International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers

BAC Apprenticeship Guide: How to Join the Bricklayers Union in 2026

The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers is the oldest continuously operating union in North America. Founded in 1865, the BAC represents craftworkers across bricklaying, tile setting, terrazzo, marble masonry, cement masonry, and restoration work in the United States and Canada. If you're considering a masonry career, the BAC apprenticeship is the most structured path into the trade.

What the BAC Represents

The BAC covers a wider range of masonry and finish trades than most people realize.

Bricklayers construct walls, facades, fireplaces, chimneys, and other structures using brick, block, and mortar. The core and most recognized BAC trade.

Tile Setters install ceramic, porcelain, stone, and glass tile in floors, walls, and countertops in residential and commercial buildings. One of the fastest-growing specializations within the BAC driven by renovation and new construction demand.

Terrazzo Workers install decorative flooring systems using marble chips, glass, and other aggregates set in cement or epoxy. A specialized finish trade with consistent commercial demand and premium wages for experienced workers.

Marble Masons install marble flooring, cladding, and decorative elements in commercial and institutional buildings. Highly skilled precision work with strong demand in high-end construction.

Cement Masons place and finish concrete flatwork - floors, sidewalks, driveways, and structural slabs.

Restoration and Waterproofing Specialists clean, repair, and restore existing masonry on historic and aging buildings. A growing specialization as aging building stock requires maintenance and preservation.

Refractory Bricklayers install heat-resistant brick and materials in industrial furnaces, kilns, and boilers - a specialized industrial track within the BAC.

How BAC Apprenticeships Work

BAC apprenticeships are administered through local unions and Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees across North America.

Duration is typically 3 years for most BAC trades. Some specializations may require additional training.

OJT Hours total approximately 4,500-6,000 hours of on-the-job training depending on the trade.

Related Training Instruction covers blueprint reading, material identification, layout techniques, safety, and trade-specific skills.

Pay Progression starts at approximately 40-50% of journeyman scale and increases every six months.

Benefits including healthcare are typically available from the start of the apprenticeship.

The BAC also offers specialty certifications through the International Masonry Institute and CTEF that enhance earning potential and demonstrate craft excellence.

How to Apply for a BAC Apprenticeship

Find your local BAC at bacweb.org. The BAC has locals across the United States and Canada - each covers a specific geographic jurisdiction and trade specialization.

Contact your local hall directly. Application windows and requirements vary by local - call and ask specifically about the apprenticeship process and which trades your local covers.

Submit your application. Basic requirements typically include a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and being at least 17 or 18 years old depending on the local.

Complete the interview. Work history, manual dexterity, and motivation are typically evaluated.

Wait for placement. Accepted applicants are dispatched as work becomes available through the local hiring hall.

What You'll Earn as a BAC Apprentice and Journeyman

Pay scales vary by local and trade. Here's a realistic snapshot for 2026:

1st Year Apprentice: $15-$19/hr depending on local and trade

3rd Year Apprentice: $21-$30/hr

Journeyman Bricklayer: $22-$48/hr

Journeyman Tile Setter: $21-$44/hr

Journeyman Terrazzo Worker: $24-$48/hr

Marble Mason: $26-$50/hr

Restoration Specialist: $26-$50/hr

Refractory Bricklayer: $28-$55/hr

Foreman: $38-$65/hr

Specialty work in terrazzo, marble, and restoration commands premium wages. Total compensation including healthcare and pension adds significant value on top of hourly rates.

The International Masonry Institute

The BAC operates the International Masonry Institute, a labor-management cooperation trust that provides training, technical assistance, and research for the masonry industry. IMI training programs are available to BAC members and cover advanced installation techniques, project management, and specialty certifications.

CTEF (Ceramic Tile Education Foundation) certifications are increasingly recognized as the industry standard for tile installation quality. BAC tile setters who hold CTEF certification demonstrate a level of craft excellence that commands premium rates on high-end projects.

Finding Your BAC Local

Go to bacweb.org and use the local finder to locate the union covering your area. Contact the local hall directly and ask for the apprenticeship coordinator. Ask which trades your local covers - BAC locals vary in which specializations they represent, and some areas have separate locals for different trades within the BAC family.