How to Become a Masonry Worker in Michigan

Preparing to become a masonry worker includes more than just learning the fundamentals of the field and harnessing your innate talent and creativity. Still, it also provides training for the business side of the job.

As an aspiring mason in Michigan, you’ll have to know all of these aspects before you begin your career. You’ll also have to understand pertinent rules, codes, and regulations guiding masonry work in Michigan.

For this reason, we have provided a comprehensive guide below concerning becoming a successful masonry worker in Michigan. We have also provided a few masonry training schools to consider, along with potential salary and career outlook.

How to Become a Masonry Worker in Michigan

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to begin a career as a masonry worker in Detroit:

Step 1: Provide a High School Diploma/GED

Masonry workers in Detroit must provide their high school diploma or GED before they can gain admission into a training program. Some programs also ask that candidates provide a valid driver’s license and be in optimal physical condition.

Step 2: Academic Training Program

Masonry workers don’t necessarily have to attend academic training programs, but many do because they offer a structured curriculum to learn from and may generate additional appeal to possible employers.

Academic training programs may also provide job placement assistance and financial aid for those who meet the stipulated conditions.

Step3: Training on the Job

Masons who obtain training on the job tend to have a great deal of hands-on/real-world experience before they secure employment. Additionally, some apprenticeship and assistant arrangement programs may allow candidates to earn while they learn.

Some of these programs also provide job placement assistance.

Academic and On-the-Job Training Combination

Candidates looking to have a more robust training experience can combine academic and on-the-job training approaches. They can do this, for instance, by completing an educational program before applying for an apprenticeship program.

Some academic and apprenticeship programs may also form partnerships so their students can get the best of both worlds.

Step 4: Employment

Once all the steps above are complete, aspiring masonry workers may consider the licensing and certification requirements below before applying for job positions.

Consider Trades with Similar Paths:

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State Licensure and Certification Requirements

The state of Michigan expects masonry workers to obtain a Maintenance and Alteration Contractors license before they can start taking on significant contracts. To qualify, candidates must be at least 18, have a driver’s license, and pass a specific test.

As for certification alternatives, masonry workers in the state may consider the following credentials for added benefits even though they are not mandatory:

Certified Bricklayer - offered by the National Concrete Masonry Association.
Certified Masonry Technician - offered by the International Masonry Institute.
Certified Masonry Inspector - offered by the International Masonry Institute and the American Concrete Institute.
Certified Bricklaying Supervisor levels 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Top Masonry Schools in Michigan

Individuals interested in obtaining top masonry training may consider enrolling in any of the institutions below.

BAC - Metro Detroit Training Center

Aspiring masons who train at BAC - Metro Detroit Training Center will receive rigorous hands-on training and may contribute their training hours to receive 25 College credits.

These credits can be used for an associate degree or certificate from Washtenaw Community College’s construction supervision program.

At Your Pace Training

At Your Pace Michigan Contractor Training offers a 60-hour online pre-license program to help prepare aspiring masons and building contractors in Michigan for a career as a licensed residential builder or maintenance and alteration contractor.

Detroit Training Center

Certifications are usually necessary for an aspiring masonry worker just coming up in the industry, and applicants of the Detroit Training Center masonry program will be glad to know that by the time they complete their training, they will also receive an OSHA 30 certification along with other credentials for asbestos abatement, first aid/CPR and masonry restoration.

Explore Masonry Schools by City:

Masonry Schools in Detroit

Salary and Job Outlook

As a masonry worker in Michigan, you can look forward to an annual average salary of around $41,853 – practically the same as the national average. Masons in the top earning bracket in Michigan take home an average yearly salary of $57,858, while those in the bottom 10% earn an average annual wage of $29,886.

Some factors influencing a mason’s earnings in Michigan include their experience, location, and specialization.

Concerning location, the following are the highest-paying cities for a masonry worker in Michigan: