How to become a Bricklayer

Also called: Blocklayer

Lays bricks, pre-cut stone and other types of building blocks in mortar to construct and repair walls, partitions, arches, segmental paving and other structures.

Main tasks

• Studies plans and specifications to determine materials required, dimensions and installation procedures
• Erects and dismantles restricted height scaffolding
• Seals foundations with damp-resistant materials and spreads layers of mortar to serve as base and binder for building blocks
• Cuts building blocks using machines and hand tools, and shapes blocks to fit irregular spaces
• Sets out blockwork and lays building blocks in rows, designs and shapes
• Embeds building blocks in mortar ensuring construction is level, plumb and aligned, and removes excess mortar
• Installs lintels and flashings to openings
• Repairs and maintains bricks, cement blocks and related structures
• May prepare base and bedding courses, and lay segmental paving

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020); Certificate III in Stonemasonry (CPC32320); Certificate II in Construction (CPC20120); Certificate II in Construction Pathways (CPC20220)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $120,484 a year
• About 26,600 people work in this job group now, and about 29,200 are projected by 2035. (+9.8%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Stonemason
• Concreter

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Bricklayer?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying; Certificate III in Stonemasonry; Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying.

How much does a Bricklayer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $120,484 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Bricklayer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 10% by 2035, from about 26,600 to about 29,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Bricklayer?

Usually not. Only 2% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying; Certificate III in Stonemasonry; Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying.

Will AI change the work of a Bricklayer?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04