New York has some of the most active construction markets in the country, and masonry is woven into nearly every part of it. From Manhattan high-rises to brownstone restorations in Brooklyn to new commercial builds in Buffalo and Albany, masons are in steady demand across the state. Here is a clear picture of what the masonry market looks like in New York right now.
What Masons Earn in New York
New York is one of the highest-paying states in the country for masonry work, driven largely by the New York City metro and the strong union presence throughout the state.
Entry-level masons and apprentices in New York are typically earning between $24 and $32 an hour. That starting range is noticeably higher than most other states, which reflects both the cost of living and the strength of labor agreements in the region.
Journeyman masons in New York City with a few years of experience are averaging $45 to $65 an hour under union scale. The Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers union locals in New York have some of the strongest contracts in the country. Total compensation including pension and benefits pushes well above $150,000 a year for full-time journeymen in the metro.
Outside New York City, in markets like Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, and Buffalo, union scale is lower but still strong. Journeymen in those areas are averaging $30 to $45 an hour. Non-union masons in upstate markets typically earn $22 to $35 an hour depending on the employer and the type of work.
Foremen and supervisors on commercial masonry projects in New York earn at the top of the scale. Large institutional projects, including hospitals, universities, and government facilities, pay well and tend to run for extended periods.
Where the Work Is
New York City is the obvious anchor. The density of construction activity, the restoration and preservation work on older buildings, and the constant cycle of commercial and residential development keep masonry crews employed year-round. Concrete and brick work on new high-rise construction, facade restoration on existing buildings, and interior masonry on commercial interiors are all active segments.
Long Island has strong residential masonry demand. Retaining walls, brick pavers, stone work, and chimney repair on the dense housing stock across Nassau and Suffolk counties keep smaller masonry contractors busy continuously.
The Hudson Valley and Westchester have a mix of high-end residential stone and brick work alongside commercial projects. Craftspeople who specialize in natural stone and ornamental masonry have particular opportunities in these markets.
Upstate New York has consistent industrial and institutional masonry tied to manufacturing facilities, university campuses, and state government construction. Albany, Rochester, and Buffalo each have enough volume to support a solid regional masonry market.
Union Masonry in New York
New York is one of the most heavily unionized construction markets in the country. The Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, BAC, have locals throughout the state and their contracts are among the strongest in the trades.
BAC apprenticeship programs in New York are structured and well-funded. The training covers brickwork, block, stone, tile, terrazzo, and refractory work. Apprentices earn while they learn and the progression to journeyman is clear. Getting into the union in New York, particularly in the city, is competitive but worth pursuing if you plan to build a long career in the trade.
Commercial masonry work in New York City is almost entirely union. If you want to work on the major projects, union membership is the path.
Non-Union and Residential Work
Outside the city and away from large commercial projects, non-union masonry has a significant presence in New York. Residential contractors doing driveways, patios, retaining walls, outdoor fireplaces, and brick repair work operate throughout the suburbs and upstate markets.
For masons who prefer more flexibility in their schedule and project selection, the residential non-union market in New York offers good opportunities. The pay is lower than union commercial work but the variety of projects and the ability to build client relationships has real value.
Finding Masonry Work in New York
New York’s masonry market rewards people who make themselves easy to find. Contractors move fast when they need workers, and having your availability and skills visible is the difference between getting the call and missing it.
Create a free worker profile on FindLaborJobs.com with your masonry specialty and your preferred work location in New York. Contractors across the state use the site to find available workers directly, no middlemen, no staffing fees.
Browse current masonry jobs in New York on FindLaborJobs.com and apply in minutes.