Bricklayer

In short

What does a bricklayer do?

A bricklayer builds and repairs walls and structures using bricks and mortar, often working outdoors with precision and physical strength.

How much does a bricklayer earn?

As an indication, a bricklayer earns between €2,500 and €4,100 gross per month in the Netherlands: starters around €2,500, experienced staff towards €4,100.

What education do you need to become a bricklayer?

In the Netherlands you usually get there through vocational education (MBO).

Career description

A bricklayer builds and repairs walls, chimneys, and other structures using bricks, stones, and mortar. Precision, physical strength, and the ability to interpret blueprints are essential for this craft, which often takes place outdoors.

Salary range

Salaried: €2,500 - €4,100 (Netherlands) gross per month (varies by industry, region, and experience).

Compare salaries across careers.

Education and preparation

Education level for Bricklayer: MBO.

Focus on practical experience, internships, and specializations that fit this field.

RIASEC profile for this career

Top profile: Realistic (90%), followed by Investigative (70%).

Scores: R 90 • I 70 • A 20 • S 20 • E 20 • C 50

About the Bricklayer career

A bricklayer is a skilled tradesperson who constructs and repairs structures such as walls, chimneys, and other features using materials like bricks, stones, and mortar. This job requires a combination of physical strength, precision, and technical understanding to ensure the durability and safety of the built environment.

This career suits individuals who enjoy hands-on work and are comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions. If you like seeing tangible results from your efforts and have an eye for detail combined with practical skills, bricklaying could be a rewarding path for you.

A working day as a Bricklayer

A typical day as a bricklayer begins with reviewing blueprints or plans to understand the project requirements and measurements. You then prepare the worksite by gathering materials and setting up scaffolding or other equipment needed to reach different heights safely.

Throughout the day, you work closely with other construction professionals such as site managers, carpenters, and laborers to coordinate tasks and ensure the project progresses smoothly. Communication and teamwork are important as you may need to adjust plans or solve problems on site.

Most of your time is spent physically laying bricks or stones, mixing mortar, and aligning materials accurately to maintain structural integrity. You often work outdoors, exposed to weather changes, which requires resilience and adaptability to keep up productivity and quality.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Interpreting blueprints and technical drawings to plan bricklaying work.
• Measuring and marking surfaces to ensure correct placement of bricks or stones.
• Mixing mortar and applying it evenly to bond bricks together.
• Cutting bricks or stones to fit specific spaces or designs.
• Building walls, arches, chimneys, and other structures according to specifications.
• Inspecting completed work to check for stability and finish quality.
• Maintaining tools and equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Skills and traits

Physical strength and stamina

Bricklaying involves heavy lifting and repetitive motions, so having good physical fitness helps you perform tasks effectively throughout the day. Stamina is important to maintain focus and quality in your work over long periods.

Attention to detail

Precision is crucial in bricklaying to ensure structures are level, aligned, and durable. Small errors can compromise safety or aesthetics, so noticing and correcting details makes a big difference.

Ability to read blueprints

Understanding technical drawings allows you to follow building plans accurately and meet design specifications. This skill helps avoid mistakes and ensures the final structure matches the intended layout.

Manual dexterity

Working with small tools and materials requires steady hands and good coordination. Manual dexterity helps you apply mortar smoothly and place bricks precisely, contributing to the quality of the finished work.

Teamwork

You often collaborate with other construction workers and supervisors, so being able to communicate and coordinate is important. Good teamwork helps projects stay on schedule and run safely.

Problem-solving

Unexpected challenges can arise on construction sites, such as material shortages or design adjustments. Being able to think quickly and find practical solutions keeps work moving forward efficiently.

Which personality fits?

The RIASEC profile for a bricklayer shows a strong Realistic orientation at 85%, which means you likely enjoy practical, hands-on work that involves building and fixing tangible things. This suits people who prefer working with tools, machinery, or physical materials rather than abstract ideas or social interactions.

