The role of a masonry worker requires highly specific skills and a unique understanding of how to manipulate natural and man-made objects to produce wonderful structures. Below, we look at everything required to acquire these skills as an aspiring masonry worker in Washington state.
We also look at the steps required once these skills have been acquired, such as the certification and licensure requirements.
To ensure that interested individuals get the right training at an appropriate institution, we have included some of the most prominent training schools to receive top-class instruction as future masonry workers in Washington.
How to Become a Masonry Worker in Washington
Below are the steps to starting a career as a masonry worker in Washington.
Basic Preparation
Aspiring masonry workers in Washington are advised to prepare for training by having their high school diploma or GED ready. Having a foundation in high school mathematics, English, and technical-related subjects will also allow them to start their careers much faster.
Preparation is also not limited to educational topics alone. Candidates can prepare for masonry requirements by getting into a solid physical shape. This will help a lot since the field involves a lot of heavy lifting, standing, and kneeling.
Core Skills Preparation
Candidates should also prepare to acquire skills to help them stand out. For example, apart from the actual technical skills, future masons in Washington may train themselves to be attentive to detail and embrace challenging scenarios requiring great problem-solving.
Apprenticeship Training
Aspiring masonry workers often go with apprenticeship training for their actual masonry retraining. Through this arrangement, they will learn everything they need to know to start their careers, including technical, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
Most apprenticeship programs, including classroom instructions and hands-on training, can be completed in 2 to 4 years. Masonry apprenticeship programs can be organized by community colleges, vocational schools, and trade unions in the area.
Continual Improvements
Lastly, even after acquiring the expertise needed to practice professionally, a masonry worker must keep improving by participating in workshops, seminars, and other continuing education avenues. They may also consider some of the certification options we dive into below.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
According to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, masonry contractors in the state must be registered before they can start taking up contracts. The state classifies two different categories of contractors, which include the general contractors and the specialty contractors.
For the registration, candidates must fulfill certain requirements involving choosing a business structure and a business name, purchasing surety bonds and insurance, and paying a registration fee.
A contractor license only applies to those who will not be working under masonry contractors in the state. Certification is optional, but candidates may apply for the Certified Bricklayer credential from the National Concrete Masonry Association to further their careers.
Top Masonry Schools in Washington
The following are some of the top masonry training programs in Washington.
Western Washington Masonry Trades
Western Washington Masonry Trades Institute, in conjunction with the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1, offers residents who fall into the zone the opportunity to acquire rigorous apprenticeship training to become professional masons.
Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and a high-school diploma or GED to enroll.
Seattle Central College
Candidates searching for more comprehensive training encompassing an array of construction fields and specialty areas may enroll in the residential construction program Seattle Central College offers. The program includes a combination of both classroom and hands-on training sessions.
Notable Mentions
Other top-quality training programs for masons in Washington include the Cement Masons and Plasterers of Washington’s apprenticeship program and the government-backed training program offered by Washington Building Trades.
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Salary & Career Outlook
In Washington, masonry workers earn an annual average salary of $49,939 – a figure that is an impressive 17% higher than the national average. Masons in the state can also earn higher than this figure, depending on where they fall in the salary spectrum.
Those in the top 10% make an average of around $90,506 yearly, while those in the bottom 10% earn an annual average salary of $27,555.
Experience and establishment of employment play significant roles in deciding where a masonry worker will fall in the salary spectrum, as does location. Everett, Maple Valley, and Vancouver are the highest-paying cities for masons in Washington state, with average salaries of $82,105, $63,782, and $50,605 annually.
They are followed by Seattle and Cle Elum, with annual average salaries of $48,842 and $47,040.
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