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How a brickmason / blockmason can use AI, task by task

O*NET 47-2021.00: Brickmasons and BlockmasonsMedian pay $62,120/year (BLS, May 2025)14 tasksJob Zone 2: Some preparation

Lay and bind building materials, such as brick, structural tile, concrete block, cinder block, glass block, and terra-cotta block, with mortar and other substances, to construct or repair walls, partitions, arches, sewers, and other structures.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Block Layer, Block Mason, Blockmason, Brick and Block Mason, Brick Mason, Bricklayer, Mason, Masonry Installer, Tender.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 9%AI-assist 8%Stays human 83%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 1 AI-ready, 1 AI-assist and 12 human-led tasks out of 14. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

  1. Calculate angles and courses and determine vertical and horizontal alignment of courses.Plan & schedule · Daily
  2. Interpret blueprints and drawings to determine specifications and to calculate the materials required.Read & digest · Daily

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

  1. Measure distance from reference points and mark guidelines to lay out work, using plumb bobs and levels.Hands-on work · Several times a day
  2. Remove excess mortar with trowels and hand tools, and finish mortar joints with jointing tools, for a sealed, uniform appearance.Hands-on work · Several times a day
  3. Construct corners by fastening in plumb position a corner pole or building a corner pyramid of bricks, and filling in between the corners using a line from corner to corner to guide each course, or layer, of brick.Hands-on work · Daily

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

AI can draft these 1

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Calculate angles and courses and determine vertical and horizontal alignment of courses.

Daily

AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist for you to adjust.

Show prompt & steps

Describe the goal, the people and the constraints, and AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist. You adjust it to what you know about real life on the ground.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a brickmason / blockmason. Part of my job is to calculate angles and courses and determine vertical and horizontal alignment of courses.

Context: We use CPR Visual Estimator and Estimating software; the work draws on building and construction, design and production and processing.
Job: [solar install, masonry]
Site: [dimensions, constraints]

Plan layout, alignment and sequence. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Installation layout plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you calculate angles and courses and determine vertical and horizontal (today).
Step 2Fill in [Job] and [Site] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Plan layout of construction, installation, or repairs..

AI can help you prep these 1

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Interpret blueprints and drawings to determine specifications and to calculate the materials required.

Daily

AI gives you a first-pass summary; you still read the key parts.

Show prompt & steps

AI can pull out the key points and questions to look for. Use it as a first pass, then look closely yourself.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a brickmason / blockmason. Part of my job is to interpret blueprints and drawings to determine specifications and to calculate the materials required.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and production and processing.
Blueprint or spec notes: [type the dimensions, callouts, notes and revision]
Job: [what I'm building, installing or calibrating]

List the work requirements: dimensions, materials, tolerances, code references and inspection points. Flag anything that looks inconsistent or missing from the notes.

10-minute exercise: Read a print for work requirements

Step 1Take the print or spec for an upcoming job.
Step 2Type the key callouts into [Blueprint or spec notes] and describe the [Job].
Step 3Check every number against the drawing itself. AI only sees what you typed.

Remove names and private details before pasting, and check your employer's rules on what you can share with AI tools.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.. Also involves: Estimate materials requirements for projects..

These stay human 12

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Outdoors in all weather: every day · Standing: continually or almost continually · Around hazardous equipment: every day · Using hands on tools and objects: more than half the time

Measure distance from reference points and mark guidelines to lay out work, using plumb bobs and levels.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a brickmason / blockmason. Part of my job is to measure distance from reference points and mark guidelines to lay out work, using plumb bobs and levels.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and production and processing.
Material: [plate, foundation]
Blueprint: [key points]

List measuring and marking steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Reference point marking

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you measure distance.
Step 2Fill in [Material] and [Blueprint] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Mark reference points on construction materials.. Also involves: Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly..

Remove excess mortar with trowels and hand tools, and finish mortar joints with jointing tools, for a sealed, uniform appearance.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a brickmason / blockmason. Part of my job is to remove excess mortar with trowels and hand tools, and finish mortar joints with jointing tools, for a sealed, uniform appearance.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and production and processing.
Material: [mortar, grout]
Surface: [stone, brick]

List timing and tools to remove excess. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Clean-up of excess material

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you remove excess mortar.
Step 2Fill in [Material] and [Surface] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Remove excess materials from finished construction projects.. Also involves: Apply mortar..

Construct corners by fastening in plumb position a corner pole or building a corner pyramid of bricks, and filling in between the corners using a line from corner to corner to guide each course, or layer, of brick.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a brickmason / blockmason. Part of my job is to construct corners by fastening in plumb position a corner pole or building a corner pyramid of bricks, and filling in between the corners using a line from corner to corner to guide each course, or layer, of brick.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and production and processing.
Work: [wall, corner, firebox]
Materials: [brick, block, refractory]

List layout steps, plumb and level checks, mortar joints and curing. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Masonry install plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you construct corners (today).
Step 2Fill in [Work] and [Materials] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check refractory and mortar specs against the manufacturer's data.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Install masonry materials..

Break or cut bricks, tiles, or blocks to size, using trowel edge, hammer, or power saw.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a brickmason / blockmason. Part of my job is to break or cut bricks, tiles, or blocks to size, using trowel edge, hammer, or power saw.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and production and processing.
Material: [brick, tile, stone]
Cuts: [describe]

List tools, dust control and steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Cutting masonry

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you break or cut bricks, tiles and blocks.
Step 2Fill in [Material] and [Cuts] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Use water or dust extraction and eye protection.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Cut tile, stone, or other masonry materials..

