How to Become a Stonemason in the UK
Stonemasons cut, shape, carve and fix stone. Banker masons work in a workshop, cutting blocks to templates and carving mouldings and details. Fixer masons install the stone on site, from new building facades to repairs on churches and listed buildings. Memorial masons make and fix headstones.
You don't need qualifications to start. Most stonemasons train through an apprenticeship with a masonry firm, heritage contractor or cathedral workshop, working towards an NVQ in stonemasonry over three to four years.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £24,000 - £30,000
- Mid-career salary
- £32,000 - £42,000
- Senior salary
- £45,000 - £60,000
- Work environment
- On-site, hands-on, often outdoors
- Time to entry
- 3 - 4 years (apprenticeship)
- Degree required
- Not required - apprenticeship route
- Category
- Skilled Trades
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: No-degree careers.
What a Stonemason does
Cut, carve and fix stone for heritage restoration, new builds and memorials.
- Banker Masonry - Work stone at the bench to drawings.
- Fixer Mason - Fix dressed stone on buildings.
- Heritage Restoration - Conservation work on listed buildings.
- Memorial Masonry - Carve and letter memorial stones.
How to become a stonemason in the UK
The main route is an apprenticeship in stonemasonry, combining work with college training towards a Level 2 and then Level 3 NVQ. Full-time college courses in stonemasonry are also available, though fewer colleges offer them. You will need a CSCS card for most sites, which means passing the CITB health, safety and environment test. Heritage masons often add training in conservation and lime mortars. Memorial masons follow industry fixing standards, and many register with the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) or the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM).
- Try stone carving at a taster day or short course, or get work experience at a masonry workshop, to see if you enjoy the work.
- Apply for stonemasonry apprenticeships with masonry firms, heritage contractors, cathedral workshops and memorial masons.
- Work towards your Level 2 and then Level 3 NVQ in stonemasonry, learning to set out templates and read architectural drawings.
- Pass the CITB health, safety and environment test and get your CSCS card so you can work on site as a fixer mason.
- Learn about stone types, lime mortars and traditional techniques if you want to work on historic and listed buildings.
- Choose a specialism such as banker masonry, fixing, heritage restoration, carving or memorial masonry, and build a portfolio of your work.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stonemasonry apprenticeship | 3-4 years | Paid by the employer | School leavers and career changers |
| Full-time college stonemasonry course, then job | 1-2 years | Often free for under-19s, otherwise varies | People who want workshop skills before a job |
| Memorial masonry trainee | 1-3 years | Free, training provided | People interested in memorial work |
| Bricklayer or builder moving into stone | 1-2 years | Varies by provider | Experienced trades people |
How long it takes
You can start an apprenticeship straight away with no qualifications, and becoming fully qualified usually takes three to four years. Experienced bricklayers can often retrain faster.
Stonemason salary in the UK
Apprentice and newly qualified stonemasons usually earn around £24,000 to £30,000. Experienced masons earn about £32,000 to £42,000, and master masons, carvers and site supervisors can earn £45,000 to £60,000. Heritage work and skilled carving often pay more because the skills are scarce. Self-employed masons set their own rates, and income depends on steady work. Pay is also higher in London and the South East, and where travel or overtime is involved.
Key skills
- Hand tools
- Banker masonry
- Fixing
- Drawing reading
- Patience
Stonemason FAQs
How do I become a stonemason in the UK?
Apply for a stonemasonry apprenticeship with a masonry firm, heritage contractor, cathedral workshop or memorial mason. You will train on the job and at college towards a Level 2 and Level 3 NVQ, and need a CSCS card for site work.
Do you need qualifications to be a stonemason?
No qualifications are needed to start an apprenticeship, though some employers ask for GCSEs in English and maths. You will gain an NVQ in stonemasonry during training. A CSCS card is needed for most construction sites.
How much does a stonemason earn?
Starting pay is around £24,000 to £30,000. Experienced stonemasons earn about £32,000 to £42,000, and master masons, carvers and supervisors can earn £45,000 to £60,000.
What is the difference between a banker mason and a fixer mason?
A banker mason works in the workshop, cutting and carving stone at a bench, called a banker. A fixer mason installs the finished stone on site. Many masons do both, especially early in their careers.
Is Stonemason right for you?
Career Compass ranks careers from your interests and priorities and explains every suggestion, with UK routes and trade-offs. See how well Stonemason actually fits you. £19.99 once, full report included.
Comparing stonemason with other careers? A career quiz gives you a type; a proper assessment gives you reasons, routes and trade-offs.