Across U.S. metros, ironworkers typically earn $1,050 more a year than brickmasons (2%). In the 95 metros where BLS publishes both, brickmasons earn more in 41 and ironworkers in 54.
| Brickmason | Ironworker | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $62,950 | $64,000 |
| Lowest metro median | $43,910 | $31,480 |
| Highest metro median | $97,960 | $120,840 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +1.1% | +3.1% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 4,100 | 5,900 |
| Self-employed | 18% | — |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Apprenticeship |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 131 | 131 |
| Metros with pay data | 150 | 155 |
On safety, ironworkers report more injuries that cause missed work (131 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 ironworkers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where ironworkers out-earn brickmasons the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, brickmasons earn more in 18 states and ironworkers in 31. The gap favors brickmasons most in Wyoming ($12,560) and ironworkers most in New Jersey ($36,210).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Outdoors, in all kinds of weather: very often for brickmasons, sometimes for ironworkers. Indoors with heating and air conditioning: rarely for brickmasons, sometimes for ironworkers.
| Brickmason | Ironworker | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Sometimes |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Very often | Often |
| Working at heights | Very often | Often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Often | Sometimes |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Very often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| 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.
Ironworker
Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings.
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