Mason at John Smith Masonry

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at John Smith Masonry in St. Louis, MO

About This Program

John Smith Masonry sponsors this non-union Mason Apprenticeship program located in St. Louis, MO. The time-based, employer-sponsored program is registered with the federal apprenticeship system and provides paid, structured training for individuals starting a career in the masonry trades.

The 3-year program includes 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in brick, block, and stone laying; mortar mixing and application; construction drawing interpretation; job site layout; and the safe use of masonry tools and equipment. Technical instruction covers masonry fundamentals, trade mathematics, materials science, and occupational safety standards.

Graduates earn journey-level mason credentials recognized throughout the construction industry. St. Louis offers a robust market for skilled masonry work across commercial, residential, and historic restoration projects, and journey-level masons with formal apprenticeship credentials are well-prepared to pursue a range of project types and advance their careers over time.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$24

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

6,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

432

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

3 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.

Mason Career Outlook

National Median

$24.19/hr

~$50,315.2/yr

Apprentice Start

$15/hr

Earn while you learn

Job Outlook

Mason employment is projected to grow moderately, supported by commercial construction and infrastructure investment. Demand is strongest in regions with active building and renovation markets. Retirements in the existing workforce are creating additional openings. Masons with restoration skills or concrete finishing certifications have the best prospects.

What to Expect as a Mason Apprentice

Duration

3 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction

On-the-Job Training

~40 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (6,000 total hours)

Classroom Instruction

432 hours of related technical instruction (~144 hours/year)

Paid Training

You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress

Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Mason

Apprenticeship

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration3 years
Starting wage$15.00/hr
Journeyman wage$24.19/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

See something wrong? Help us improve this page.