Masonry workers are trained professionals with extensive knowledge of fabricating functional components from natural/man-made materials such as stones, cement, concrete, marble, and more. In North Carolina, individuals pursuing a career as masonry workers enjoy a high demand for their expertise regardless of their areas of specialization.
Before an aspiring masonry worker in the state can begin their career, however, they must note a few essential things. These include the basic educational requirements, training options, certification, and more.
We look at all of these below and some data regarding potential salary and career projections.
How to Become a Masonry Worker in North Carolina
Below are the steps involved in becoming a masonry worker in North Carolina:
Basic Requirements
Like most states, North Carolina does not set a minimum educational requirement for masonry workers in the area. Instead, it is up to training institutions and employers to set their needs.
As it happens, most tend to follow the same pattern: to ask for a high school diploma or GED and a driver’s license.
Some also ask for construction experience and medical certificates, although rare.
Training Options
All aspiring masonry workers must obtain one form of training or another before they can secure employment. In this regard, there are two alternatives:
Academic Program
Academic programs for aspiring masonry workers in North Carolina focus on classroom instructions while providing hands-on experience in the workshop. Depending on the training program, applicants may also expect financial aid and job placement assistance by the time they are done.
It is also possible that a masonry establishment will be more willing to employ masonry workers with a degree over those without.
On-the-Job Training
Apprenticeship programs provide training on the job for aspiring masonry workers in North Carolina. Like some college programs, apprenticeship programs also try to balance classroom training and hands-on instruction.
Additionally, colleges and vocational schools can partner with apprenticeship programs to allow students to enjoy a more robust masonry education.
Consider Trades with Similar Paths:
State Licensure and Certification Requirements
As a masonry worker in North Carolina, you must obtain a North Carolina masonry contractor license. To get this license, you have to take the licensing exam administered by the North Carolina Licensing Board.
This exam requires no minimum experience, but applicants must provide three references. The exam contains 50 questions, all of which must be completed in 120 minutes.
Candidates must acquire a passing score of 70% to obtain their license. Among other things, they will have to answer questions involving safety, concrete handling, laws, and regulations, along with general building code requirements.
Top Masonry Schools in North Carolina
The following are some of the top programs for aspiring masons in North Carolina to consider.
Durham Tech
Durham Tech’s construction trade program covers several construction topics, including masonry. Students enjoy hands-on training in beautiful facilities supervised by instructors with valuable experience and advice to share.
Durham Tech’s masonry program is a non-credit program. Still, it offers aspiring masons the opportunity to acquire extensive training to secure employment while qualifying for certification credentials that can help them enjoy significant career growth.
Craven Community College
Craven Community College offers another beautiful destination for aspiring masons in North Carolina to receive extensive training in theoretical topics and practical applications. One of the program’s highlights is its individualized nature, which allows trainees to receive instructors tailored to their specific needs.
Here, students can apply for a Masonry Level II and Masonry Level II program for NCCER certifications.
Wayne County Community College
Wayne County Community College offers brick masonry courses between Mondays and Thursdays every week at the school’s training center in Goldsboro.
Aspiring masonry workers who wish to enroll in the program at Wayne County Community College are advised to check in with the school’s workforce continuing education division’s customer service desk at the Walnut Building of the main campus for information regarding availability and associated fees.
Explore Masonry Schools by City:
Salary and Job Outlook
The annual average salary for masonry workers in North Carolina is $33,606. Factors such as experience and location can impact how far a masonry worker in the state will deviate from this average figure.
For instance, masonry workers in North Carolina who fall into the higher end of the spectrum may earn as high as an annual average salary of $40,856. In comparison, those who fall into the lower back may take home an average yearly salary of $27,642.
The highest-paying cities in the state include Belleville, Burlington, and Raleigh, with annual average salaries of $45,500, $40,989, and $38,987, respectively. Asheville and Charlotte round up the top 5 with an average yearly salary of $35,155 and $33,155, respectively.
Related Articles
Related Careers
Top Schools Near Me
