Across U.S. metros, building inspectors typically earn $4,430 more a year than brickmasons (7%). In the 148 metros where BLS publishes both, brickmasons earn more in 43 and building inspectors in 105.
| Brickmason | Building Inspector | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $62,950 | $67,380 |
| Lowest metro median | $43,910 | $25,530 |
| Highest metro median | $97,960 | $129,750 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +1.1% | +0.0% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 4,100 | 14,800 |
| Self-employed | 18% | 3% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 131 | 58 |
| Metros with pay data | 150 | 338 |
On safety, brickmasons report more injuries that cause missed work (131 vs. 58 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where brickmasons out-earn building inspectors the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where building inspectors out-earn brickmasons the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, brickmasons earn more in 13 states and building inspectors in 37. The gap favors brickmasons most in Massachusetts ($11,750) and building inspectors most in California ($32,240).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Indoors with heating and air conditioning: rarely for brickmasons, often for building inspectors. Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles: often for brickmasons, occasionally for building inspectors.
| Brickmason | Building Inspector | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Rarely | Often |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Very often | Sometimes |
| Working at heights | Very often | Sometimes |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Often | Occasionally |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Sometimes | Occasionally |
| Loud noise | Very often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Sometimes | Occasionally |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Occasionally |
| Sitting | Rarely | Sometimes |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Brickmason
Lay and bind building materials, such as brick, structural tile, concrete block, cinder block, glass block, and terra-cotta block, with mortar and other substances, to construct or repair walls, partitions, arches, sewers, and other structures.
Building Inspector
Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.
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