Masonry workers must be able to recognize and select suitable materials, analyze blueprints, and carry out an array of technical duties that make them invaluable to the functioning of any society. Individuals who would like to pursue a career as masons in Iowa have to acquire the technical expertise and meet a few other requirements that would serve them well throughout their careers.
The following sections highlight these requirements, including the =basic prerequisites, educational pathways, and licensure/certification requirements. We then explore the most prominent training programs for comprehensive training before focusing on the annual average salary based on several prominent factors.
How to Become a Masonry Worker in Iowa
Successful candidates follow the outline below to start their masonry careers in Iowa.
Step 1: Basic Requirements
Companies that hire masonry workers—and potential training destinations—tend to be partial to applicants with a high school diploma or GED. Strong physical condition, excellent stamina, and hand-eye coordination would also serve a candidate well.
Step 2: Training & Experience
Candidates who would like to become masonry workers in Iowa must receive training. For a prospective mason, training, and experience often go hand in hand because many masonry skills must be developed on the job.
Of course, having some level of classroom training will always be a plus. After all, this is the best way to learn the fundamental principles of using tools in the real world.
In an upcoming section, We will highlight some notable masonry training programs in Iowa.
Step 3: Choosing a Specialty
Even though it is not compulsory, masonry workers often choose a specific area to focus on. This gives them a more targeted approach to marketing their skills and makes it easy to improve and achieve a high level of expertise that will help them stand out.
Brick masonry, stone, concrete, and terrazzo masonry are popular specialty areas for candidates to consider.
Step 4: Employment
Lastly, candidates who have completed the steps above may proceed to put together a resume and secure employment. They may also consider the certification requirements below to improve their employment opportunities.
Explore trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Masonry workers in Iowa will be glad to know that they don’t have to register with the state if they work under a licensed contractor. The state only mandates a statewide license for contractors on contracts worth more than $2,000.
In this case, they will have to go through the application process instituted by the Iowa Division of Labor.
Conversely, certification is optional for masonry workers in the state regardless of their capacity. It is an important part of a masonry career that could lead to several career opportunities.
In this regard, professionals may consider the certification credentials offered by nationally recognized organizations such as the following:
- National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER),
- International Masonry Institute (IMI), and the
- Masonry Contractors Association of America (MCAA).
Top Masonry Schools in Iowa
The following are some top-class masonry training programs for candidates in Iowa to consider.
Iowa School of Construction
Des Moines, IA Campus Only
Iowa School of Construction offers hands-on masonry education to help students begin their careers on an appealing path.
Tuition
$3,200 - $4,200Contact
(515) 827-2900
Info@iscskills.com
Hawkeye Community College
Waterloo, IA Online + Campus
Hawkeye Community College offers an Introduction to Construction Trades program that state students may use to start their masonry careers.
Tuition
$6,090 - $6,583Contact
(319) 296-2320
admission@hawkeyecollege.edu
BAC Local 3 Iowa
Marshalltown, IA Campus Only
BAC Local 3 Iowa offers masonry apprenticeship programs for candidates who want to start their careers with extensive hands-on training, usually working on real-world projects. Accepted applicants get to learn under seasoned instructors.
Tuition
FreeContact
(641) 753-1400
ray@bac3ia.us
Explore masonry worker school in Iowa by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Even though the annual average salary for masonry workers in Iowa is $52,473 (around the same as the national average), candidates will be glad to know they can increase this figure along the way.
Masonry workers in Iowa can increase their annual average salary by acquiring more job experience and optimizing factors such as their specialty area, credentials, and employment company.
Those who have optimized enough to be among the top 10% earn around $75,142 yearly, while those still among the lowest-paid take home an annual average salary of $25,830.
Location is another key factor. Hampton currently enjoys the position as the highest-paying city for masonry workers in Iowa. Professionals here earn an annual average salary of around $81,546.
Candidates may also consider Des Moines, with an annual average salary of $47,980; Dubuque, with an annual average salary of $47,051; and Mason City, with an annual average salary of $37,034.