Brickmasons and Blockmasons

O*NET 47-2021.00 · SOC 47-2021

Brickmason is a solid career choice. Median pay is $62k a year with +1.1% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 4,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+1.1%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$62k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
4k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Lay and align brick courses using mortar and trowels.
  • →Mix mortar to correct consistency for brick or block work.
  • →Cut bricks and blocks to fit corners and openings.
  • →Read blueprints to determine wall dimensions and layout patterns.
  • →Check walls for plumb and level using levels and lines.

Education & How to Get In

🎓
Job Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

Brickmason roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Brickmason? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
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Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
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Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
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LinkedIn Learning
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Brickmason involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningLay and align brick courses using mortar and trowels.
MiddayMix mortar to correct consistency for brick or block work.
AfternoonCut bricks and blocks to fit corners and openings.

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)7.0
Conventional (Organizers)3.8
Investigative (Thinkers)2.0
Artistic (Creators)1.7
Enterprising (Persuaders)1.2
Social (Helpers)1.1

Who Thrives as Brickmason?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISTPThe CraftspersonISTJThe InspectorESTPThe DynamoISFPThe Composer

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Brickmason Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

Indeed ↗LinkedIn Jobs ↗ZipRecruiter ↗

Similar Careers

Sheet Metal Workers+2.5%Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers+2.4%Fence Erectors+5.6%Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall+2.4%Potters, Manufacturing+5.8%Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers+5.8%Rock Splitters, Quarry+5.8%Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers+1.6%

Explore More Careers

Best Trades & Skilled Labor Careers →Browse all careers →

Job Outlook

Employment of Brickmasons and Blockmasons is projected to grow 1.1% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

41/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·37% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
  • ·49% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
  • ·Industry sector with low automation exposure

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Brickmason make?

The median Brickmason earns $62k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Brickmason jobs?

Our model puts Brickmason at 41 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 37% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 49% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.

Is Brickmason a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 1.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 4,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Brickmason?

Most Brickmason roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.

How long does it take to become a Brickmason?

Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Brickmason career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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