Profession · Full profile

Bricklayer

Bricklayers build and repair walls, chimneys, and structures using bricks, concrete blocks, and stone.

Average salary

$62,120

Salary range

$44,820 – $100,010

Training time

3 to 4 years

Job market

Slower than average

5/10

Work-life balance

Fair

5/10

Bricklayers construct and restore walls, foundations, fireplaces, and decorative masonry using bricks, concrete blocks, and stone. They read blueprints, cut masonry materials, mix mortar, and ensure every course stays straight and level. Pay and job figures cover brickmasons and blockmasons, the official group that includes bricklayers. Work happens entirely outdoors or on job sites across commercial and residential builds. It requires physical stamina and steady hand-eye coordination under varying weather conditions.

A workday

A day in the life

What does a workday really look like?

A typical weekday shift on an active commercial building project focusing on new wall construction.

7:00 AM
Morning briefing and safety check
Review site assignments with the crew and inspect personal safety gear.
7:30 AM
Material staging and layout
Examine blueprints, stage concrete blocks, and verify course lines along the foundation.
8:30 AM
Mortar preparation
Mix mortar batches to the correct consistency using a mechanical mixer.
9:30 AM
Laying structural block courses
Spread mortar and lay concrete blocks, checking each course for level and plumb alignment.
12:00 PM
Lunch break
Midday rest and meal off the scaffolding.
12:30 PM
Cutting and fitting blocks
Measure and cut blocks to size using chisels, hammers, and masonry saws.
2:00 PM
Face brick installation
Lay exterior facing bricks and finish mortar joints along completed courses.
3:30 PM
Tool cleaning and site wrap-up
Wash excess mortar from surfaces, clean tools, and secure the scaffold area.

Task breakdown

A specialized daytime shift focused on repairing damaged masonry, chimneys, and structural joints.

6:30 AM
Arrival and structural assessment
Inspect damaged brickwork on site and determine the scope of chimney restoration.
7:00 AM
Tool setup and mortar batching
Prepare specialized hand tools and mix appropriate mortar batches for restoration.
8:00 AM
Deteriorated masonry removal
Chisel out cracked bricks and clean damaged mortar joints across the surface.
10:30 AM
Brick replacement and alignment
Lay replacement bricks into existing patterns, keeping courses level with original work.
12:00 PM
Lunch break
Midday rest break away from dust and scaffolding.
12:30 PM
Joint striking and surface cleaning
Finish mortar joints to match historic profiles and wipe away excess mortar.
2:00 PM
Repair documentation
Record completed repair areas and report progress to the contractor supervisor.
2:45 PM
Washdown and site cleanup
Clean hand tools, clear construction debris, and secure the work platform.

Salary data

What do you really earn?

Salary by experience, sector and region.

Minimum

$44,820

Average

$62,120

Maximum

$100,010

Salary by region

Region	Min	Avg.	Max
National	$44,820	$62,120	$100,010
Texas	$43,860	$56,410	$60,940
California	$49,440	$69,050	$108,200
New York	$60,470	$84,410	$127,980
Pennsylvania	$49,690	$69,560	$102,760
Ohio	$46,260	$70,950	$83,790

Typical benefits

Union wages and benefits on union jobs

Craftworkers on union projects receive negotiated compensation rates and standardized employment protections.

Health insurance

Medical coverage provided through union trust funds or contractor benefit packages.

Pension or retirement plan

Retirement savings programs sponsored by trade unions or masonry employers.

Paid apprenticeship training

Earn wages while receiving structured technical and hands-on instruction.

Pathways

Education pathways

Which paths lead to this profession?

Apprenticeship

3 to 4 years

Registered bricklayer or masonry apprenticeship

Apprentices combine paid work on job sites with classroom training. Unions and contractor associations sponsor many programs.

Costs: Apprentices are paid while they learn
Entry requirements: Age 18 or older and a high school diploma or equivalent in most programs

Certificate

Several months to 1 year

Masonry program at a technical school or community college

Programs can shorten the time needed to become a skilled mason.

Entry requirements: High school diploma or equivalent

On-the-job training

1 to several years

On-the-job training starting as a helper

Many bricklayers start as helpers mixing mortar and moving materials.

Costs: Paid by the employer
Entry requirements: High school diploma often preferred

Profile

Skills & personality

Is this a good fit for you?

