Across U.S. metros, brickmasons typically earn $6,795 more a year than carpenters (12%). In the 150 metros where BLS publishes both, brickmasons earn more in 111 and carpenters in 39.
| Brickmason | Carpenter | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $62,950 | $56,155 |
| Lowest metro median | $43,910 | $29,750 |
| Highest metro median | $97,960 | $95,280 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +1.1% | +3.9% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 4,100 | 62,800 |
| Self-employed | 18% | 25% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Apprenticeship |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 131 | 165 |
| Metros with pay data | 150 | 390 |
On safety, carpenters report more injuries that cause missed work (165 vs. 131 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 carpenters the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where carpenters out-earn brickmasons the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, brickmasons earn more in 39 states and carpenters in 11. The gap favors brickmasons most in Minnesota ($30,290) and carpenters most in Maine ($19,450).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Indoors with heating and air conditioning: rarely for brickmasons, sometimes for carpenters. Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles: often for brickmasons, sometimes for carpenters.
| Brickmason | Carpenter | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Very often | Sometimes |
| Working at heights | Very often | Often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Often | Sometimes |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Sometimes | Occasionally |
| Loud noise | Very often | Very often |
| Hazardous conditions | Sometimes | Occasionally |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Often |
| Sitting | Rarely | Rarely |
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.
Carpenter
Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.
Compare one trade across two cities →