A Path to Success: To Become a Bricklayer
In a world where high-paying jobs often seem limited to office settings, people like Anna have found satisfaction working with bricks and mortar. Her progress from beginner to well-paid bricklayer shows the real benefits and challenges of the job, while also emphasizing how easy it is to start and grow your career and earnings in this important trade.

Early Beginnings:
Accessible Entry into Bricklaying
One of the most appealing aspects of a career in bricklaying is the low barrier to entry. Unlike many high-paying careers that demand years of formal education, an aspiring bricklayer often requires only a high school diploma or GED to start. Entry-level positions are accessible without prior experience, as many companies offer comprehensive on-the-job training. This low barrier to entry attracts individuals eager to quickly enter the workforce and earn a stable income.
Anna's journey into bricklaying began much like Jack's: as a summer job in a construction-heavy area. This opportunity gave her a firsthand glimpse into the precision and artistry of bricklaying, sparking a deep passion and laying the foundation for her future career.
Developing Expertise: Continuous Learning
Transitioning from a beginner to a skilled bricklayer requires more than just hands-on experience. Anna recognized the importance of continuous learning and skill enhancement, participating in free and low-cost training programs to deepen her expertise.
There are many opportunities for free and low-cost growth in the bricklaying industry, including:
1. Labor Unions: Organizations like the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers offer robust apprenticeship programs, combining paid on-the-job training with free classroom instruction.
2. Educational Institutions: Many community colleges and vocational schools offer courses in masonry and related crafts, often funded by local government initiatives to reduce costs.
3. Online Platforms: Websites such as Coursera and Skillshare provide courses on construction techniques and materials, offering foundational knowledge useful in bricklaying.
4. Manufacturers and Suppliers: Companies sometimes sponsor workshops to educate and engage tradespeople about new products and techniques.
5. Government Programs: Certain government initiatives offer free training, especially aimed at individuals seeking to transition careers or enhance their skills.
Through these resources, Anna and others have managed to refine their skills and knowledge without financial burden.
Apply for jobs as a bricklayer
Crafting a compelling resume and leveraging professional networks is essential for securing positions in bricklaying. Highlighting education, hands-on experience, apprenticeships, and certifications can set candidates apart. Anna utilized online job boards, industry-specific sites, and professional connections to explore opportunities, often receiving job leads through recommendations.
Recruitment channels
Employers seeking skilled bricklayers use various recruitment channels:
Online Job Boards: Platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor are effective for reaching a broad audience of job seekers.
Industry-Specific Sites: Websites tailored to construction roles attract those specifically interested in bricklaying.
Social Media and Professional Networks: LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and pages dedicated to skilled trades can efficiently connect employers with potential candidates.
Labor Unions: Partnering with unions can help match employers with workers who have completed rigorous apprenticeship programs.
These channels, along with job fairs and employee referrals, are instrumental in building a robust workforce of skilled bricklayers.
Overcoming Challenges:
Salary Growth and Benefits
Bricklayers can earn competitive wages, with potential for significant salary growth based on experience, expertise, and reputation. The current national average salary for brick masons, The average annual salary for a bricklayer in the United States is nearly $50,000. Indeed also states that many bricklayers receive an average of nearly $6,000 in overtime pay per year.Brick masons can typically qualify for benefits outside of their salary as well, such as health insurance, paid time off and 401(k).
Recruitment Information
Hourly wage:$ 15 - $40 an hour
Job Type: Full-time
Job Scope:
• Brick & Block Work
• Brick Laying
• Transporting Materials, including Brick and Mortar
• Maintain Tools
• Maintain, Repair and Construct Surfaces Made of Bricks & Stones
• Keeping Work Site Clean
• Other Duties as Assigned
Application channels :[ziprecruiter]

Achieving Success
Anna's journey highlights that success in bricklaying is within reach through determination, continuous learning, and strategic career planning. Starting with minimal formal education, Anna leveraged training opportunities and networking to land key contracts. By focusing on producing quality work and managing projects with attention to detail, she built a strong reputation that significantly increased her earning potential. Her experience demonstrates the importance of ongoing skill development, strategic connections, and maintaining work-life balance.
Lessons Learned
Similarly, achieving success as a plasterer requires mastering both technical and interpersonal skills. Collaboration is crucial for working effectively within teams, ensuring smooth project execution, and delivering outstanding client results. Strong customer service skills help build enduring client relationships, facilitating effective negotiation, precise adherence to specifications, and adept dispute resolution. Time management is vital to meet deadlines and ensure client satisfaction, improving reliability and reputation. Specializing in decorative plastering can broaden job opportunities by allowing differentiation through expertise in ornate finishes. Moreover, diversifying material expertise across different plaster types like gypsum, lime, and stucco makes a plasterer more versatile and attractive to clients and employers. By focusing on these key skills, plasterers can enhance their professional growth and ensure exceptional craftsmanship and client relations.