Across U.S. metros, brickmasons typically earn $14,645 more a year than insulation installers (30%). In the 74 metros where BLS publishes both, brickmasons earn more in 68 and insulation installers in 6.
| Brickmason | Insulation Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $62,950 | $48,305 |
| Lowest metro median | $43,910 | $27,040 |
| Highest metro median | $97,960 | $80,000 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +1.1% | +2.4% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 4,100 | 3,000 |
| Self-employed | 18% | 2% |
| 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 | 312 |
| Metros with pay data | 150 | 106 |
On safety, insulation installers report more injuries that cause missed work (312 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 insulation installers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where insulation installers 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.
Insulation Installer
Line and cover structures with insulating materials. May work with batt, roll, or blown insulation materials.
Compare one trade across two cities →