Brickmason Salary - Southwest
Massive construction growth driving demand, wages below national median
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 Southwest is a volume market for masonry trades with Texas employing over 4,300 brickmasons. However wages across the region cluster below the national median. The region's growth markets -- Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, Austin -- drive consistent residential and commercial masonry demand but right-to-work environments keep wages suppressed. Tile setters and stone masons in high-end residential and commercial markets can earn above the state median.
BAC union density is low across the Southwest. Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico are right-to-work states with limited BAC market share. Non-union masonry contractors dominate the market. BAC locals exist in major metros but commercial market share is limited. High-end residential tile and stone work -- a significant market in affluent Phoenix, Dallas, and Austin markets -- often involves skilled non-union craftworkers commanding premium rates.
The Southwest offers below-average cost of living. Texas at 90.7 and Oklahoma at 83.5 are well below the national average. New Mexico at 89.9 is affordable. Arizona at 107.6 has appreciated significantly with Phoenix's growth. For masonry trades, Texas and Oklahoma offer the best combination of steady work and affordable living despite below-median wages.
- →Residential brick and masonry construction across Phoenix, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Antonio
- →Commercial tile and stone work in high-end retail, hospitality, and office construction
- →High-end residential tile setting and stone masonry in affluent Southwest markets
- →Healthcare and institutional masonry construction across major metros
- →Restaurant, retail, and hospitality tile and stone work
The Southwest offers steady masonry work but wages below union market rates. Tile setters and stone masons with high-end residential or commercial experience can earn above the state median in Phoenix and Dallas markets. For traveling masons the Gulf Coast and major commercial markets in Texas are the primary opportunities. Check RoadDog Jobs and Where2Bro for current openings.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $59,260 $-2,860 vs. national | 107.6 | $55,074 $-7,046 vs. national |
| Texas | $56,410 $-5,710 vs. national | 90.7 | $62,194 +$74 vs. national |
| Oklahoma | $50,620 $-11,500 vs. national | 83.5 | $60,623 $-1,497 vs. national |
| New Mexico | $44,980 $-17,140 vs. national | 89.9 | $50,033 $-12,087 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.