Role Snapshot

ANZSCO Code: 331211, Bricklayer
NZR Code: NZR-149
Country: Australia
Role Variants: Bricklayer, Blocklayer, Stonemason, Refractory Bricklayer, Tuck Pointer, Paver (hard landscaping), Masonry Contractor
Parent Category: Trades and Construction Roles
Skill Level: 3
Shortage List Status: Bricklayer (ANZSCO 331211) is listed on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), supporting access to multiple skilled migration visa pathways including points-tested permanent residence. Confirm current status at homeaffairs.gov.au.
Licensing: White Card (CPCCWHS1001) mandatory for all construction site workers nationally. Trade contractor licensing for self-employed bricklayers varies by state. Employed bricklayers working for a licensed contractor typically do not need their own individual licence in most states.

🇳🇿Also considering New Zealand?Bricklayer and Stonemason Roles in New ZealandGreen List Tier 2 status. Strong commercial and heritage demand nationally.→

Bricklayers and blocklayers in Australia construct walls, partitions, chimneys, fireplaces, garden structures, and other masonry features using brick, concrete block, glass block, and stone. Stonemasons work with natural stone: cutting, dressing, and laying stone for both structural and decorative purposes. Refractory bricklayers specialise in high-temperature masonry for kilns, furnaces, and industrial plant.

Australia’s residential building tradition in the eastern states, particularly Victoria, WA, and South Australia, features brick veneer as the dominant wall cladding system, where a single leaf of brick is tied to a structural timber or steel frame. This creates a very high volume of residential bricklaying work in these states that differs from the timber-cladded residential construction typical in Queensland and parts of NSW. Experienced brick veneer bricklayers from the UK, Ireland, and South Africa adapt quickly to the Australian residential bricklaying market.

Commercial block construction (concrete masonry units, or CMU) is the most common masonry activity in Australian commercial and industrial construction. Blocklayers who can work efficiently on commercial block walls for offices, warehouses, schools, and industrial buildings are in steady demand with large commercial contractors. Hard landscaping is a growing adjacent market: experienced pavers and hard landscapers find consistent residential demand in Australia’s outdoor lifestyle-focused market.

Typical employers: Masonry subcontractors (residential brick veneer); commercial construction companies (CIMIC, CPB, Lendlease, Multiplex, Buildcorp) for block work; masonry subcontractors on commercial and industrial projects; heritage restoration contractors; hard landscaping companies; industrial contractors (refractory bricklaying for mining and industrial plant); self-employment as a masonry contractor or paver.

Bricklayer and Stonemason Salaries in Australia (AUD, 2026)

Bricklayer and stonemason salaries in Australia reflect the specialist nature of the trade and the high volume of residential and commercial masonry work. Experienced blocklayers on commercial projects and stonemasons with heritage or high-end decorative skills earn premium rates. Self-employed masonry contractors can achieve strong incomes, particularly in the high-volume residential brick veneer market in Victoria and WA. All figures below are before tax.

Piece-rate or production-based payments are common for residential bricklayers in the volume housing market, where productivity per thousand bricks is measurable and fast workers earn significantly above the employed day-rate equivalent. Heritage restoration and decorative stonework attract day rates at the premium end due to the specialist skills required. Victoria and WA are the strongest states for residential bricklayer employment given the brick veneer construction tradition. Sydney’s large commercial construction market makes it the strongest state for blocklayers.

Superannuation (11.5% of ordinary time earnings) is a mandatory employer contribution. Vehicle use or allowances are standard for most employed positions given the tool and equipment transport requirements. Scaffold and access equipment costs are typically the employer’s responsibility on commercial sites.

Where Are Bricklayers and Stonemasons Hired in Australia?

Demand for bricklayers and stonemasons in Australia is closely tied to the construction tradition of each state. Brick veneer residential construction dominates in Victoria, WA, and SA, creating much higher volumes of residential bricklaying work in those states than in QLD or NSW, where other cladding systems are more common. Commercial block construction is strong in all states.

Victoria (Melbourne): The strongest market for residential bricklayers in Australia. Brick veneer is the dominant cladding system for standalone residential homes in Victoria, creating a very high volume of ongoing residential bricklaying work. Melbourne’s outer metropolitan growth areas (Wyndham, Casey, Whittlesea, Hume) are among the busiest residential construction corridors in the country. Experienced bricklayers from the UK and Ireland adapt very quickly to the Victorian residential market. Enterprise agreement rates for commercial bricklayers on large projects are strong.

New South Wales (Sydney): Australia’s largest commercial construction market. Commercial block construction for warehouses, offices, schools, and industrial buildings generates consistent demand for blocklayers. Sydney’s heritage building stock (significant pre-war brick construction) generates ongoing tuck pointing and restoration masonry work. Residential brick veneer is less dominant than in Victoria, but high-end residential and heritage restoration niches are active.