Apply and smooth mortar or other mixture over work surface.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a brickmason / blockmason. Part of my job is to apply and smooth mortar or other mixture over work surface.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and production and processing.
Work: [brick, stone]
Mortar: [type]

List bed, joint and tooling steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Mortaring technique

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you apply and smooth mortar or other mixture over work surface.
Step 2Fill in [Work] and [Mortar] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Apply mortar..

Clean working surface to remove scale, dust, soot, or chips of brick and mortar, using broom, wire brush, or scraper.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a brickmason / blockmason. Part of my job is to clean working surface to remove scale, dust, soot, or chips of brick and mortar, using broom, wire brush, or scraper.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and production and processing.
Surface: [painting, brick, artwork]
Contaminants: [dust, soot, accretions]

List cleaning methods and tests. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Surface prep routine

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you clean working surface (today).
Step 2Fill in [Surface] and [Contaminants] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Clean surfaces in preparation for work activities..

Fasten or fuse brick or other building material to structure with wire clamps, anchor holes, torch, or cement.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a brickmason / blockmason. Part of my job is to fasten or fuse brick or other building material to structure with wire clamps, anchor holes, torch, or cement.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and production and processing.
Work: [wall, corner, firebox]
Materials: [brick, block, refractory]

List layout steps, plumb and level checks, mortar joints and curing. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Masonry install plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you fasten fuse brick or other building material (today).
Step 2Fill in [Work] and [Materials] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check refractory and mortar specs against the manufacturer's data.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Install masonry materials..

Examine brickwork or structure to determine need for repair.

Weekly

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a brickmason / blockmason. Part of my job is to examine brickwork or structure to determine need for repair.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and production and processing.
Site: [building, structure, premises]
What I check: [brickwork, roof, climate, pests]

Make a condition survey checklist, a repair priority scale, and a report template. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Site condition survey

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you examine brickwork or structure (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Site] and [What I check] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Write your repair list with the priority scale.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Inspect work sites to determine condition or necessary repairs..

Mix specified amounts of sand, clay, dirt, or mortar powder with water to form refractory mixtures.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a brickmason / blockmason. Part of my job is to mix specified amounts of sand, clay, dirt, or mortar powder with water to form refractory mixtures.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and production and processing.
Material: [mortar, grout, refractory]
Job conditions: [temperature, area, application]

List mix proportions, water amount, working time and curing notes. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Mortar or grout mix

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you mix specified amounts of sand, clay and dirt (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Material] and [Job conditions] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities..

Remove burned or damaged brick or mortar, using sledgehammer, crowbar, chipping gun, or chisel.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a brickmason / blockmason. Part of my job is to remove burned or damaged brick or mortar, using sledgehammer, crowbar, chipping gun, or chisel.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and production and processing.
Material: [brick, mortar, sections]
Tools: [hammers, chipping gun]

List safe removal steps and PPE. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Demolition and removal prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you remove burned or damaged brick or mortar.
Step 2Fill in [Material] and [Tools] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Remove worn, damaged or outdated materials from work areas..

Lay and align bricks, blocks, or tiles to build or repair structures or high temperature equipment, such as cupola, kilns, ovens, or furnaces.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a brickmason / blockmason. Part of my job is to lay and align bricks, blocks, or tiles to build or repair structures or high temperature equipment, such as cupola, kilns, ovens, or furnaces.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and production and processing.
Work: [wall, corner, firebox]
Materials: [brick, block, refractory]

List layout steps, plumb and level checks, mortar joints and curing. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Masonry install plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you lay and align bricks, blocks and tiles.
Step 2Fill in [Work] and [Materials] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check refractory and mortar specs against the manufacturer's data.

Importance 3.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Install masonry materials.. Also involves: Align masonry materials..

Spray or spread refractory material over brickwork to protect against deterioration.

A few times a year

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a brickmason / blockmason. Part of my job is to spray or spread refractory material over brickwork to protect against deterioration.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and production and processing.
Surface: [brickwork, floor]
Product: [sealant, coating]

List prep, coats and cure times. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Sealant application

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you spray or spread refractory material over brickwork.
Step 2Fill in [Surface] and [Product] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check the data sheet for cure times before traffic.

Importance 2.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Apply sealants or other protective coatings..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

  • Operations Monitoringimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  • Quality Control Analysisimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Critical Thinkingimportance 3.1/5
    Used in: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  • Time Managementimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  • Complex Problem Solvingimportance 2.9/5
    Used in: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  • Judgment and Decision Makingimportance 2.9/5
    Used in: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 1 new or updated task here: 0 AI-ready, 0 AI-assist, 1 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

Use drone technology to inspect and assess the condition of tall structures.

New in O*NET

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a brickmason / blockmason. Part of my job is to use drone technology to inspect and assess the condition of tall structures.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and production and processing.
Job details: [drone technology: materials, specs, model numbers, site conditions]

Make me a pre-job checklist to use drone technology (tools, materials, safety steps), the key measurements or calculations to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job when I'm done. Flag anything to check against the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Pre-job checklist: drone technology

Step 1Before you next use drone technology, put the real materials, specs and site conditions in [Job details].
Step 2Strike anything that doesn't match your manual or site rules. Add the steps only experience teaches.
Step 3After the job, log it with the 3-line template and note one thing to do faster or safer next time.

New O*NET task (05/2025). O*NET hasn't linked it to work activities yet, so it was labelled by hand.

Getting into this job

High school diploma is most common (70% of workers)

  • High school or less 84%
  • Certificate or some college 13%
  • Associate's 3%
  • On-the-job training: 2–4 years
  • Related experience: 1–2 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Intuit QuickBooksMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Windows

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