Across U.S. metros, brickmasons typically earn $16,100 more a year than construction laborers (34%). In the 150 metros where BLS publishes both, brickmasons earn more in 148 and construction laborers in 2.
| Brickmason | Construction Laborer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $62,950 | $46,850 |
| Lowest metro median | $43,910 | $23,510 |
| Highest metro median | $97,960 | $83,680 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +1.1% | +7.3% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 4,100 | 120,000 |
| Self-employed | 18% | 27% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | No formal educational credential |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Short-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 131 | 218 |
| Metros with pay data | 150 | 391 |
On safety, construction laborers report more injuries that cause missed work (218 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 construction laborers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where construction laborers out-earn brickmasons the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
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.
Construction Laborer
Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instruments. May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support the sides of excavations, erect scaffolding, and clean up rubble, debris, and other waste materials. May assist other craft workers.
Compare one trade across two cities →