Brickmason Salary - Northeast
High union density, strong wages, competitive apprenticeship programs
Wage figures reflect all brickmasons across all employment types -- union and non-union, residential and commercial, apprentice through master. Union journeymen typically earn above the state median. Non-union residential work typically falls below it. State figures are averages -- wages vary significantly between metro and rural markets within the same state. City-level data coming soon.
The Northeast is the highest-paying region for brickmasons and allied masonry trades in the country. Massachusetts leads the nation at $94,950 median -- the highest nationally -- driven by Boston's powerful BAC locals. Rhode Island at $79,280 and Connecticut at $67,960 both perform significantly above the national median of $62,120. The region's aging building stock, historic preservation work, and strong union presence drive consistent high-wage demand.
BAC locals dominate commercial masonry across the Northeast. Boston, Providence, and Hartford are heavily unionized markets for brick and stone work. Massachusetts BAC locals pay some of the highest masonry scale rates in the country. Historic preservation and restoration work -- a significant niche in New England -- commands premium rates for experienced craftworkers. Vermont and Maine have smaller markets but active BAC programs. Non-union residential masonry exists but major commercial and restoration work is predominantly BAC jurisdiction.
Cost of living in the Northeast is the highest in the country. Massachusetts at 147.8 COL is extreme -- but the masonry wage premium at $94,950 median is large enough that net purchasing power remains strong. Rhode Island at 111.2 and Connecticut at 114.2 are above average. Vermont at 113.0 and Maine at 114.6 are also above average but rural markets offer more affordable options. The Massachusetts wage premium is the strongest in the country for masons.
- →Historic preservation and restoration work across New England's aging building stock -- premium rates for skilled restoration specialists
- →Commercial and institutional brick and masonry construction across Boston, Hartford, and Providence
- →Higher education and healthcare facility masonry construction
- →Residential high-end brick and stone work in coastal and suburban markets
- →Infrastructure masonry -- tunnels, bridges, and retaining walls -- across the region's transportation network
The Northeast is a top destination for traveling masons, particularly Boston. Massachusetts BAC locals pay the highest masonry scale rates in the country. Restoration and historic preservation specialists are in consistent demand and command premium rates above standard journeyman scale. Rhode Island and Connecticut are solid secondary markets. Check RoadDog Jobs and Where2Bro for current openings in Boston.
Effective wage adjusts the BLS median for cost of living -- what your paycheck actually buys relative to the national average.
| State | Median Annual | COL Index | Effective Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $94,950 +$32,830 vs. national | 147.8 | $64,242 +$2,122 vs. national |
| Rhode Island | $79,280 +$17,160 vs. national | 111.2 | $71,295 +$9,175 vs. national |
| Connecticut | $67,960 +$5,840 vs. national | 114.2 | $59,510 $-2,610 vs. national |
| New Hampshire | $66,890 +$4,770 vs. national | 110.1 | $60,754 $-1,366 vs. national |
| Vermont | $59,590 $-2,530 vs. national | 113.0 | $52,735 $-9,385 vs. national |
| Maine | $42,710 $-19,410 vs. national | 114.6 | $37,269 $-24,851 vs. national |
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 - Brickmasons - Cross-Industry, All Ownership
Cost of living data provided by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC). The data has been modified for use from its original source, which is the State of Missouri. THE STATE OF MISSOURI MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTY AS TO THE COMPLETENESS, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, OR CONTENT OF ANY DATA MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS SITE. THE STATE OF MISSOURI EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Data is subject to change as modifications and updates are complete. Use at your own risk.