Stonemasons
Overview
Stonemasons are skilled tradespeople who construct stone structures like piers, walls, and abutments. They also lay stone for walkways, kerbstones, and specialised masonry for vats, tanks, and floors. This role requires precision and craftsmanship to shape and fit stones accurately.
Did you know?
Becoming a stonemason typically involves completing a Certificate III in Stonemasonry through an apprenticeship program. These programs combine on-the-job training with classroom learning and usually take 3-4 years to complete.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$78,000 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Negotiation
Key Responsibilities
- Studies plans and specifications to determine materials required, dimensions and installation procedures
- Erects scaffolding
- Seals foundations with damp resistant materials and spreads layers of mortar to serve as base and binder for blocks, using trowels
- Checks vertical and horizontal alignment
- Cuts, shapes, and polishes stones and bricks using machines and hand tools, and shapes bricks to fit irregular spaces
- Repairs and maintains bricks, cement blocks and related structures
- Designs and cuts monumental masonry including lettering
- Constructs walls using stone slabs and large masonry slab blocks
Career Considerations
Apprenticeship Pathways in Australia
Becoming a stonemason typically involves completing a Certificate III in Stonemasonry through an apprenticeship program. These programs combine on-the-job training with classroom learning and usually take 3-4 years to complete.
Physical Demands and Safety
Stonemasonry is physically demanding work that requires good fitness levels and attention to safety protocols. Workers need to lift heavy materials, work in various weather conditions, and use protective equipment to prevent injury from dust and tools.
Career Opportunities and Specialisation
Stonemasons can specialise in areas like heritage restoration, monument creation, or architectural stonework. With experience, they may become self-employed contractors, supervisors, or start their own stonemasonry businesses.