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How to Become a Bricklayer: Australian Careers in Building and Construction

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What is a Bricklayer?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Bricklayer?

A bricklayer lays bricks, blocks, and other masonry materials to build and repair walls, arches, and partitions. They work on housing, offices, and civil projects across Australia as qualified tradespeople.

The role combines physical work with careful, skilled craftsmanship. Bricklayers read plans, prepare mortar, align each course, and check for accuracy at every stage. Many also cut and shape bricks to fit tight or irregular spaces.

Beyond new builds, bricklayers carry out repair and restoration work. They restore older buildings and heritage structures, which demands care and a sharp eye for detail. The job offers visible, tangible results every day.

Bricklaying is a stable trade in Australia’s building sector. Skilled bricklayers are in steady demand for housing, civil works, and commercial builds. The trade rewards precision, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to quality.

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Career snapshots For Bricklayers

Bricklaying and blocklaying (ANZSCO 3311) is a well-established trade in Australia. Around 25,800 people work in this occupation group, with 84% in full-time roles (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age in the trade is 39 years. Bricklayers work an average of 42 hours per week (ABS Census, 2021).

Median full-time weekly earnings for bricklayers and stonemasons reached $2,317, equivalent to around $120,000 annually including allowances and overtime (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). The latest Jobs and Skills Australia data (2025) shows annual employment change of -800 for the group. This reflects a pause in residential construction, not a long-term decline in the trade.

The trade remains in demand for housing, infrastructure, and restoration projects across Australia. Bricklayers who add further qualifications or move into contracting can significantly lift their earning potential.

What will I do?

Bricklayers work on a wide range of construction projects, from house builds to commercial and civil works. Each task demands precision, physical fitness, and a solid understanding of construction materials and techniques.

  • Studying plans and specifications to determine materials, dimensions, and installation procedures.
  • Erecting and dismantling scaffolding to reach higher areas safely.
  • Sealing foundations with damp-resistant materials and spreading mortar as a base for blocks.
  • Laying bricks in rows, designs, and shapes while spreading mortar between joints.
  • Embedding blocks in mortar and removing excess for a clean finish.
  • Checking vertical and horizontal alignment throughout each course.
  • Cutting, shaping, and polishing stones and bricks using hand tools and machinery.
  • Repairing and maintaining existing brick and cement block structures.
  • Designing and cutting monumental masonry and lettering in stone.
  • Constructing walls using stone slabs and large masonry block systems.

What skills do I need?

Bricklaying needs both practical skill and hands-on know-how. The most important asset is attention to detail. Every brick laid must be level, plumb, and properly bonded. Bricklayers need strong fitness, as the work involves lifting heavy loads and working outside in all weather.

Reading plans and measuring accurately are core skills for the job. Good maths helps with material estimates and checking dimensions. Problem-solving matters too: no two sites are the same. A strong grasp of safety rules is essential. Ongoing learning helps bricklayers stay ahead as the trade evolves.

Skills/attributes

  • Attention to detail and precision in laying and aligning materials
  • Physical fitness and stamina for sustained outdoor work
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and construction plans
  • Proficiency with hand tools, trowels, and power cutting equipment
  • Knowledge of building materials and mortar mixing
  • Strong maths skills for measurements, estimates, and calculations
  • Problem-solving and adaptability on site
  • Teamwork and clear communication with other trades
  • Time management and ability to meet deadlines
  • Understanding of workplace health and safety (WHS) standards
  • Creativity in decorative and heritage masonry work
  • Commitment to ongoing skill development and code compliance

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.