The construction industry is a multidimensional one that employs different workers with a variety of skill sets. From skilled professionals to apprentices and unskilled laborers, it is an industry where there is a place for everyone. One of the major jobs in this industry is masonry. Here, we compare a mason’s job with a laborer to examine the differences between the two.

Mason

A mason is an experienced and skilled tradesperson who can carry out a different construction aspect without supervision and supervise other less qualified professionals in performing the same tasks. Their skills include reading blueprints, creating structures, and other things. Masons work with different materials such as bricks, blocks, stones, etc.

Laborers

While a mason’s job is a skilled one that requires expertise, there are parts of the job where skills are not essential. For these parts of the job, the laborer serves as a helper for the masons. By using the laborers for routine jobs, the mason can focus on laying bricks’ actual work. Their job includes transporting the bricks, cutting bricks, mixing grout and mortar, and many others. Their work generally overlaps that of the apprentice, and sometimes these laborers usually end up as masons themselves.

Differences between Mason and Laborers

Skillset

The significant difference between masons and laborers is the skill set of the two. A laborer does not necessarily need to have any skills since most of the work done is routine tasks that do not require any expertise. Thus, a laborer does not require any experience for the job. However, a laborer will Still need to have basic knowledge of equipment, masonry techniques, and materials, and must have the stamina and physical strength for the job.

For a mason, the skillset is essential as the job requires expertise –  Every part of the job, from reading the blueprints to translating it appropriately, laying bricks, and other things. In short, all the skilled part of the job is handled by the mason.

Salary

The salary is also a significant difference between laborers and masons. The laborers, serving as mason helpers, are projected to collect about $31,110 

according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For those in the top ten percent, their salary is approximately $46,920. On the other hand, a mason collects an average of $50,370. However, those in the top ten percentile earn as much as $77,790 or more annually.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a laborer include:

Assisting the mason in the general performance of his duties

Transportation of bricks and other buildings materials to the working area or scaffold

Cutting bricks that would be used for patterns, arches, corners, and different complex designs 

Performing tasks such as preparing the surface, repairing structures, and other chores as determined by the mason

The responsibilities of a mason include:

Conclusion: determining the amount of material needed for a job, and this is done by providing reading and correctly interpreting the blueprint.

Laying out bricks, foundations, patterns, etc. and installing sidewalks and other concrete installations.

Conclusion

 A laborer and Mason both work side by side on construction projects. However, while a mason can work without a laborer, a laborer cannot work without a mason.