Across U.S. metros, brickmasons typically earn $1,490 more a year than sheet metal workers (2%). In the 137 metros where BLS publishes both, brickmasons earn more in 77 and sheet metal workers in 60.
| Brickmason | Sheet Metal Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $62,950 | $61,460 |
| Lowest metro median | $43,910 | $28,340 |
| Highest metro median | $97,960 | $109,830 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +1.1% | +2.5% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 4,100 | 9,800 |
| Self-employed | 18% | 8% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Apprenticeship |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 131 | 163 |
| Metros with pay data | 150 | 273 |
On safety, sheet metal workers report more injuries that cause missed work (163 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 sheet metal workers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where sheet metal 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 28 states and sheet metal workers in 21. The gap favors brickmasons most in Minnesota ($22,250) and sheet metal workers most in West Virginia ($25,790).
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, occasionally for sheet metal workers. Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles: often for brickmasons, rarely for sheet metal workers.
| Brickmason | Sheet Metal Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Occasionally |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Very often | Sometimes |
| Working at heights | Very often | Occasionally |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Often | Rarely |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Very often | Very 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.
Sheet Metal Worker
Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal; shaping metal over anvils, blocks, or forms using hammer; operating soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts; or inspecting, assembling, and smoothing seams and joints of burred surfaces. Includes sheet metal duct installers who install prefabricated sheet metal ducts used for heating, air conditioning, or other purposes.
Compare one trade across two cities →