Bricklayer
Build walls and structures using bricks, blocks and mortar across homes, commercial buildings and construction projects.
What They Do
Bricklayers construct and repair walls, partitions, arches and other structures using bricks, blocks and mortar.
They read plans, measure and set out work, prepare mortar, lay bricks in precise courses, cut materials to fit and continually check that finished work is level, straight and properly aligned.
Bricklayers also install damp-resistant materials, repair existing masonry and may work on decorative, heritage or specialised brickwork.
Who This Career Suits
Bricklaying suits people who enjoy hands-on construction work and seeing visible progress at the end of each day.
It requires physical stamina, coordination and strong attention to detail. Even small alignment errors can become significant as a wall gets higher.
It can particularly suit someone who likes working outdoors, using practical skills and becoming highly proficient at a traditional trade.
Key Skills
Practical Skills, Attention to Detail, Measurement, Physical Fitness, Construction Skills, Problem Solving, Safety Awareness, Teamwork
Work Environment
Construction Site, Outdoor, Physical, Active, Team-Based
Education & Training
The main Australian trade qualification is the CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying.
The qualification is designed for trade-qualified Bricklayers, Blocklayers and Pavers working across residential, commercial and industrial construction.
Training covers practical bricklaying and blocklaying, construction methods, workplace safety, reading plans and working with different masonry materials. The qualification has no formal entry requirements, although in practice it is commonly completed as part of an apprenticeship.
Construction workers also need to complete the required general construction induction training before working on construction sites.
Career Changer Pathway
Bricklaying is accessible to career changers willing to enter through an apprenticeship.
People coming from labouring, landscaping, construction, warehousing or other physical jobs may already have useful workplace and practical skills.
Mature-age apprenticeships are possible, although completing the full trade pathway still requires formal training and supervised workplace experience.
Early Career
Apprentice Bricklayers learn how to prepare mortar, set out work, cut bricks and blocks, maintain alignment and interpret construction plans.
They work alongside experienced tradespeople while gradually increasing their speed and accuracy.
Mid Career
Qualified Bricklayers work independently across residential and commercial projects.
They may specialise in areas such as face brickwork, blockwork, heritage restoration, paving or more complex masonry construction.
Experienced tradespeople often supervise apprentices and small teams.
Senior / Veteran Career
Experienced Bricklayers can progress into Leading Hand, Site Supervisor or Foreperson roles.
Others become subcontractors, establish their own bricklaying businesses or move into broader building and construction management.
Specialist heritage and high-end masonry work can also create opportunities for experienced tradespeople.
Salary Guide
Early Career
65000
Mid Career
95000
Senior / Veteran
125000
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Salary data source:
Jobs and Skills Australia / ABS
Salary data source URL:
Date :
9 October 2026 at 12:00:00 am
Career Outlook
Although JSA’s latest broader employment measure showed a decline of around 800 workers over the year, the occupation has a long history of employer difficulty finding suitably qualified people. JSA research has described shortages in Bricklaying as persistent, and construction-industry consultation has linked the shortage to declining apprenticeship numbers and housing demand.
The occupation has also been identified as being in shortage in national labour-market analysis.
Job Outlook :
Outlook Source :
Strong
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