Bricklayers and Blocklayers Brickmasons and Blockmasons
Occupation code: 47-2021（SOC） Skilled migration occupation Overall 7/10
Lays bricks, concrete blocks, glass blocks, etc., using mortar to build or repair walls, partitions, arches, sewers, and other structures. Excludes dry stone wallers and stonemasons.
Ratings · Overall 7/10i
In the AI era: what happens to Bricklayers and Blocklayers
Bricklaying tasks heavily rely on on-site physical operations and fine manual work, leaving limited room for direct AI replacement; however, automated bricklaying machines and BIM technology have begun to compress routine wall construction tasks, intensifying competition for entry-level positions.
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It replaces the repetitive bricklaying work of bricklayers, including carrying, applying mortar, and placing bricks, especially suitable for standardized wall construction in large building projects.
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Replaces bricklayers in full-wall masonry in residential and commercial buildings, including brick placement, bonding, and alignment, reducing labor demand.
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replaced bricklayers in on-site measuring and positioning, using drones to quickly obtain building dimensional data, reducing manual survey time.
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Replaces some tasks of bricklayers in construction planning by optimizing wall build sequences and material use through digital models, reducing rework.
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Replacing some brickwork quality checks by autonomous patrol and photo detection of wall verticality and flatness.
- Repetitive wall construction (e.g., straight walls, standard brick walls) is taken over by bricklaying robots or automatic laying equipment.
- Material handling and mortar mixing via automated conveyor systems
- Design and layout of simple masonry structures are automatically generated by BIM software
- On-site measurement and positioning using laser scanners and AI correction, reducing manual work
- AI visual inspection system assists in checking masonry verticality and mortar joint uniformity, improving quality inspection efficiency
- BIM modeling tools help bricklayers precisely lay bricks in complex curved structures
- Augmented reality (AR) glasses overlay construction drawings, reducing reading errors.
- AI brick layout algorithms optimize material usage and reduce waste
- Complex irregular masonry (curved, hollow, historical building restoration) cannot be standardized
- Flexible operation in unstructured environments such as bad weather and confined spaces
- Non-standard requirements from owners or architects for aesthetics and texture, relying on craftsman experience
- On-site safety management and emergency judgment, e.g., support, temporary fixing risks
- Operating automated bricklaying equipment and collaborating with robots
- Proficiency in BIM modeling and CAD drawing interpretation.
- Learn drone surveying and laser scanning data analysis
- Proficient in green building and energy-efficient masonry material construction
- Improve project management and multi-trade coordination skills
- Familiarity with building regulations and accessible masonry standards
Entry-level positions are narrowing due to building automation equipment (e.g. automatic bricklaying robots) and prefabrication technology. Contractors prefer multi-skilled workers who can operate machinery and understand CAD drawings; pure manual jobs are decreasing.
Bricklayers should proactively learn to operate automatic bricklaying equipment and robots, while mastering BIM/Revit brick layout skills, transitioning from pure physical labor to 'digital craftsman'. Obtain a masonry contractor license, undertake high-end custom housing or historical building restoration projects, and use AI non-destructive testing technology to improve quality. Future advancement can lead to prefabricated building installation supervisor or construction manager (70010).
Salary
| Experience | Annual (USD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0–3 years) | $35,000 ~ $45,000 | Apprentice wages are approximately 50-60% of those of skilled workers. |
| Mid-level (3–7 years) | $48,000 ~ $62,000 | Through unions or experienced workers |
| Senior (7+ years) | $65,000 ~ $85,000 | Including overtime and bonuses; foremen or contractors can earn higher. |
Education Path
| Stage | Duration | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 4 years | $0~$0 |
| Apprenticeship period (including on-the-job training and classroom instruction) | 3-4 years | $5,000~$20,000 |
Qualifications
| Qualification | Issuer | |
|---|---|---|
| OSHA safety certification | U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration | Required |
| Apprenticeship certificate | US Department of Labor or State Apprenticeship Council | Optional |
| Bricklaying certificate (optional) | Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) | Optional |
Migration
Occupation classification code: 47-2021（SOC）
| Visa | Details |
|---|---|
| H-1B Specialty Occupations | generally not applicable as bricklaying is not a professional occupation. Exceptions may apply for project manager roles or special projects. |
| H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers | Applicable to seasonal construction projects, requires employer to obtain labour certification. Annual cap applies. |
| EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card (Skilled Workers) | Applying for a green card as a skilled worker requires PERM labor certification. The priority date queue is long. |
Who it fits
- People who enjoy physical labor and outdoor work
- People who are detail-oriented and have good hand-eye coordination
- Individuals willing to undergo long-term on-the-job training and apprenticeship
- People who cannot tolerate heavy physical labor or harsh weather conditions
- Those seeking rapid promotion or office work
Career outlook
Usually starts with an apprenticeship, progressing through on-the-job training and union programs to become a journeyman. With experience, one can become a foreman, project manager, or independent contractor. Some start their own masonry businesses.
The US construction industry continues to grow with strong demand for infrastructure, providing stable employment prospects for brickmasons. Employment is projected to grow about 4% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Growth areas：
Infrastructure InvestmentResidential ConstructionCommercial BuildingMasonry Restoration
FAQ
Data sources
Salary ranges are estimates aggregated from public listings on Indeed, Glassdoor, ERI SalaryExpert and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS OEWS); employment and demand outlook cite the BLS Occupational Outlook and O*NET; visa and migration details follow the latest USCIS work-visa (H-1B / O-1 / L-1) and employment-based green-card (EB-2 / EB-3, incl. DOL PERM labor certification) rules. Figures are indicative only — always refer to the latest official sources.