2 answers
karishma
Student
Saint Louis, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
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How is brick-laying a hard working and good pay job?
how is brick-laying a hardworking and good pay job
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2 answers
Donna Hull
Engineer
108
Answers
Columbia
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Karishma:
I find it enlightening to hear a young person looking to hold up the industrial side of America. Construction jobs in general are not the glamorous and rarely the recommended career path. I am not in this profession, but as a home owner finding qualified individuals who know their profession and can offer good advice to a client is challenging to find.
Googling the profession of Brick Layer, average salary is $56,600 per year, with entry level being approx. $40,000
With newer materials, I am not sure how prevalent brick is as a building material for homes and businesses. That being said, I do see more opportunities on the landscaping sides with pavers and patio construction projects.
Some of the considerations you would have to think about are:
+ Weather - you may be working in extreme heat or extreme cold at certain times of the year. Or the jobs may be seasonal. What would you do in the down times?
+ Physical Strain - this is a highly physical job requiring lifting, repetitive movements, and standing, crouching, or kneeling for long periods of time. What is your long term goals? Do you see your self doing this job when you are in your 50's or 60's or beyond?
+ Where can you find opportunities to apprentice? Positive no college debt. Skilled labor is a shortfall in America, so there are job opportunities.
+ What do you want to specialize in Commercial, Residential, or Historical Restoration
I find it enlightening to hear a young person looking to hold up the industrial side of America. Construction jobs in general are not the glamorous and rarely the recommended career path. I am not in this profession, but as a home owner finding qualified individuals who know their profession and can offer good advice to a client is challenging to find.
Googling the profession of Brick Layer, average salary is $56,600 per year, with entry level being approx. $40,000
With newer materials, I am not sure how prevalent brick is as a building material for homes and businesses. That being said, I do see more opportunities on the landscaping sides with pavers and patio construction projects.
Some of the considerations you would have to think about are:
+ Weather - you may be working in extreme heat or extreme cold at certain times of the year. Or the jobs may be seasonal. What would you do in the down times?
+ Physical Strain - this is a highly physical job requiring lifting, repetitive movements, and standing, crouching, or kneeling for long periods of time. What is your long term goals? Do you see your self doing this job when you are in your 50's or 60's or beyond?
+ Where can you find opportunities to apprentice? Positive no college debt. Skilled labor is a shortfall in America, so there are job opportunities.
+ What do you want to specialize in Commercial, Residential, or Historical Restoration
Roberto Velazquez
Sales Operations - Program Manager
9
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Roberto’s Answer
Bricklaying is definitely tough work—there’s no way around it. You’re going to be on your feet all day, lifting heavy materials and working out in the sun or the cold. But honestly, if you’re the type of person who likes to stay active and wants to look at a wall or a building at the end of the day and know, 'I built that,' there’s a real sense of pride in it that you just don't get in an office job.
The reason it pays so well is simple: it’s a craft that a machine can’t really do. As you get better and move from basic blocks to high-end masonry or custom design, you become someone who’s really hard to replace. Plus, the coolest part is the business side—once you’ve got the skills, you can eventually stop working for someone else and run your own contracting business. That’s where the real money is.
The reason it pays so well is simple: it’s a craft that a machine can’t really do. As you get better and move from basic blocks to high-end masonry or custom design, you become someone who’s really hard to replace. Plus, the coolest part is the business side—once you’ve got the skills, you can eventually stop working for someone else and run your own contracting business. That’s where the real money is.