Western Australia (Perth): Brick veneer residential construction is common in Perth, creating consistent residential bricklayer demand. WA’s resources sector occasionally generates refractory bricklayer demand for mine site plant and processing facilities. Perth wages are competitive and the lifestyle conditions are attractive for first-year arrivals.

Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast): Commercial block construction is the primary masonry work stream in Queensland, where the climate leads to lighter residential construction methods than the brick veneer-dominant southern states. Commercial blocklayers are well-employed on Queensland’s growing commercial and industrial construction pipeline. Hard landscaping and outdoor entertainment area masonry work is active across South East Queensland’s residential market.

South Australia (Adelaide), ACT (Canberra): Adelaide has a brick veneer residential tradition similar to Melbourne. Good residential bricklayer demand alongside commercial block construction. Canberra’s government infrastructure and residential programmes generate consistent masonry work. Regional centres across all states offer less competition for experienced masonry tradespeople and faster pathways to supervisory or self-employed roles.

Qualifications, Licences and Registration for Bricklayers in Australia

Bricklaying and stonework in Australia do not require a mandatory occupational licence for employed tradespeople in most states. However, formal trade qualification and a TRA skills assessment are required for immigration purposes, and self-employed masonry contractors need a contractor licence in most states for work above a set threshold.

White Card (CPCCWHS1001): mandatory first step.
All workers entering Australian construction sites must hold a White Card before commencing any site work. This is a nationally recognised one-day work health and safety induction delivered by RTOs across Australia. It is not state-specific and is recognised in all states and territories. Obtain your White Card before your first day on any Australian construction site.

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA):
TRA is the national skills assessment body for bricklaying under the Department of Home Affairs. A TRA assessment is required for immigration purposes and demonstrates trade equivalence to Australian standards. The standard Australian qualification is CPC31211 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) through an RTO is available for experienced overseas bricklayers. Initiate TRA assessment early given processing times of three to six months.

State contractor licensing (for self-employed work):

• NSW: NSW Fair Trading issues a Contractor Licence (Bricklaying) for self-employed bricklaying contractors.
• VIC: The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) issues domestic builder licences covering bricklaying for residential work above a set threshold.
• QLD: The QBCC issues trade contractor licences for bricklaying and blocklaying. Required for self-employed contractors undertaking residential and commercial work above the threshold.
• WA: Building and Energy (DMIRS) regulates building contractor registration. Self-employed bricklayers working above the threshold value need their own registration.
• SA: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) administers trade contractor licensing for bricklaying work in South Australia.

Mutual recognition between states:
Bricklaying contractor licences held in one Australian state can be recognised in another under the Mutual Recognition Act 1992. The process is administrative. If you plan to work across states, confirm the mutual recognition process for your specific state pair.

Heritage and restoration work:
Tuck pointing and repointing of heritage brick structures in Australia requires knowledge of lime mortar mixes and period-correct masonry techniques. Heritage Victoria, the NSW Heritage Office, and their counterparts in other states publish guidance on appropriate restoration methods. Bricklayers with UK or European heritage restoration experience find this a valuable specialisation in Australia’s significant stock of pre-WWII brick buildings. Silica dust from cutting masonry units is a regulated hazard in all states under model WHS legislation: wet cutting, dust extraction, or RPE (respiratory protective equipment) is required for any masonry cutting that generates silica dust.

Industry associations:
Master Builders Australia (masterbuilders.com.au) and the Housing Industry Association (hia.com.au) are the primary industry associations. The Bricklaying and Blocklaying Contractors Association is the specialist masonry industry body in some states.

Visa Pathways for Bricklayers and Stonemasons Moving to Australia

Bricklayer (ANZSCO 331211) is listed on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This is the most favourable occupation list for skilled migration, supporting access to employer-sponsored and points-tested visa pathways including permanent residence options. A TRA skills assessment is required for most skilled migration visa applications for this occupation.

Skills in Demand (SID) visa, subclass 482, Core Skills Stream:
The Skills in Demand visa requires employer sponsorship from an approved Australian sponsor. MLTSSL occupations are eligible for the Core Skills Stream. Minimum salary requirements apply (the Core Skills Income Threshold, CSIT). The SID visa is issued for up to four years. A TRA skills assessment is required. Large masonry subcontractors and commercial construction companies sponsor overseas bricklayers via this pathway, particularly in Victoria and WA where brick veneer demand is highest.

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, subclass 186 (permanent):
Permanent residence with employer nomination. The Temporary Residence Transition stream is available after at least two years on a subclass 482 visa with the nominating employer. The Direct Entry stream requires employer nomination and a TRA skills assessment, without requiring a prior 482 visa.

