Stonemason
Also known as: tombstone carver, architectural stone mason, stone carver, structural stoneworker, memorial stonemason, heritage stone mason
About this occupation
Stonemasons manually carve and assemble stone for construction purposes. While CNC operated carving equipment is the industry standard, artisanal carving for ornamental stone is still done manually.
Essential skills and knowledge
- secure working area
- use safety equipment in construction
- use stonemason's chisel
- inspect stone surface
- building codes
- prepare stone for smoothing
- operate grinding hand tools
- transport construction supplies
- mark stone workpieces
- types of stone for working
- regulate cutting speed
- follow health and safety procedures in construction
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Stonemasons (O*NET 47-2022.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Set vertical and horizontal alignment of structures, using plumb bob, gauge line, and level.
- Lay out wall patterns or foundations, using straight edge, rule, or staked lines.
- Set stone or marble in place, according to layout or pattern.
- Remove wedges, fill joints between stones, finish joints between stones, using a trowel, and smooth the mortar to an attractive finish, using a tuck pointer.
- Clean excess mortar or grout from surface of marble, stone, or monument, using sponge, brush, water, or acid.
- Shape, trim, face and cut marble or stone preparatory to setting, using power saws, cutting equipment, and hand tools.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Artistic
Top skills: Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management, Coordination, Operations Monitoring
US median pay: US$57,390 a year (2025), 7,820 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionExtremely important (4.7)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (3.7)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.7)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.1)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons
- Tile and Stone Setters
- Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing
- Terrazzo Workers and Finishers
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons
- Segmental Pavers
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.