Masonry as a profession is not just about laying blocks and mortar. It is a highly technical and artistic discipline that requires detailed planning, design, and execution.
Professionals in New Mexico who work in multiple areas of masonry can leverage their unique skills to earn a living and continue to enhance their career prospects. The following guide outlines the steps to achieve this objective.
We begin with a brief overview of how to prepare for a training program, including the types of programs to consider. We then analyze licensing and certification requirements, annual average salary prospects, and specific programs to provide a robust educational foundation.
How to Become a Masonry Worker in New Mexico
The following are the steps necessary to become a masonry worker in New Mexico.
Educational Approaches
There are three main educational approaches to consider when starting a masonry career in New Mexico. These include:
Academic Education
Securing admission into a training program is one of the most straightforward ways to become a successful masonry worker. Individuals who choose this approach also benefit from earning certificates or associate degrees, which can help them stand out in job placement.
Training programs also have strong alumni networks and partnerships with prominent companies, which may lead to easy job placement and other forms of career assistance. Masonry programs in New Mexico can be completed in around 6 months to a couple of years, depending on the award in sight.
Apprenticeship Education
Pursuing an apprenticeship route is another approach with several benefits, including on-the-job training opportunities and potential salary increases during the training period.
On-the-Job Education
While apprenticeship programs are classified as part of on-the-job training, candidates may secure learning positions with existing companies to truly learn “on the job” and refine their skills as they progress.
The opportunity may be more plausible for those who already have some form of experience in construction.
Job Placement & Career Growth
Securing a job placement as a masonry worker in New Mexico is possible after education. Candidates can work with construction companies or even start their own outfit with a few years of experience.
Certification is a crucial component of career growth, and we discuss this aspect of the journey in detail below.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
New Mexico is one of the states across the country where masonry workers are expected to hold a construction license. This can be obtained from the Regulation & Licensing Department.
To be licensed, applicants must have a Qualifying Party form along with a notarized affidavit that proves either 4,000 hours of experience or 2 years of experience. A $36 processing fee and passing scores in the business and trade exam are also required.
Concerning certification, masonry workers in New Mexico can be certified by the International Masonry Institute. The National Center for Construction Education and Research also offers credentials that can facilitate career opportunities.
Top Masonry Schools in New Mexico
The schools below offer robust masonry programs in New Mexico.
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM Campus Only
New Mexico State University offers a robust Associate of Applied Science in Building Construction Technology, providing students with a well-rounded education that includes both technical and professional skills necessary for diverse roles on construction sites, extending beyond masonry.
Tuition
$76 - $245 per CreditContact
(575) 646-3121
admissions@nmsu.edu
BAC Mountain West
Albuquerque, NM Campus Only
BAC Mountain West represents the regional chapter of the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union. It operates a training facility in Albuquerque that supports apprentices through structured classroom education and paid on-the-job experience.
Tuition
Call for DetailsContact
(702) 873-0332
askbac@bacweb.org
Explore masonry worker schools in New Mexico by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
On the lower end of the salary spectrum in New Mexico, masonry workers manage an annual average salary of $48,788. At the higher end, professionals in the field can earn up to $64,185 or more per year.
It is more common, however, to find masonry workers in the state not among the highest or lowest-paid but in the middle. Here, the annual average salary is $55,959.
Professionals earn more than others due to factors such as specific employers, professional credentials, and experience. Location is also very important.
Albuquerque is currently the city with the highest annual average salary for masons in New Mexico, at $58,096. Las Cruces and Santa Fe follow it with annual average salaries of $58,096 and $44,940, respectively.
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