According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, masonry workers use concrete and bricks to fabricate functional and aesthetic structures. The job is demanding physically and often requires professionals to work full-time.
If you are an aspiring masonry worker in New Jersey looking for a comprehensive guide to explain the key steps in starting a successful career, you have come to the right place. The article below continues; it also examines the state’s licensing requirements and top programs.
Finally, it provides a detailed overview of the various salary categories for masonry workers in New Jersey, along with the key factors that can influence these figures.
How to Become a Masonry Worker in New Jersey
The following are the steps to becoming a professional masonry worker in New Jersey.
Step 1: Have a High School Diploma or GED
Usually, the basic educational requirement to start a career as a masonry worker is a high school diploma or GED. From there, candidates can go on to acquire additional academic qualifications or enroll in a program that teaches them crucial masonry skills on the job.
Step 2: Enroll in a Training Program
Training programs for future masonry workers must incorporate much hands-on training by design. This is because most of the duties of a masonry worker involve a lot of practical applications as opposed to theoretical instructions.
Usually, the most popular training avenue for masonry workers is the apprenticeship arrangement. In an apprenticeship program, candidates receive hands-on training from qualified professionals while learning most of what they must do on the job.
Step 3: Secure Employment
On your journey to secure employment as a masonry worker in New Jersey, leveraging the connections you made during a training program is often important. There are a lot of employment opportunities in the state, and fresh masonry workers usually have an easier time securing employment.
Of course, you may also want to branch out and start your own business. All of these will be easier once you fulfill the licensure and certification requirements, which we look at in one of the upcoming sections.
Step 4: Improve Yourself
Just like in any field, a career as a masonry worker should always be filled with learning. Candidates may improve by acquiring more skills, specializing, or joining a network of professionals through certification routes.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Masons in New Jersey do not have to acquire a license to start working professionally. Of course, to start a business, individuals must follow the same steps in incorporating a business in the state.
As for certification, Masons in New Jersey obtain it of their own accord simply because of its benefits. Currently, the available certification alternatives include the Certified Bricklayer credential offered by the National Concrete Masonry Association and the Certified Masonry Technician credential offered by the International Masonry Institute.
Other options include certified masonry inspector, certified bricklaying supervisor, and certified brick and stone installer credentials.
Top Masonry Schools in New Jersey
The following are some of the top masonry training programs in New Jersey.
Union County Vocational School
Union County Vocational School offers several trade and well-structured masonry programs. Candidates can acquire the necessary training to further their education or secure employment.
Participants should be prepared to attend classes during the day and receive rigorous training through a curriculum designed by the NCCER.
BAC Local 4
The Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union offers the best training programs for future masons nationwide. In Fairfield, New Jersey, candidates can enroll in such a program and acquire in-depth, hands-on training with real-world experience.
Participants enjoy job placement assistance upon graduation.
Notable Mentions
Other notable mentions include Sussex County Community College, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Bordentown International Masonry Institute.
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Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary for masonry workers in New Jersey is $44,337. Those in the top 10% earn an annual average salary of $80,815, while those in the bottom 10% earn an annual average salary of $24,313.
Masonry workers in New Jersey can earn up to $6,855 per year in overtime.
According to data provided by masons in the state, the highest-paying city to be a masonry worker in New Jersey is Lumberton, with an annual average salary of $60,218. Scotch Plains and Trenton follow, with annual average salaries of $54,229 and $53,099 respectively.
Masonry workers in Morristown and Chesterfield complete the top five highest-paying cities with annual average salaries of $46,647 and $45,037, respectively.
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