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Mason / Block Layer

Skilled Trades · Construction & Masonry High demand Partly official

Build walls, foundations, columns and structures with concrete blocks, steel and concrete - the backbone of Jamaican homes and buildings. Skilled masons are always needed and many become contractors.

Salary Breakdown

$884,000 JMD – $1,300,000 JMD
0 - 2 years

Helper or apprentice mixing concrete, carrying materials and learning block laying. Floored at the statutory minimum: The national minimum wage is $17,000 per 40-hour week ($425 per hour) from 1 July 2026, so a full-time employee cannot legally be paid less than $884,000 a year. Pay above the floor is an indicative market estimate.

Estimated Take-Home Pay

Based on the midpoint of the Entry salary range ($1,092,000 JMD), after NIS, NHT, Education Tax, and PAYE.

Est. Net / Month$84,463 JMD
Est. Net / Year$1,013,567 JMD
Show deduction breakdown
Gross (annual)
$1,092,000 JMD
NIS (3%)
−$32,760 JMD
NHT (2%)
−$21,840 JMD
Education Tax
−$23,832 JMD
PAYE Income Tax
−$0 JMD
Net (annual)
$1,013,567 JMD

Estimate only — illustrative rates and thresholds, not tax advice. Confirm current figures with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

Career Path Roadmap

  1. 1

    Learn the Basics

    CSEC Building Technology and Mathematics help with measurements and reading plans.

    Secondary school
  2. 2

    Get Masonry Training

    Complete HEART/NSTA Trust Masonry training (NVQ-J Level 1-2).

    6 months - 1 year
  3. 3

    Work as Apprentice

    Build skills on real sites in block laying, steel work, formwork and plastering.

    1 - 3 years
  4. 4

    Get Certified at Higher Levels

    Earn NVQ-J Level 3 and learn to read building plans and estimate materials.

    1 - 2 years
  5. 5

    Become Foreman or Contractor

    Supervise site crews or take your own building contracts.

    3+ years
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Required Education

  • CSEC Mathematics and Building Technology (advantage)
  • HEART/NSTA Trust Masonry certificate
  • Ability to read building plans

Common Local Certifications

  • HEART/NSTA - NVQ-J Level 2 and Level 3 in Masonry (Qualifications Registry of Jamaica)
  • Construction site safety training
  • Plan reading & estimating short courses

Local Institutions Offering Programs

  • HEART/NSTA Trust
  • Employer route: construction contractor apprenticeships
  • Community colleges (construction technology)