Bricklayer Bricklayer
Occupation code: 331111（ANZSCO） Skilled migration occupation Overall 6.7/10
Bricklayers are responsible for laying bricks, concrete blocks, stone, and tiles for walls, foundations, and decorative structures in residential and commercial construction. Australia's housing construction boom drives consistently strong demand, with bricklayers regularly listed on skills shortage lists.
Ratings · Overall 6.7/10i
In the AI era: what happens to Bricklayer
Bricklaying tasks are highly dependent on physical labor and site conditions, making them difficult for AI/automation to directly replace. However, prefabrication and robotic bricklaying technology are gradually reducing demand for entry-level positions, and future automation in construction will decrease low-skilled bricklaying jobs.
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Replaces bricklayers' manual brick laying in residential wall construction, including transporting, applying mortar, and placing bricks.
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It replaces some repetitive tasks in the bricklaying process, such as fetching bricks, spreading mortar, and placing, but manual assistance is required for complex details.
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It replaces the bricklayer's manual brick layout and material quantity calculation before construction, optimizing brick arrangement through algorithms to reduce waste.
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Replaces bricklayers' inspection and acceptance of walls by automatically identifying masonry verticality, mortar joint thickness, and other quality issues using cameras and AI.
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Replaces a bricklayer's finishing work like plastering and sanding on walls, especially suitable for fine finishing of indoor masonry surfaces.
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- Repetitive brick positioning and alignment (automated bricklaying robots can be programmed)
- Mortar Mixing and Application (prefabricated parts and mechanical spraying reduce labor)
- Basic wall elevation and verticality checks (laser measurement and AI vision replace manual measurement)
- Material handling and stacking (autonomous mobile robots can transport bricks)
- Laying of simple decorative patterns (replaced by CNC cutting and prefabricated pattern boards)
- Using AR glasses or tablets to view 3D models and construction drawings in real time
- Using AI vision analysis tools for masonry quality inspection and correction suggestions
- On-site layout and positioning using BIM software and laser scanners
- Using inventory management apps to automatically track brick and mortar consumption
- Use digital platforms to coordinate multi-trade construction sequences and schedules
- Handcrafted aesthetics and customization of complex curved walls, arches, and other fine masonry
- Flexible judgment and adjustment under changing field conditions (e.g., bad weather, irregular foundations)
- Ability to communicate directly with clients and designers to determine aesthetic and functional requirements
- Multi-material (brick, stone, tile) comprehensive construction experience
- Leadership responsibility for safety production and team collaboration
- BIM modeling and on-site digital layout skills
- Ability to operate automated bricklaying robots or auxiliary equipment
- Using drones or laser scanning for construction site quality monitoring
- Green building standards and energy-efficient masonry techniques
- Project management and on-site coordination communication skills
- Applying augmented reality (AR) for construction guidance
Entry-level roles are narrowing because prefabricated brick walls and automatic bricklaying robots reduce on-site simple masonry work, while labor shortages increase demand for skilled bricklayers; newcomers need longer training to handle advanced tasks.
Bricklayers should upgrade to advanced masonry technicians and digital construction supervisors, mastering BIM modeling, automatic bricklaying robot programming, and laser rangefinder operation, while specializing in high-value areas such as historical building restoration or decorative masonry. By obtaining industry certifications (e.g., Australian License) and using VR/AR training tools, they can take on more complex commercial projects and eventually transition to building quality inspectors or construction technology consultants.
Salary
| Experience | Annual (AUD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Year 1 | $21,000 ~ $28,000 | Fair Work Award minimum wage |
| Apprentice Years 2–4 | $28,000 ~ $46,000 | Approx. $23–$30/hr |
| Junior bricklayer (1–3 years post-qualification) | $62,000 ~ $78,000 | Indeed 25th percentile |
| Mid-level bricklayer (3–8 years) | $78,000 ~ $95,000 | SEEK range $80k–$90k; Indeed $31.36–$43.36/hr |
| Senior tiler / contractor (8+ years) | $95,000 ~ $120,000 | Includes contractor margin and site management responsibilities |
| Mining / large-scale infrastructure FIFO | $110,000 ~ $150,000 | Shift allowance + FIFO allowance |
Education Path
| Stage | Duration | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship (including CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying) | 42–48 months | $0~$1,200 |
| Overseas qualification recognition (TRA Job Ready Program) | 12–18 months | $2,000~$5,000 |
Qualifications
| Qualification | Issuer | |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying (CPC33020) | TAFE / RTO | Required |
| White Card (CPCCWHS1001) | Approved RTO | Required |
| TRA Skills Assessment | Trades Recognition Australia | Optional |
Migration
Occupation classification code: 331111（ANZSCO）
| Visa | Details |
|---|---|
| 482 Skills in Demand | Employer-sponsored, up to 4 years, eligible to transition to 186 after 2 years |
| 186 ENS | Employer-sponsored permanent residency |
| 189 SkillSelect Independent | No employer required, invitation-based, listed on MLTSSL |
| 190 Skilled Nominated | State nomination adds 5 points, permanent residency · ~75 pts competitive cut-off (2025–26, indicative) |
| 491 Skilled Work Regional | Regional nomination adds 15 points, PR after 5 years · ~70 pts competitive cut-off (2025–26, indicative) |
Who it fits
- Background in construction/bricklaying/masonry, looking to migrate to Australia through a skills visa
- Comfortable with heavy physical labour and outdoor construction and dusty environments
- Goal is to build experience and then establish an independent building contracting company
- Aged 25–38, with the physical capacity to complete an apprenticeship or TRA assessment
- Back or knee health issues making prolonged heavy bricklaying unsuitable
- Expecting high pay and fast placement (bricklayers' starting wages are lower than electricians' and plumbers')
- Completely no construction or bricklaying background
Career outlook
Australia's ongoing housing shortage is keeping construction activity at elevated levels, widening the supply–demand gap for bricklayers. The risk of AI substitution is extremely low, as bricklaying and stonemasonry are both highly dependent on manual skill.
JSA projects approximately 195,800 new construction trades jobs by 2035 (+9.8%). Residential construction expansion is the core driver of bricklayer demand.
Growth areas：
Residential ConstructionCommercial & Industrial BuildingsInfrastructure & Civil WorksHeritage RestorationLandscaping & Retaining Walls
FAQ
Data sources
Salary ranges are estimates aggregated from public listings on Seek, Indeed, Glassdoor and ERI SalaryExpert; employment and demand forecasts cite Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS); visa and migration details follow the latest occupation lists from the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant assessing authorities. Figures are indicative only — always refer to the latest official sources.