Bricklayer & Mason Jobs Ottawa: Career Guide, Salary & Training 2026
Bricklayer & Mason Jobs in Ottawa: Your Complete 2026 Career Guide
Ottawa's unique blend of heritage architecture and modern construction creates exceptional opportunities for skilled bricklayers and masons. From restoring Parliament Hill's historic stonework to building new brick facades in Kanata's tech parks, masons are in high demand across the National Capital Region. This guide covers everything about masonry careers in Ottawa for 2026.
Types of Masonry Work in Ottawa
- Heritage restoration — preserving and repairing Ottawa's historic limestone and brick buildings, including Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market
- Commercial masonry — brick and block construction for Ottawa's office buildings, schools, and hospitals
- Residential masonry — brick veneer, stone accents, and masonry fireplaces for new Ottawa homes
- Structural masonry — load-bearing brick and block work for multi-unit residential buildings
- Decorative stonework — custom stone features, retaining walls, and landscaping elements
- Refractory masonry — high-temperature brickwork for industrial applications
Bricklayer & Mason Salary in Ottawa
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Mason (Year 1-2) | $20 - $27/hr | $42,000 - $56,000 |
| Apprentice Mason (Year 3-4) | $27 - $35/hr | $56,000 - $73,000 |
| Journeyman Bricklayer | $33 - $45/hr | $69,000 - $94,000 |
| Heritage Restoration Specialist | $38 - $52/hr | $79,000 - $108,000 |
| Masonry Foreman / Contractor | $42 - $60/hr | $87,000 - $125,000 |
Source: Ontario Ministry of Labour, BAC Local 2 Ontario wage data, and Indeed.ca Ottawa listings (2026).
How to Become a Bricklayer/Mason in Ontario
Ontario Bricklayer Apprenticeship
Ontario's bricklayer apprenticeship is a 4-year program with approximately 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 240 hours of in-school technical training per year. You'll learn bricklaying techniques, stone masonry, blueprint reading, heritage conservation methods, and Ontario Building Code compliance.
Required Certifications
- Ontario Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) — mandatory for journeyperson status
- Red Seal Endorsement — interprovincial recognition, valuable for heritage work across Canada
- Working at Heights — required for most Ottawa construction sites
- Heritage conservation training — specialized courses for working on Ottawa's historic buildings
- WHMIS and First Aid — standard safety requirements
Unique Opportunities: Heritage Masonry in Ottawa
Ottawa offers unique career opportunities in heritage restoration that few other Canadian cities can match. The National Capital Commission, Parks Canada, and private heritage consultants regularly seek skilled masons for projects on Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal structures, and ByWard Market buildings. Heritage masons often earn premium rates due to the specialized skills required.
Job Outlook for Bricklayers in Ottawa 2026
The outlook for bricklayers and masons in Ottawa is strong. Ottawa's construction boom, combined with ongoing heritage restoration needs and an aging workforce (average age 48), means excellent job security. Skilled masons who can work on both new construction and heritage projects are particularly sought after.
Find Bricklayer & Mason Jobs in Ottawa
Browse current masonry job openings across Ottawa and Ontario on TradesON's trades directory. From apprenticeship positions to heritage restoration specialist roles, masonry careers are thriving in the National Capital Region.