Analysis
NAICS 238140 is the 2022 national industry for masonry contractors, part of 23814 (Masonry Contractors). Census lists 21 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 18,258 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 139,844 people at an average annual payroll of $61,509 per employee (36th percentile of national industries). 69% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include brick veneer, installation, bricklaying contractors, cement block laying and chimney, brick, block or stone, contractors, among 21 in all.
Census lists 3 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 238110, 238340 and 238990. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
For example, erecting the basic structure of buildings by pouring concrete are classified in 238110 (Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors) instead.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in masonry work, stone setting, bricklaying, and other stone work. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Block laying Marble, granite, and slate, exterior, contractors Bricklaying Masonry pointing, cleaning, or caulking Concrete block laying Stucco contractors Foundation (e.g., brick, block, stone), building, contractors
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Erecting the basic structure of buildings by pouring concrete | 238110 Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors |
| Interior marble, granite, and slate work | 238340 Tile and Terrazzo Contractors |
| Laying precast stones or bricks for patios, sidewalks, and driveways; or paving residential driveways, commercial parking lots, and other private parking areas | 238990 All Other Specialty Trade Contractors |
Index entries (21)
- Brick veneer, installation
- Bricklaying contractors
- Cement block laying
- Chimney, brick, block or stone, contractors
- Cinder block installation
- Concrete block laying
- Field stone (i.e., masonry) installation
- Fireplace, masonry, installation
- Foundation (e.g., brick, block, stone), building, contractors
- Glass block laying
- Glass unit (i.e., glass block) masonry
- Granite, exterior, contractors
- Marble, granite and slate, exterior, contractors
- Masonry contractors
- Masonry pointing, cleaning or caulking
- Refractory brick contractors
- Retaining wall, masonry (i.e., block, brick, stone), construction
- Slate (i.e., masonry) contractors
- Stonework (i.e., masonry) contractors
- Stucco contractors
- Tuck pointing contractors