Skilled Independent visa, subclass 189:
Points-tested permanent residence for MLTSSL occupations. No employer sponsorship or state nomination required. Bricklayer (ANZSCO 331211) on the MLTSSL means points-tested applicants can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. An immigration adviser can model your points score and advise on competitive thresholds before you submit.

Regional Skilled Migration visa, subclass 491:
State or territory nominated points-based visa for regional Australia. Adds five points to the EOI score. Lower competition for state nomination in regional areas. Suitable for bricklayers willing to work in regional construction markets initially. After three years on subclass 491, apply for permanent residence via subclass 191.

Stonemason ANZSCO classification:
Stonemasons may be classified under ANZSCO 331211 (Bricklayer, which includes stonemason in its description) or under a related code depending on the work performed. Confirm the appropriate ANZSCO code with an immigration adviser before submitting any visa application, as the classification affects which occupation list applies and therefore which visa pathways are available.

New Zealand citizens have unrestricted work rights in Australia under the Special Category Visa (subclass 444) and do not require employer-sponsored visas. NZ bricklayers should obtain a White Card and check state contractor licensing requirements before commencing self-employed masonry contracting work. The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462) is available to nationals of certain countries as an initial entry pathway to assess the Australian market and establish employer relationships.

Are You Ready for the Australian Bricklayer and Stonemason Market?

Based on TEFI’s experience coaching overseas tradespeople into construction markets, these are the signals that indicate a bricklayer or stonemason is well-positioned for a successful move to Australia:

Strong readiness indicators:

• Trade qualification at Level 3 equivalent or above (City and Guilds, NVQ Level 2/3, Certificate III, or trade test) with original documentation.
• Three or more years of post-qualification bricklaying, blocklaying, or stonework experience with documented employer references.
• Experience with brick veneer residential construction is a particularly strong credential for the Victorian and WA residential markets, which are the highest-volume residential bricklaying markets in Australia.
• Commercial block work (concrete masonry units) experience is valued by commercial construction employers across all states.
• Heritage or decorative masonry skills (tuck pointing, natural stone, lime mortar) are specialist niches with premium positioning and less direct competition.
• TRA skills assessment initiated or planned. White Card obtained or planned immediately on arrival.
• If you are a stonemason, confirm your ANZSCO classification early with an immigration adviser to ensure you are applying under the correct code.

Preparation steps before applying:

• Gather certified copies of your trade qualification and any apprenticeship or trade test documentation.
• Obtain detailed employer references specifying years of employment, type of masonry work (residential brick, brick veneer, commercial block, stone, heritage), production rates, and any supervisory responsibilities.
• Initiate TRA assessment early given three to six month processing times.
• Research the specific licensing requirements for your target state before arrival, particularly if you intend to work self-employed.
• Identify masonry subcontractors and construction companies in your target state that are approved sponsors under the SID visa framework if you require employer sponsorship.

Fabien Maisonneuve navigated the skilled migration process for a construction trade role and built a successful career in a new market. His story illustrates what a well-prepared overseas tradesperson can achieve. Read Fabien’s story.

For a direct read on how your masonry background positions you in the Australian market, submit your CV to TEFI for a free review.

Where to Find Bricklayer and Stonemason Jobs in Australia

Bricklayer, blocklayer, and stonemason roles in Australia are advertised on mainstream job boards, and direct approaches to masonry subcontractors and construction companies are often productive given sustained employer demand.

• SEEK Australia: the primary job board for construction and trades. Search “bricklayer”, “blocklayer”, “stonemason”, “masonry”, or “tuck pointer”. Filter by state. Both residential masonry subcontractors and large commercial construction companies advertise here.
• Indeed Australia: widely used for trades roles. Worth monitoring alongside SEEK for maximum coverage.
• LinkedIn: used by larger commercial construction companies recruiting blocklayers for project-based roles, and by heritage restoration contractors seeking specialist stonemasons.
• Master Builders Australia: state-based member directories including masonry subcontractors. Useful for identifying established masonry companies in your target state and making direct contact.

Direct employer approaches:
The Australian masonry subcontracting sector includes both large companies and small specialist operators. In Victoria and WA, residential bricklaying subcontractors are closely connected to volume residential builders and often have direct recruitment pipelines for overseas bricklayers. Approaching residential masonry subcontractors directly (via websites, LinkedIn, or trade referrals) is often the fastest route to employment in the residential brick veneer market. Large commercial construction companies (Lendlease, Multiplex, Buildcorp, Kane) also engage blocklaying subcontractors on major commercial projects.

Recruitment agencies:
Hays Construction, Randstad Construction, Tradestaff Australia, and Programmed Skilled Workforce place bricklayers and blocklayers across Australia. Agencies are useful for first-year arrivals building Australian employment history and establishing references for future direct employment.