Brickmasons and Blockmasons

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 1 (7%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 13 (93%)

• Interpret blueprints and drawings to determine specifications and to calculate the materials required.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Measure distance from reference points and mark guidelines to lay out work, using plumb bobs and levels.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Construct corners by fastening in plumb position a corner pole or building a corner pyramid of bricks, and filling in between the corners using a line from corner to corner to guide each course, or layer, of brick.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Apply and smooth mortar or other mixture over work surface.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Calculate angles and courses and determine vertical and horizontal alignment of courses.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Break or cut bricks, tiles, or blocks to size, using trowel edge, hammer, or power saw.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Remove excess mortar with trowels and hand tools, and finish mortar joints with jointing tools, for a sealed, uniform appearance.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Fasten or fuse brick or other building material to structure with wire clamps, anchor holes, torch, or cement.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean working surface to remove scale, dust, soot, or chips of brick and mortar, using broom, wire brush, or scraper.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Examine brickwork or structure to determine need for repair.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Mix specified amounts of sand, clay, dirt, or mortar powder with water to form refractory mixtures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Remove burned or damaged brick or mortar, using sledgehammer, crowbar, chipping gun, or chisel.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Lay and align bricks, blocks, or tiles to build or repair structures or high temperature equipment, such as cupola, kilns, ovens, or furnaces.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Spray or spread refractory material over brickwork to protect against deterioration.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about brickmasons and blockmasons and AI