A bricklayer is a construction worker who lays bricks, blocks, and other masonry units to construct or repair walls, partitions, arches, sewers, and other structures. A typical day on the job might involve mixing mortar, spreading it on bricks or blocks using a trowel, and then shaping the wet mixture with a chisel before it dries.

Bricklayer Job Responsibilities

  • Plan and lay bricks, stone, or other masonry units to form structures, walls, partitions, arches, or fireplaces according to blueprint specifications.
  • Spread mortar on bed of unit being laid with trowel and force it into joints between units with jointer.
  • Erect scaffolding or set up ladders for assembling vertical rows of masonry units.
  • Clean work area of debris at end of each workday.

Objectives

  • To lay bricks, blocks and other masonry in accordance with blueprints and other specifications.
  • To mortar joints by hand or machine.
  • To clean up job sites after work is completed.
  • To perform general maintenance and repairs on equipment used on the job site.
  • To operate power tools and other machinery as needed.

Bricklayer Job Skills & Qualifications Needed

  • The skills and qualifications needed for the role of bricklayer vary depending on the employer, but most require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Many bricklayers also learn their trade through apprenticeship programs.