners in the state. If they fall among the top 10%, they will earn an annual average salary of $86,155.
The most common, however, are the earners in the middle point, who take home an annual average salary of $54,385.
Along with experience, location is also an important factor in determining where a mason in the state will fall on the salary spectrum. For example, Ketchikan professionals are the highest-paid in the state based on location alone.
They earn an annual average salary of $55,100, followed by those in Juneau, with an annual average salary of $53,833.
Other notable locations include Fairbanks, with an annual average salary of $53,269, and Anchorage, with an annual average salary of $52,725.