Across U.S. metros, brickmasons typically earn $6,115 more a year than rebar workers (11%). In the 21 metros where BLS publishes both, brickmasons earn more in 13 and rebar workers in 8.
| Brickmason | Rebar Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $62,950 | $56,835 |
| Lowest metro median | $43,910 | $27,120 |
| Highest metro median | $97,960 | $102,080 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +1.1% | -5.3% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 4,100 | 1,000 |
| Self-employed | 18% | 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 | 34 |
| Metros with pay data | 150 | 24 |
On safety, brickmasons report more injuries that cause missed work (131 vs. 34 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 rebar workers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where rebar workers out-earn brickmasons the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, brickmasons earn more in 15 states and rebar workers in 16. The gap favors brickmasons most in Missouri ($12,960) and rebar workers most in Wisconsin ($41,500).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles: often for brickmasons, sometimes for rebar workers. Working at heights: very often for brickmasons, often for rebar workers.
| Brickmason | Rebar Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Rarely | Occasionally |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Very often | Very 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.
Rebar Worker
Position and secure steel bars or mesh in concrete forms in order to reinforce concrete. Use a variety of fasteners, rod-bending machines, blowtorches, and hand tools. Includes rod busters.
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