Bricklayer vs Stonemason: Which Trade to Choose?

 

 

Both bricklayers and stonemasons are skilled artisans who work with masonry materials to build and create structures that last for generations. While they share some fundamental skills, their work, the materials they use, and their career paths are distinctly different.

This guide will break down the two trades to help you decide which one aligns with your interests, skills, and career goals.

 

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At a Glance: The Core Difference

• A Bricklayer is like a high-volume specialist. They work with manufactured, uniform materials (bricks, blocks) to construct walls, houses, and large-scale structures efficiently and to precise engineering specifications. The focus is on speed, consistency, and structural integrity.

• A Stonemason is like a master craftsperson or artist. They work with natural stone (granite, marble, sandstone, limestone) which is irregular and unique. Their work ranges from building stone walls to creating intricate carvings, restoring historical buildings, and crafting bespoke features. The focus is on artistry, precision shaping, and preservation.

 

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Head-to-Head Comparison

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Deep Dive into Each Trade

 

The Bricklayer: The Backbone of Construction

The Day-to-Day:
A bricklayer’s work is rhythmic and systematic. You’ll be reading plans, mixing mortar, and laying bricks or blocks in rows (courses) to build the “skin” and structure of buildings. The job demands high productivity to meet construction deadlines.

Pros:

• High & Consistent Demand: Essential for the vast majority of new housing and commercial projects. The current housing shortage in Australia guarantees a strong pipeline of work.

• Excellent Earning Potential: Very high income, especially for fast workers who subcontract or run their own business. Paid per brick/block can be extremely lucrative.

• Clear Career Path: Straightforward path from apprentice to qualified tradesperson to business owner.

• Tangible Results: You see a building go up quickly from your efforts.

Cons:

• Can Be Repetitive: The work can become monotonous for some, focusing on long, straight walls.

• Vulnerable to Economic Downturns: A slowdown in new housing construction can directly impact workload.

• Physically Taxing: Consistent strain on the back, knees, and shoulders.

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The Stonemason: The Artisan of Stone

The Day-to-Day:
A stonemason’s work is varied. It can involve:

• Shaping and Cutting: Using chisels and saws to cut and shape rough stone into specific dimensions or artistic forms.

• Fixing/Installing: Laying stone for walls, cladding, or floors.

• Carving and Dressing: Creating detailed ornamental work, lettering on monuments, or restoring intricate features on heritage buildings.

• There are often two streams: Monumental (focusing on memorials and carving) and Installation (focusing on building with stone).

Pros:

• Highly Creative & Rewarding: You work with beautiful, unique materials and create one-of-a-kind pieces. The pride in craftsmanship is immense.

• Diverse & Interesting Projects: You could be restoring a 19th-century cathedral one month and building a luxury backyard feature the next.

• Niche Skill Set: Makes you a highly specialized and valued tradesperson, often with less direct competition.

• Heritage & Preservation Work: Opportunity to work on historically significant sites, which can be deeply meaningful.

Cons:

• Lower & Less Consistent Volume: Projects are often smaller, more bespoke, and less frequent than mass brickwork. Finding a steady stream of high-paying work can be harder.

• Generally Lower Earning Potential: While top artisans can charge a premium, the average stonemason may not earn as much as a fast bricklayer on a large project due to the time-intensive nature of the work.

• Physically Demanding in a Different Way: Involves lifting extremely heavy, irregular objects and detailed, precise hand-tool work that can be hard on the hands and body.

• Harder to Find Apprenticeships: There are far fewer stonemasonry businesses than bricklaying companies, making apprenticeships more competitive to secure.

 

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Which Trade is Right for You? A Self-Assessment

Choose Bricklaying if you:

• Enjoy fast-paced, physical work and seeing rapid progress.

• Are good with measurements, levels, and following technical plans.

• Want a trade with a very clear and high income ceiling.

• Prefer the consistency and high demand of the new housing and construction sector.

• Are motivated by efficiency and running a profitable business.

Choose Stonemasonry if you:

• Have an artistic or creative streak and an eye for detail.

• Are fascinated by natural materials and history.

• Value craftsmanship and creating unique, lasting art over high-volume output.

• Don’t mind if the work is less predictable and sometimes harder to find.

• Find satisfaction in meticulous, patient work and problem-solving with irregular shapes.

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The Verdict

Both are respected, hands-on trades that offer a viable and rewarding career path without a university degree.

• For Job Security and High Earnings (Right Now): Bricklaying has a stronger and more immediate demand in Australia’s current construction climate.

• For Passion, Craftsmanship, and Legacy: Stonemasonry offers a unique, artistic career that few other trades can match, with the potential to work on breathtaking projects.

 

Tips If you’re torn, try to get a week of work experience with a professional in each trade. There is no substitute for seeing the work firsthand. The dust, the physicality, the rhythm, and the satisfaction—or lack thereof—will tell you everything you need to know.