What does a mason tender do?
A mason tender is an onsite assistant to a stonemason. They are tasked with keeping the job site clean, maintaining, constructing surfaces and structures from brick and stone, making minor repairs, following the provided blueprints and plans to complete a project, maintaining tools, transporting materials, helping lay tile, preparing the grout used to hold the brick together, applying grout, and at times chipping out the old grout using chisels and saws. They do a lot of behind-the-scenes tasks so that a mason can handle the complex brickwork.
Mason tender responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real mason tender resumes:
- Manage and run small crew to complete jobs.
- Install concrete flooring; perform bricklaying and block laying.
- Perform demolition work, bricklaying and block laying as needed.
- Operate forklift, bobcat, lull, scissor lift, mixer, demolition see and power tools.
- Erect scaffolding providing a platform for workers
- Work efficiently following OSHA requirements and standards.
- Ensure the historical integrity of properties through application of masonry techniques and detail cosmetic repairs.
- Tap block with trowel to level, align and emb in mortar, allowing specify thickness of joint.
- Operate equipment such as forklifts, scissor lifts, bobcats and trucks.
- Slice and pit fruit for garnishing drinks.
Mason tender skills and personality traits
We calculated that 40% of Mason Tenders are proficient in Scaffolding, OSHA, and Mix Mortar. They’re also known for soft skills such as Math skills, Mechanical skills, and Color vision.
We break down the percentage of Mason Tenders that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Scaffolding, 40%
Erected scaffolding providing a platform for workers
- OSHA, 18%
Worked efficiently following OSHA requirements and standards.
- Mix Mortar, 5%
General Labor-Grinding/Cleaning joints-Tuck pointing-Measure/Mix mortar-Repairs, Rebuilds, New, and Historic Restorations
- Conveyance, 4%
Transport materials, tools, or machines to installation sites, manually or using conveyance equipment.
- Construction Sites, 4%
Handled various labor assignments as needed at various construction sites.
- Power Saws, 3%
Cut materials to specified sizes for installation using power saws using proper PPE.
Most mason tenders use their skills in "scaffolding," "osha," and "mix mortar" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential mason tender responsibilities here:
Math skills. One of the key soft skills for a mason tender to have is math skills. You can see how this relates to what mason tenders do because "construction laborers and some helpers need to perform basic math calculations while measuring on jobsites or assisting a surveying crew." Additionally, a mason tender resume shows how mason tenders use math skills: "use basic math and geometry to calculate angles and alignment to ensure correct placement of bricks and blocks. "
Mechanical skills. Many mason tender duties rely on mechanical skills. "construction laborers are frequently required to operate and maintain equipment, such as jackhammers.," so a mason tender will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways mason tender responsibilities rely on mechanical skills: "lay brick and block efficiently while providing excellent craftsmanship lay glass block along with stone and tile performed carpentry and mechanical work"
Color vision. mason tenders are also known for color vision, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to mason tender responsibilities, because "construction laborers and helpers may need to be able to distinguish colors to do their job." A mason tender resume example shows how color vision is used in the workplace: "master finisher supervised job sites and ran crew obtained job estimates formed and poured concrete colored and stamped concrete operated skid loader"
Physical strength. mason tender responsibilities often require "physical strength." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "construction laborers and helpers must often lift heavy materials or equipment." This resume example shows what mason tenders do with physical strength on a typical day: "provide physical labor including lifting/transferring masonry blocks and supplies. "
The three companies that hire the most mason tenders are:
- Tradesmen International2 mason tenders jobs
- Goodwin Recruiting2 mason tenders jobs
- Mid-Continental Restoration1 mason tenders jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable mason tender resume templates
Build a professional mason tender resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your mason tender resume.Compare different mason tenders
Mason tender vs. Plumber helper
A plumber helper is responsible for assisting the head plumber in installing plumbing systems, conducting preventive maintenance, and repairing broken components. Plumber helpers inspect and maintain the stability and condition of all the plumbing equipment to avoid potential hazards and ensure no delays in operations. They also adjust pipe systems, replace outdated gutters, and adhere to the highest safety standards and protocols during operations. A plumber helper must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills to perform services under minimal supervision and strict timetables.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a mason tender are more likely to require skills like "scaffolding," "osha," "safety standards," and "mix mortar." On the other hand, a job as a plumber helper requires skills like "hand tools," "plumbing," "cast iron," and "ladders." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Plumber helpers really shine in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $44,138. Comparatively, mason tenders tend to make the most money in the construction industry with an average salary of $45,333.plumber helpers tend to reach similar levels of education than mason tenders. In fact, plumber helpers are 0.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Mason tender vs. Pipe foreman
A pipe foreman oversees the daily operations of piping projects, from planning to execution, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. They manage different teams, supervise the installation and maintenance of pipes, prepare and process documentation, set objectives and guidelines, delegate tasks and schedules among staff, liaise with external parties such as vendors and suppliers, and maintain an active communication line with clients or representatives. Moreover, a pipe foreman monitors all activities while implementing the company's safety standards and policies for a safe and efficient workflow.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that mason tender responsibilities requires skills like "scaffolding," "mix mortar," "conveyance," and "power saws." But a pipe foreman might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "hand tools," "ladders," "pipe systems," and "storm sewer."
Pipe foremen earn similar levels of education than mason tenders in general. They're 0.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Mason tender vs. Journeyman
A journeyman is an experienced worker whose role will vary on the line of industry where one is involved. They work without supervision from a master craftsman. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around performing manual work such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical tasks, and other forms of trade. Furthermore, a journeyman can choose whether to work independently or to be part of a business entity. They can also recruit and train an apprentice, or even pursue to become a master in their preferred field.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a mason tender is likely to be skilled in "scaffolding," "mix mortar," "conveyance," and "construction sites," while a typical journeyman is skilled in "hand tools," "work ethic," "strong work ethic," and "hvac."
Journeymen earn the best pay in the construction industry, where they command an average salary of $62,379. Mason tenders earn the highest pay from the construction industry, with an average salary of $45,333.When it comes to education, journeymen tend to earn similar degree levels compared to mason tenders. In fact, they're 1.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Mason tender vs. Tile layer helper
Even though a few skill sets overlap between mason tenders and tile layer helpers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a mason tender might have more use for skills like "scaffolding," "osha," "safety standards," and "mix mortar." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of tile layer helpers require skills like "bathroom floors," "unload materials," "demo," and "tape measure. "
Tile layer helpers enjoy the best pay in the construction industry, with an average salary of $36,778. For comparison, mason tenders earn the highest salary in the construction industry.tile layer helpers reach similar levels of education compared to mason tenders, in general. The difference is that they're 1.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of mason tender
Updated January 8, 2025











