To become a masonry worker in Texas, interested individuals must be adept with their hands and love creating new structures from scratch. They must also have enough training and understanding of the field to perform their jobs to the highest level.
For aspiring masonry workers in Texas, we have prepared the guide below to help you familiarize yourself with all the steps and requirements for starting a masonry career in the state.
This will ensure that the whole process will be smoother and more straightforward when you embark upon the journey.
How to Become a Masonry Worker in Texas
The following are the steps an aspiring masonry worker in Texas must follow to secure employment in the state.
GED and High School Diploma
Most high-paying masonry jobs in Texas require a high school diploma to enter. Those who don’t have a high school diploma may tender a GED equivalent in their place.
Training
Masonry workers have three different options for obtaining training and expertise. These include:
Formal Training Programs
Several colleges and trade/vocational schools in the state have quality masonry training programs teaching a variety of masonry specializations, including stone masonry, cement masonry, and terrazzo, among others.
Students are taught how to read blueprints, shop mathematics, and work with various materials.
Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeship training programs teach most of the topics taught at formal training schools, emphasizing hands-on training instead of classroom instructions. Of course, some apprenticeship programs also set aside a few weeks for classroom training, but the significant training usually involves working with tools under the supervision of established professionals.
Masonry Assistants
Lastly, it is possible to become a masonry worker in Texas by working as an assistant for about 2 years. This way, students immerse themselves in the job, see how things are done in the real world, and amass enough experience before starting their career.
Most masonry assistants can also count on their masters for mentorship and future help.
Seeking Employment
After the training phase of the journey has been completed, candidates who wish to become professional masonry workers in Texas may move on to create their resumes and start applying for jobs and contracts. Some may also choose to start their own companies and businesses.
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Top Masonry Schools in Texas
Below are some of the most notable programs for aspiring masons in Texas to consider:
Austin Community College
The program at Austin Community College is one of the most popular destinations for acquiring high-quality masonry training in Texas. The school is already a famous institution, providing high-quality instructors and beautiful learning facilities.
Accepted applicants will learn how to carry out framing, roofing, and work with pertinent equipment. They will also learn the business side of the job, including budgeting and resource allocation.
Houston Community College
Aspiring masons in Houston can also consider the program at Houston Community College. As expected, this program is also quite rigorous, with comprehensive training taught by experienced instructors.
Students can graduate with a degree or a certificate, depending on their choice.
Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association
The National Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association in Texas allows interested candidates to become successful masons through various courses.
Graduates of this program can work as designers, contractors, architects, or in any masonry field they choose.
Explore Masonry Schools by City:
State Licensure and Certification Requirements
Licensing for masons in Texas usually varies depending on the construction sector they are involved in and the specific county/city in which they are carrying out their projects. For this reason, it is advisable to consult local construction bodies before proceeding with contracts.
Mason in Texas looking for additional certifications may consider applying for any of the credentials below:
- Certified Bricklayer credential - offered by the National Concrete Masonry Association,
- Certified Masonry Technician credential - provided by the International Masonry Institute,
- Certified Brick and Stone Installer - provided by the Brick Industry Association.
Salary and Job Outlook
As a masonry worker in Texas, you can look forward to an annual average salary of around $36,128. Masons in Texas in the top earning bracket take home an average yearly salary of $53,206, while those in the bottom 10% earn an average annual wage of $ 24,531.
Some factors affecting how much a mason earns in Texas include their location and specialization. Concerning the former, the following are the highest-paying cities for a masonry worker in Texas:
- Dallas - $42,895 annual average salary,
- San Antonio - $42,410 average yearly salary,
- Houston - $41,959 annual average yearly,
- El Paso - $38,806 annual average yearly,
- Horizon City - $38,806 annual average yearly.
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