Published on October 21st, 2020 | by Bibhuranjan

What salary can you earn as a bricklayer in Australia?

Bricklayers work in the construction industry laying down bricks, concrete blocks and other building blocks. They build walls, partitions, arches and other residential and commercial structures. It is a physically demanding job that requires you to have a good level of fitness. You will mostly be working outdoors and sometimes even at heights. You will also need to have technical aptitude as you would be required to interpret plans and specifications.

Bricklayers are employed by construction companies and bricklaying subcontractors. You may also become a self-employed tradesperson and be your own boss.

How much can bricklayers earn?

Tradespersons are extremely in-demand in Australia and so are bricklayers. Your earning grows with your experience as a bricklayer.

An entry-level bricklayer in Australia with less than 1 year of work experience can earn an average of $23.19 per hour. For those with 1 to 4 years of work experience, the average pay is about $25.95 hourly.

If you have more than 5 years of work experience as a bricklayer, you can easily earn around $30.68 an hour on average. With 10 to 19 years of work experience, your hourly wages increase to an average of $34.77. If you have 20 or more years of work experience, your average hourly pay would be around $38.

Depending on their years of experience, a bricklayer can earn anywhere between $45,321 and $90,282 per annum in Australia.

How to become a bricklayer in Australia?

Bricklaying is a physical, technical, practical and creative trade. There is a huge demand for bricklayers in Australia which means that you will never be out of work.

To become a bricklayer you would need to undergo formal training as well as an apprenticeship. If you feel this is the right career for you, here’s how you can become one in Australia:

Step 1: Enrol in a construction course

You will learn the key skills of bricklaying during an apprenticeship however, a course in construction will give you an edge. Enrol in a course like Certificate II in Building and Construction pre-apprenticeship as it will help you develop a sound knowledge of building and safety regulations.

Step 2: Apply for an apprenticeship

Look for apprenticeship opportunities after you have completed your course to learn the practical and technical skills needed in bricklaying. On completion of your apprenticeship, you receive your Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying.

Step 3: Obtain your White Card

You will need to complete a construction induction training, a government-mandated course from a Registered Training Organisation. You will then be able to acquire your White Card, which is a must if you need to work at a construction site in Australia.

Depending on your state in Australia, you may also need to clear other requirements to become a bricklayer. You may want to check the same with the relevant building authority in your state.

Getting a specialisation may help you earn more

There are some interesting specialisations that you can consider in bricklaying. Specialisation in a specific area increases your demand in Australia and also your earning potential. You may also move into Management once you have earned sufficient work experience in a specific area.

Some specialisations that you may consider are:

Arch Builder

You will specialise in building arches and work with ornamental bricks or those with unconventional shapes.

Stonemason

A stonemason specialises in working with stone. You will be using hard and soft stone to build different structures. You may also be involved in the renovation of old structures.

Refractory bricklayer

Refractory bricklayers work in industrial setting building furnaces and kilns. You will specialise in heavy-duty brick and cement that can withstand the high temperatures.

Chimney builder

Chimney builders use special bricks and cement to build chimneys that can tolerate high temperatures. You will be trained to follow particular designs and specifications that are needed for chimneys to function optimally.

What it takes to be a bricklayer?

Being a bricklayer is a practical job and needs good hand-eye coordination. You must also be technically sound as you will need to interpret and follow construction plans.

As a bricklayer, you will not just need to cope with the physical demands of the job but also be cautious and safety-minded. Construction sites tend to be accident-prone.

Whether you are an independent bricklayer or a construction firm, you must consider Public Liability Insurance. This insurance can help you cover legal costs and compensation payments if a customer, supplier or member sustains an injury and files a lawsuit. For example, if a customer falls on the stairs you built, he may file a lawsuit against you. With public liability insurance coverage, you can defend yourself in court without worrying about the financial implications. If you are a self-employed tradesperson, it is not just your business but also your reputation on the line. Check out this article to know why insurance is a must for the self-employed. Being insured protects your business in legal situations.

Ref:

SEEK, Bricklayer, Avl at https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/bricklayer
Short Course Finder, How to become a bricklayer in Australia, Avl at https://shortcoursefinder.com.au/careers/how-to-become-a-bricklayer-in-australia-careers-in-building-and-construction
Payscale, Average Bricklayer Hourly Pay in Australia, Avl at https://www.payscale.com/research/AU/Job=Bricklayer/Hourly_Rate
CareerFAQs, How to become a bricklayer in Australia, Avl at https://www.careerfaqs.com.au/careers/how-to-become-a-bricklayer-in-australia-careers-in-building-and-construction

Tags: brick construction australia, brick mason, construction

About the Author

Bibhuranjan Editorial Officer, technofaq.org I'm an avid tech enthusiast at heart. I like to mug up on new and exciting developments on science and tech and have a deep love for PC gaming. Other hobbies include writing blog posts, music and DIY projects.