🧱Helpers--Brickmasons Blockmasons Stonemasons and Tile and Marble Setters

MODERATE
Category:Construction and Extraction Occupations
Last updated: Jun 6, 2025

AI Impact Overview

"AI will introduce efficiencies and automation to construction support roles, but full replacement is unlikely within the next decade for hands-on tasks."

Detailed Analysis

While some job aspects (such as repetitive material movement or basic layout) face automation risk, the complexity, variability, and physical requirements of on-site helper work limit rapid AI replacement. Helpers with tech skills and adaptability will be best placed for future stability.

Opportunity

"By embracing new technologies and upskilling, workers in this occupation can future-proof their careers and even transition to higher-value roles."

AI Risk Assessment

Risk Level by Experience

Junior
MODERATE

Junior Level:

Entry-level positions focused on repetitive, manual tasks face the highest automation risk as semi-autonomous tech and smart tools are deployed.

Mid-level
LOW

Mid Level:

Workers with added skills—such as safety, basic tech operation, or coordination—are less likely to be replaced and may find new opportunities in tech-enabled workflows.

Senior
LOW

Senior Level:

Senior helpers with supervisory experience, advanced technical skills, or project management exposure are at low risk and may benefit from AI adoption.

AI-Driven Job Forecasts

2 Years

Job Outlook

Stable demand as adoption of AI-driven automation in construction remains limited to pilot projects and large-scale commercial sites.

Transition Strategy

Begin learning about digital site management, start basic safety and robotics certification, and join industry forums.

5 Years

Job Outlook

Moderate shifts as automated tools become standard in larger projects, reducing demand for low-skill roles but creating new opportunities for tech-savvy helpers.

Transition Strategy

Pursue advanced courses in construction robotics, digital workflow management, and eco-friendly building methods.

7+ Years

Job Outlook

Ongoing automation may reduce overall headcount for helper roles, especially in large and repetitive projects. Custom and smaller-scale rebuilds will retain human demand.

Transition Strategy

Transition into supervisory, safety, or equipment specialist roles; leverage experience to teach or consult on tech adoption.

Industry Trends

Adoption of Robotics and Automation

Impact:

Reduces tedious and repetitive manual tasks; requires workers to learn equipment operation and troubleshooting.

Advanced Building Materials

Impact:

Offers new professional opportunities for those skilled in working with innovative materials.

Augmented Reality for Training

Impact:

Enables hands-on, remote instruction; helps current workers retrain in real context.

Digital Project Management

Impact:

Leads to new roles for tech-literate helpers in workflow optimization and data reporting.

Green Building and Sustainability

Impact:

Increases demand for skills in eco-friendly materials and processes, shifting helper roles toward specialized methods.

Growing Workforce Shortages

Impact:

Raises wages and opportunities for skilled, upskilled, or multiskilled helpers.

Increased Demand for Custom and Artistic Work

Impact:

Creates stable opportunities for helpers with artisan-level or bespoke skills, less vulnerable to automation.

Integration of Internet of Things (IoT)

Impact:

Requires new skills for helpers to maintain, monitor, and utilize connected jobsite sensors.

Prefabrication and Modular Construction

Impact:

Moves repetitive work to factories; remaining roles may become more skilled, installing prefabricated units.

Tighter Safety Regulations

Impact:

Places greater focus on certified safety training and compliance monitoring.

AI-Resistant Skills

Complex Manual Dexterity

Bureau of Labor Statistics - Skills
Skills Type:
Physical DexterityCraftsmanship
Score:10/10

Creative Problem Solving

Harvard University - Critical Skills in Construction
Skills Type:
Problem SolvingCreativity
Score:9/10

Customer Communication

National Association of Home Builders - Soft Skills
Skills Type:
Interpersonal Communication
Score:8/10

Alternative Career Paths

Construction Supervisor

Oversees project teams and ensures work is completed to specification and schedule.

Relevance: Utilizes direct building experience and boosts employability as AI automates junior tasks.

Safety Inspector

Conducts safety audits on construction sites, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

Relevance: Builds on safety knowledge and requires certifications often gained on the job.

Equipment Maintenance Technician

Maintains and repairs construction equipment, including emerging robotic tools.

Relevance: Hands-on knowledge is a significant asset; robotics familiarity increases demand.

Emerging AI Tools Tracker

SAM (Semi-Automated Mason)
A robotic bricklaying system that assists with repetitive wall construction, speeding up brick placement.
7/10
2-5 yearsPilots in large-scale commercial construction sites.
Automated Inventory and Materials Handling
AI-powered robots and sensors manage inventory and move materials across sites, reducing manual handling work.
6/10
3-6 yearsPilots and early deployments in major builds.
Site Safety AI Camera Systems
Computer vision-equipped cameras monitor compliance with safety protocols and alert teams to hazards in real time.
6/10
2-4 yearsMedium adoption on high-value projects.

Full AI Impact Report

Access the full AI impact report to get detailed insights and recommendations.