Hard skills

Bricklaying and block layingLaying bricks, concrete blocks, and stone in straight, level courses according to project specifications.
Mortar mixingMixing mortar and grout by hand or with mechanical mixers to achieve proper consistency and bonding.
Blueprint readingInterpreting construction drawings to lay out walls, foundations, and structural openings accurately.
Leveling and layoutUsing levels, plumb lines, and gauges to verify straightness and alignment across every course.
Masonry saws and hand toolsOperating masonry saws, hammers, chisels, and trowels to cut units and strike joints.
Scaffold safetyWorking securely on elevated scaffolding while handling heavy materials and adhering to site safety rules.

Soft skills

Physical staminaMaintaining endurance through long hours of lifting, kneeling, and working outdoors in varying climates.
PrecisionAligning masonry units with close attention to detail to ensure structural integrity and neat joint finishes.
TeamworkCoordinating with helpers, apprentices, and other job site trades to maintain steady construction progress.
ReliabilityArriving on time for early morning starts and consistently meeting project building deadlines.

Is this a good fit for you?

✓
Detail-orientedFocuses on maintaining plumb lines, uniform joint depths, and clean surface finishes.
✓
DependableShows up consistently for early morning site shifts and follows strict safety protocols.
✓
Physically resilientAdapts readily to heavy lifting, constant movement, and changing outdoor weather conditions.
✓
PracticalSolves real-world building problems using hands-on trade skills, tools, and materials.
✓
MethodicalFollows systematic construction steps from blueprint layout to the final joint striking.

Market

Job market & outlook

What does the market look like?

Openings per year

4,100

Trend

Stable

Growth

+1.1%

AI impact

2/10

Bricklaying robots and lifting aids handle some repetitive wall work on large projects. Layout, detail work, repairs and restoration stay human.

Regional demand

Ohio

Commercial masonry and regional building construction sustain demand for journeyworkers and apprentices.

7/10

Pennsylvania

Infrastructure, residential homebuilding, and restoration work drive steady masonry hiring.

7/10

New York

Restoration work and commercial masonry maintain solid demand for skilled craftworkers.

6/10

Texas

Demand reflects ongoing residential and commercial construction across the state.

4/10

California

Building activity and restoration projects create steady opportunities for trained masons.

3/10

Growth

Career paths

Where can this profession take you?

Vertical growth

Masonry apprentice or helper
0-3 years
Begin as an assistant or registered apprentice, mixing mortar, moving materials, and learning trade fundamentals under experienced masons.
Journeyworker bricklayer
3-8 years
Work independently on commercial and residential structures, laying brick, block, and stone to project specifications.
Construction foreman
8+ years
Supervise masonry crews on site, coordinate daily tasks, and enforce safety rules and quality standards.
Construction superintendent
12+ years
Manage entire job sites, oversee multiple trade subcontractors, and handle overall building schedules and operations.

Horizontal move

Tile setter
Transition into installing ceramic, stone, and mosaic tiles on walls, floors, and other interior and exterior surfaces.
Building inspector
Examine new and existing structures to verify compliance with local building codes, structural standards, and zoning laws.
View Building Inspector

Good to know

Practical info

Working hours: Most bricklayers work full time, with overtime during busy building seasons and less work in bad weather. Work is mostly daytime on weekdays, with early starts common and occasional weekends to meet deadlines.
Remote work: Remote work is not possible because bricklaying is hands-on work at the construction site.
Physical requirements: The work is heavy and outdoors, with lifting, bending, kneeling and working on scaffolding in heat, cold and wind.
Typical employers: Typical employers include masonry contractors, building construction contractors, residential homebuilders, restoration contractors, and self-employment.
Professional associations: International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Mason Contractors Association of America

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What do bricklayers do on a typical day?

Bricklayers construct and repair structures by laying bricks, concrete blocks, and stone in straight, level courses. They start their shift by reviewing blueprints and setting layout lines. Throughout the day, they mix mortar, cut masonry units with saws or chisels, and align materials carefully. They also finish joints and wash down surfaces before completing their workday.

How do you become a bricklayer?

