Brickmason

A Brickmason lays bricks, concrete blocks, and natural stone to construct walls, arches, fireplaces, and decorative facades. Mixes mortar, reads blueprints, and uses levels and plumb lines to achieve precise alignment on every course. This role requires precision, physical stamina, and a strong understanding of construction techniques to create durable and aesthetically pleasing structures. Contributes to the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of buildings and infrastructure, ensuring safe, durable, and visually pleasing construction projects that stand the test of time.

A Brickmason earns a median of $60,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $40,000 to $85,000.

To become a Brickmason, completion of an apprenticeship, vocational training program, or significant on-the-job experience is typically required. While not always a formal degree, structured training is essential for mastering the craft.

Brickmason roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 80/100) and steady under pressure — deadlines and setbacks do not rattle them easily (Emotional Stability 74/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Detail-oriented, Practical, Steady and Reliable. Ensures every brick is laid precisely and according to specifications, maintaining high quality standards. On interests, Brickmason maps to a RCI Holland Code profile — individuals who enjoy hands-on work, using tools and materials to build tangible structures, and who value precision and following established methods, tend to thrive in this role.

A Brickmason role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. Strong Realistic alignment: the role is highly hands-on, involving physical work with tools and materials. High Conscientiousness is rewarded: precision, attention to detail, and adherence to blueprints are critical for structural integrity. Offers tangible results: satisfaction comes from seeing durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing structures built from raw materials.

Brickmason roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. Requires significant physical stamina and can be performed in various weather conditions, often outdoors. The work can be repetitive and requires consistent attention to detail over long periods to maintain quality.

Work as a Brickmason is mostly mixed-based with onsite arrangements common, highly structured, with set processes and deadlines, a moderate pace and low exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 89% of the week is focused deep work.

Core skills for a Brickmason include Bricklaying techniques, Mortar mixing, Blueprint reading, Measurement and alignment, Material handling and Structural integrity.

Common entry routes into Brickmason roles include Masonry Apprentice and Construction Laborer.

From a Brickmason role, common next steps include Senior Brickmason, Masonry Foreman and Construction Supervisor; lateral moves include Stonemason.

The outlook for Brickmason roles is currently rated stable. Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.

Traitstack rates automation risk for Brickmason roles at 16 out of 100, which is low. AI offers minimal impact on the skilled, hands-on craft of laying bricks and stone, where human precision, judgment, and physical dexterity remain paramount. AI is most likely to take on optimize material ordering and delivery schedules, generate 3d renderings of proposed masonry designs from blueprints and assist with estimating material quantities for bids. Precisely lay bricks, blocks, and stone with consistent mortar joints, interpret complex blueprints and adapt to site-specific conditions and mix mortar to the correct consistency based on environmental factors stay with people. From solitary craftsmanship to potential collaboration with robotic assistants. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.