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Monument and memorial manufacturing
Matthews International, Service Corporation International, StoneMor
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
These workers turn rough stone blocks into finished pieces by measuring, cutting, carving, and smoothing them to exact specifications. The work stands out because every line, groove, and surface has to be right the first time, often using hand tools and power tools side by side. The tradeoff is that the job rewards precision and craftsmanship, but it is physical, dusty, and not forgiving of mistakes.
Also known as Stone CarverStone CutterGranite CarverMonument CarverStone Sculptor
Median Salary
$45,690
Mean $46,730
U.S. Workforce
~35K
5.5K openings per year
10-Year Growth
+6.2%
41.7K to 44.3K
Entry Education
High school diploma or equivalent
+ None experience
What This Role Looks Like in Practice
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic sits in the Trades category. In practical terms, this role combines day-to-day execution, cross-team coordination, and consistent decision-making under real business constraints.
U.S. employment is currently about ~35K workers, with a median annual pay of $45,690 and roughly 5.5K openings each year. Based on BLS projections, total employment is expected to grow from 41.7 K in 2024 to 44.3K in 2034.
Most hiring paths start with High school diploma or equivalent, and employers typically expect none of related experience. Many careers in this track begin around Apprentice Stone Worker and can progress toward Supervisor or Small-Shop Owner. High-value skills usually include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, and Stone Cutting, Chisels & Pneumatic Tools, paired with soft skills such as Attention to Detail, Active Listening, and Critical Thinking.
Core Responsibilities
- Check the depth and size of each cut or carving to make sure it matches the drawing or model.
- Copy patterns and measurements from sketches or blueprints onto the stone before cutting begins.
- Shape rough blocks into the final form, then trim and smooth the finished edges and surfaces.
- Drill holes and cut grooves, moldings, or other details into the stone using the right tools.
Keep exploring: more Trades careers or browse all job titles.
A Day in the Life
01 Check the depth and size of each cut or carving to make sure it matches the drawing or model.
02 Copy patterns and measurements from sketches or blueprints onto the stone before cutting begins.
03 Shape rough blocks into the final form, then trim and smooth the finished edges and surfaces.
04 Drill holes and cut grooves, moldings, or other details into the stone using the right tools.
05 Run your hands over the finished surface and look closely for bumps, rough spots, or uneven areas.
06 Choose the right chisels, power tools, or sandblasting equipment, then inspect the finished piece to make sure it meets spec.
Industries That Hire
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Architectural stonework and restoration
AECOM, Stantec, WJE
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Masonry and specialty construction
Turner Construction, Skanska, Kiewit
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Cemetery and funeral services
Service Corporation International, Carriage Services, StoneMor
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Themed entertainment and scenic fabrication
Walt Disney Imagineering, Universal Creative, Merlin Entertainments
Pros and Cons
Advantages
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You can enter the field with a high school diploma or even less formal schooling, and the standard training path is long-term on-the-job learning rather than a four-year degree.
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Pay is slightly above the median for the occupation at $45.69K, and the mean wage of $46.73K shows that some experienced workers earn a bit more.
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The job has 5.5K annual openings, so there is steady replacement hiring even though the occupation is relatively small.
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The work is hands-on and concrete: you can see the finished piece, measure it, and know exactly whether it meets the drawing.
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Skills in measuring, layout, cutting, and quality control can transfer to restoration, monument work, and other precision shop roles.
Challenges
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The job is physically demanding, with a lot of handling, standing, and moving finished or rough materials, so it can wear on the body over time.
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Pay is not especially high for the amount of skill required; even the mean wage is only $46.73K, which can limit long-term earning power.
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Remote work is almost nonexistent because the job has to be done around the stone, the tools, and the finished piece in person.
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Growth is modest at 6.2% from 2024 to 2034, so the occupation is not expected to add jobs quickly.
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Demand can swing with construction budgets, memorial orders, and restoration work, and some hand-finishing tasks may be pressured by prefabrication or more automated shop methods.
Career Progression
Apprentice Stone Worker
0-2 years
$30K-$37K
New workers learn how to handle tools safely, read patterns, and do basic cutting and finishing under close supervision.
Molder, Shaper, and Caster
2-5 years
$38K-$50K
Workers in this range handle routine carving and finishing independently, and this band includes the occupation's $45.69K median pay.
Experienced Stone Carver THIS ROLE
5-10 years
$51K-$61K
At this level, workers take on more intricate designs, tighter tolerances, and more responsibility for final quality.
Lead Artisan or Shop Lead
10-15 years
$62K-$74K
Experienced workers coordinate the sequence of work, solve problems on the shop floor, and help newer workers avoid costly mistakes.
Supervisor or Small-Shop Owner
15+ years
$75K-$92K
Senior workers manage schedules, customers, estimates, and quality control, or run a small specialty shop themselves.
Education Paths
High school diploma or equivalent
This is the most common entry point, held by 43.46% of workers in this occupation.
Less than high school diploma
A large share of workers, 27.01%, enter without finishing high school and learn the trade through shop experience.
Postsecondary certificate in masonry, stone carving, or fabrication
A smaller path, used by 8.49% of workers, and it can help you get hands-on training before starting full-time work.
Long-term apprenticeship or on-the-job training
BLS says long-term on-the-job training is typical, and many workers build precision skills this way even without a college degree.
Key Skills
Technical
Operation and Control 60%
Operations Monitoring 60%
Stone Cutting, Chisels & Pneumatic Tools 59%
Blueprint Reading & Layout 58%
Measuring Tools: Calipers, Micrometers & Rulers 58%
Quality Control Inspection 57%
Sandblasting & Surface Finishing 56%
Hoists, Carts & Material Handling Equipment 55%
Soft Skills
Attention to DetailActive ListeningCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionSpeakingPatience Job Outlook and Trends
+6.2%
Projected growth (2024-2034)
5.5K
Annual job openings
Employment is projected to rise from 41.7K to 44.3 K over the next decade, representing 6.2% growth. Around 5.5 K openings per year include both newly created roles and replacement hiring from turnover.
Remote availability is currently Rare. Demand remains strongest where employers need practical domain knowledge plus modern workflow and data skills.