You can become a bricklayer through a registered apprenticeship, a vocational training program, or by starting as an on-the-job helper. Apprenticeships take 3 to 4 years, combining paid site labor with classroom instruction. Technical school programs take several months to 1 year. Helpers learn the trade by moving materials and mixing mortar on site before laying block and brick independently.

What physical demands are involved in bricklaying?

Bricklaying requires strenuous physical stamina because masons work outdoors in heat, cold, and wind. The job involves constant lifting, bending, kneeling, and balancing on scaffolding while handling heavy concrete blocks and tools. Masons maintain precise hand-eye coordination under demanding conditions. Proper lifting mechanics and regular scaffold safety training protect craftworkers from strain during long days on active construction sites.

Do bricklayers work regular hours throughout the year?

Most bricklayers work full-time daytime schedules on weekdays, but seasonal weather affects their yearly hours. Freezing temperatures or heavy rain can halt mortar work, leading to slower periods during winter months. Conversely, busy building seasons often require overtime and occasional weekend shifts to keep projects on schedule. Overall income and site activity fluctuate with building cycles and outdoor climate conditions.

Do bricklayers need a license or special certification?

Most bricklayers do not need a state occupational license, though self-employed masons often need a contractor license in some states. Many employers and states also require OSHA 10-hour construction safety training before allowing masons on site. Journeyworkers and apprentices obtain this safety card to verify they understand hazard prevention, scaffolding safety, and basic personal protective equipment standards.

What types of employers hire bricklayers?

Bricklayers work primarily for masonry contractors, building construction contractors, residential homebuilders, and restoration contractors, while others choose self-employment. Specialty masonry subcontractors hire masons for large commercial exterior envelopes and structural block walls. Restoration companies employ bricklayers to fix deteriorating chimneys, historical facades, and fireplaces. Independent masons frequently take on private residential jobs, patios, and custom decorative stone projects.

Will automation or robots replace bricklayers?

Automation will not replace bricklayers because machines cannot handle custom layouts, tight details, or masonry restoration work. Bricklaying robots and lifting aids assist on large, repetitive wall sections, reducing physical strain on workers. However, reading blueprints, setting complex corners, cutting materials, and restoring older structures remain human tasks. Skilled craftworkers will always be needed to inspect mortar joints and guide equipment.

Related professions

In depth

All about bricklayer

The background, context and details.

Daily masonry tasks on the job site

Bricklayers build durable structures using bricks, concrete blocks, and stone. Precision is essential. Before spreading a single trowel of mortar, masons examine project blueprints to determine exact wall dimensions, align foundation courses, and verify that corner positions match architectural plans across the job site. Masons mix mortar or grout by hand or with a mechanical mixer. Workers cut blocks to size using masonry saws or chisels. Each unit must align with established reference lines. Craftworkers finish joints and clean excess mortar from exposed surfaces to produce neat exterior walls. Restoration projects involve repairing damaged chimneys and fireplaces.

Job site safety and physical demands

Masonry requires stamina. Workers spend full shifts bending and kneeling under open skies in cold or hot weather. While lifting materials, kneeling on hard ground, and setting heavy concrete blocks throughout the working day, craftworkers frequently erect scaffolding to reach higher courses as commercial or residential structures rise above ground level. Work is mostly daytime on weekdays, with early starts common and occasional weekends to meet deadlines. On many projects, crews start at 7 a.m. to organize equipment before midday heat arrives. Employers and some states require OSHA 10-hour construction safety training for site work. Bad weather halts outdoor mortar application.

Pathways into the bricklaying trade

Many workers start as helpers. Aspiring masons can enter registered apprenticeship programs lasting 3 to 4 years that combine paid on-site construction employment with classroom training sponsored by labor unions or contractor associations. Technical schools also offer masonry programs that last several months to 1 year. Experienced journeyworkers can move into several advanced positions:

Construction foreman
Construction superintendent
Tile setter
Building inspector

Self-employed masons must obtain a contractor license in some states.

Market outlook and modern tools

About 62,400 jobs exist for brickmasons and blockmasons across the United States, with about 4,100 openings projected every single year over the next decade. Overall employment is projected to change by 1.1% over the next decade. Automation is entering the trade. Bricklaying robots and lifting aids handle repetitive wall work on large commercial projects, but layout, detail work, repairs, and restoration stay human. Apply to an apprenticeship sponsor to begin training.