The Conventional score at 60% suggests you also appreciate structure, routine, and following clear procedures, which fits well with the precise and methodical nature of bricklaying. Lower scores in Social, Enterprising, and Artistic areas indicate that the job involves less people management, sales, or creative design, focusing more on technical skill and physical work.

Education and route

Typically, becoming a bricklayer involves completing a vocational education program at the MBO level or equivalent in your country. These programs combine classroom learning with practical training to develop the necessary skills in masonry, safety, and construction techniques.

Internships or apprenticeships are a key part of training, allowing you to gain hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced bricklayers. This on-the-job learning helps you understand real-world challenges and build confidence in your craft.

While there are no specific degree programs listed for bricklaying, general vocational courses in construction or masonry provide the foundational knowledge you need. Continuing education or certifications in safety or specialized techniques can also enhance your career prospects.

Pay and career progression

Pay for bricklayers is influenced by factors such as your level of experience, the sector you work in, and the region or country where you are employed. For example, urban areas or projects requiring specialized skills may offer higher compensation.

Career progression often involves gaining experience and taking on more complex projects or supervisory roles. Some bricklayers move into site management, estimating, or even start their own construction businesses, which can expand their responsibilities and income potential.

Where do you work?

Construction companies

These firms hire bricklayers to work on residential, commercial, or industrial building projects.

Specialized masonry contractors

These employers focus specifically on brick and stone work, often for restoration or decorative purposes.

Public infrastructure projects

Bricklayers may be employed on government-funded works like schools, hospitals, or bridges.

Self-employment

Experienced bricklayers sometimes work as independent contractors, managing their own clients and schedules.

Renovation and restoration firms

These companies require bricklayers to repair and preserve historic buildings and structures.

Pros and cons

Pros

• You get to see the tangible results of your work every day.
• The job offers variety by working on different types of structures and sites.
• There is a strong demand for skilled bricklayers in many regions.
• You develop practical skills that are valuable and transferable.

Cons

• Work can be physically demanding and sometimes exhausting.
• You often work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Projects may require long hours to meet deadlines.
• There is a risk of injury if safety procedures are not followed carefully.

The future of this career

Advances in construction technology, such as improved tools and materials, are changing how bricklayers work, making tasks more efficient and sometimes safer. However, the core skills of precision and craftsmanship remain essential.

Societal trends toward sustainable building and restoration of older structures are creating new opportunities for bricklayers who specialize in environmentally friendly materials or heritage conservation. This means you may need to keep learning to stay current with evolving practices.

Does Bricklayer suit you?

• Do you enjoy working with your hands and building things?
• Are you comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions?
• Do you like following detailed plans and instructions?
• Can you maintain focus and precision during repetitive physical tasks?
• Do you work well as part of a team on construction projects?

Frequently asked questions about Bricklayer

What education do I need to become a bricklayer?

Typically, you need to complete a vocational education program at the MBO level or equivalent, which combines classroom instruction with practical training. Apprenticeships or internships are also important to gain hands-on experience.

Is bricklaying a physically demanding job?

Yes, bricklaying requires strength, stamina, and the ability to work in various weather conditions. It involves lifting heavy materials and performing repetitive tasks, so good physical fitness is important.

What factors influence bricklayer pay?

Pay depends on your experience, the sector you work in, and the region or country where you are employed. Specialized skills or working in urban areas may also affect compensation.

Can I advance my career as a bricklayer?

Yes, with experience you can take on more complex projects, move into supervisory roles, or start your own business. Additional training or certifications can also open up new opportunities.

Is bricklaying suitable for someone who prefers indoor work?

Generally, bricklaying involves working outdoors most of the time, so it may not be ideal for those who prefer indoor environments. However, some projects or restoration work might take place indoors.

Can I switch to bricklaying from a different career?

Yes, many people enter bricklaying as a second career by enrolling in vocational training and apprenticeships. Your previous experience might also bring useful skills, but you will need to learn the specific techniques of masonry.

Next step

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