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Bricklayer

Skilled Trades AI-Augmented

Lays bricks, stone, and concrete blocks to build walls, chimneys, and other structures.

A
🟢 Strong Demand
Bricklayer requires on-site human presence and physical judgment — areas AI cannot replace. Demand is strong and growing.
76
/ 100
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Work Profile

Stress
5/10
Work-Life
7/10
Future Outlook
8/10
Hours / Week
40

Salary Growth

Starting
$45,000
Year 5
$62,000
Year 10
$80,000
Top Earners
$105,000
Promotion Path: Apprentice -> Journeyman -> Lead Mason -> Contractor.

Thinking about college for this career?

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Core Skills and Tools

These are the practical tools, systems, math, and AI skills used in Bricklayer roles.

Industry Knowledge

Brick masonry apprenticeship
CDL passenger endorsement
Commercial driving

Requirements

Driver's license requirement
Professional certification or license

Systems & Software

Masonry tools and heavy equipment

About to graduate?

Are you ready for that first position?

Career Accelerator helps you build a portfolio of skills that validates you are ready for the hiring company. We even give you the bullet points you need to add to your resume.

🚀 Open Career Accelerator

Thinking about switching into Bricklayer?

Answer a few skill questions and see your personalized skill gap, recommended projects, and a step-by-step plan to get closer to this role.

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Other Potential Career Pivot Paths

Pivot paths coming soon for this career.

How to Get Hired

This section focuses on practical readiness: what skills matter, what tools or certifications may help, and what you can do now to become more employable.

Unlock the Full Getting Hired Plan

See the exact skills, certifications, projects, and step-by-step plan to break into Bricklayer.

  • Real projects to build experience
Unlock Full Getting Hired Plan

AI Impact & Task Breakdown

AI-Augmented

Robotic bricklayers exist but are currently limited to simple, flat walls.

How to Stay Valuable

  • Develop judgment, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Learn how AI tools can support this career instead of ignoring them
  • Move toward strategy, interpretation, and higher-value work over time

AI Scores

Automation Risk: 4.3/10 Human Value: 8.6/10 AI Leverage: 6.2/10

Based on 10 analyzed tasks

More likely automated

  • Prepare mortar and work surfaces
  • Prepare Mortar and Surfaces

Still requires human judgment

  • Lay brick block or stone materials
  • Repair damaged masonry sections

How AI Affects This Job

This career includes a mix of tasks. Some are becoming more automated, while others are becoming more valuable because they require human expertise.

Lay brick block or stone materials

Build walls facades and structural elements according to plans

Moderate Automation High Human Value
Automation: 4/10 • AI Leverage: 6/10 • Human Value: 10/10

Likely adoption: 5-10 years

Lay Masonry Units

Set bricks blocks or stone according to drawings to build walls and structures

Moderate Automation High Human Value
Automation: 4/10 • AI Leverage: 6/10 • Human Value: 8/10

Likely adoption: 3-5 years

Prepare mortar and work surfaces

Mix materials set lines and ready foundations before laying units

Moderate Automation High Human Value High AI Leverage
Automation: 5/10 • AI Leverage: 7/10 • Human Value: 9/10

Likely adoption: 3-5 years

Prepare Mortar and Surfaces

Mix mortar and prep lines levels and foundations before construction begins

Moderate Automation
Automation: 5/10 • AI Leverage: 6/10 • Human Value: 7/10

Likely adoption: 0-2 years

Repair damaged masonry sections

Replace cracked units and repoint joints on existing structures

Moderate Automation High Human Value
Automation: 4/10 • AI Leverage: 6/10 • Human Value: 10/10

Likely adoption: 5-10 years

Inspect Alignment and Finish

Check plumb spacing and finish quality during and after installation

Moderate Automation High Human Value
Automation: 4/10 • AI Leverage: 6/10 • Human Value: 8/10

Likely adoption: 0-2 years

Read masonry drawings and measurements

Interpret dimensions openings and bond patterns accurately on site

Moderate Automation High Human Value High AI Leverage
Automation: 5/10 • AI Leverage: 7/10 • Human Value: 9/10

Likely adoption: 3-5 years

Repair Masonry Damage

Replace deteriorated sections and repoint mortar joints on existing structures

Moderate Automation High Human Value
Automation: 4/10 • AI Leverage: 6/10 • Human Value: 8/10

Likely adoption: 3-5 years

Inspect alignment and finish quality

Check plumb level spacing and final appearance before signoff

Moderate Automation High Human Value
Automation: 4/10 • AI Leverage: 6/10 • Human Value: 9/10

Likely adoption: 3-5 years

Maintain Site Safety and Tools

Use scaffolds hand tools and saws safely throughout the job

Moderate Automation High Human Value
Automation: 4/10 • AI Leverage: 6/10 • Human Value: 8/10

Likely adoption: 0-2 years

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