Across U.S. metros, brickmasons typically earn $15,310 more a year than painters (32%). In the 147 metros where BLS publishes both, brickmasons earn more in 143 and painters in 4.
| Brickmason | Painter | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $62,950 | $47,640 |
| Lowest metro median | $43,910 | $23,180 |
| Highest metro median | $97,960 | $84,370 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +1.1% | +3.0% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 4,100 | 24,900 |
| Self-employed | 18% | 31% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | No formal educational credential |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 131 | 124 |
| Metros with pay data | 150 | 359 |
On safety, brickmasons report more injuries that cause missed work (131 vs. 124 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 painters the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where painters 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.
Painter
Paint walls, equipment, buildings, bridges, and other structural surfaces, using brushes, rollers, and spray guns. May remove old paint to prepare surface prior to painting. May mix colors or oils to obtain desired color or consistency.
Compare one trade across two cities →