A Bricklayer salary in South Africa usually ranges from about R8,000 to R29,000 per month, depending on experience, employer, project type, location, trade qualification, overtime and whether the role is in residential building, commercial construction, civil works, maintenance, renovations or specialised masonry. Experienced bricklayers, artisan bricklayers and team leaders can earn more.
Bricklayers build and repair walls, foundations, partitions, arches, paving, chimneys and other brick, block or masonry structures. The role is common in construction companies, building contractors, property maintenance teams, civil projects and residential developments.
Key takeaways
- Entry-level Bricklayers may earn around R8,000 to R13,000 per month.
- Experienced Bricklayers often earn between R13,000 and R20,000 per month.
- Senior, artisan or specialist Bricklayers may earn R20,000 to R29,000+ per month.
- Pay can be higher for trade-tested bricklayers, foremen, subcontractors or bricklayers working on complex projects.
- Speed, accuracy, plan reading, site experience and supervisory ability can improve earning potential.
Bricklayer salary range in South Africa
| Experience level | Estimated monthly salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level Bricklayer | R8,000 – R13,000 |
| Experienced Bricklayer | R13,000 – R20,000 |
| Senior / artisan Bricklayer | R20,000 – R29,000+ |
| Wider bricklayer range | R8,110 – R28,742 |
Salary sources vary because some roles are listed as Bricklayer, Brick Mason, Mason, Artisan Bricklayer, Refractory Bricklayer or Building Trades Worker.
Indeed reports an average Brick Mason salary of about R15,495 per month in South Africa. PayScale reports an average Bricklayer hourly rate of about R35.59. WageIndicator places bricklayers and related workers in a 2026 salary range of about R8,110 to R28,742 per month. SalaryExpert reports a higher average Bricklayer salary of about R363,176 per year, or roughly R30,265 per month, which may reflect more experienced or formally skilled roles.
What does a Bricklayer do?
A Bricklayer builds and repairs structures using bricks, blocks, mortar and other masonry materials.
Typical duties include:
- Reading building plans or drawings
- Measuring and setting out work areas
- Mixing or preparing mortar
- Laying bricks and blocks accurately
- Building walls, foundations, partitions and pillars
- Checking levels, alignment and spacing
- Cutting bricks or blocks to size
- Repairing damaged brickwork
- Working with plasterers, builders, foremen and site managers
- Following health and safety rules
- Keeping the work area clean and organised
- Supporting site progress against deadlines
In smaller projects, a Bricklayer may work across several general building tasks. In larger projects, the role may be more specialised and focused on production speed, accuracy and quality.
What affects a Bricklayer salary?
Experience and speed
Bricklayers who can work quickly while maintaining straight, level and neat brickwork are valuable on site. Experienced bricklayers can usually earn more than entry-level workers.
Trade qualification
A trade-tested or formally trained bricklayer may have better salary prospects than someone with only informal experience, especially in larger construction companies or artisan roles.
Project type
Commercial buildings, civil projects, industrial work, high-end residential builds and complex masonry can pay more than basic small-scale residential work.
Location
Pay may vary by city and province. Indeed reports a much higher Cape Town Brick Mason average of about R28,460 per month, although this is based on fewer reported salaries and may reflect more specialised or higher-paying listings.
Employment type
A permanently employed Bricklayer may have a steadier monthly income, while subcontractors or self-employed bricklayers may earn more on some projects but have less income stability.
Entry-level Bricklayer salary
An entry-level Bricklayer may earn around R8,000 to R13,000 per month.
At this level, the person may assist with basic brickwork, mortar preparation, site setup, carrying materials and learning how to read levels, lines and building plans.
Experienced Bricklayer salary
An experienced Bricklayer may earn between R13,000 and R20,000 per month.
This level usually applies to someone who can lay bricks or blocks independently, follow site instructions, work accurately and maintain a steady pace.
Senior or artisan Bricklayer salary
A senior, artisan or specialist Bricklayer may earn R20,000 to R29,000+ per month.
Higher salaries are more likely where the person is trade-tested, handles complex masonry, reads drawings, supervises assistants, works on commercial projects or takes responsibility for quality and output.
Specialised masonry can also pay more. For example, SalaryExpert reports a Refractory Bricklayer average of about R375,650 per year, or roughly R31,304 per month, for work involving heat-resistant brickwork in industrial environments.
Bricklayer vs Construction Labourer salary
A Construction Labourer usually performs general site duties such as carrying materials, cleaning, digging, mixing and assisting trades.
A Bricklayer is a skilled trade role focused on building masonry structures. Because bricklaying requires accuracy, tools, site knowledge and practical skill, it usually pays more than general labouring work.
WageIndicator places building construction labourers in a 2026 range of about R7,927 to R19,271 per month, which is generally below the upper range for bricklayers and related workers.
How to earn more as a Bricklayer
To increase earning potential, build skills that make you more productive and trusted on site.
Useful areas include:
- Trade testing or formal bricklaying training
- Reading building plans
- Accurate setting out
- Face brickwork
- Blockwork
- Refractory brickwork
- Plastering or tiling basics
- Health and safety
- Supervising assistants
- Estimating materials
- Working to deadlines
- Small contractor or subcontracting experience
The strongest Bricklayers are accurate, reliable, physically fit and able to produce neat work at a steady pace.
FAQ: Bricklayer salary
What is the average Bricklayer salary in South Africa?
The average Bricklayer or Brick Mason salary is often reported around R15,500 per month, depending on the source, location, experience and whether the role is general, artisan or specialist.
Is bricklaying a good trade?
Yes. Bricklaying can be a good trade for someone who enjoys practical construction work, working outdoors and building visible results. It can lead to roles such as Artisan Bricklayer, Foreman, Site Supervisor or Building Contractor.
Do Bricklayers need a qualification?
Not always, because many bricklayers learn through practical site experience. However, formal training, apprenticeships or trade testing can improve job prospects and earning potential.
Do Bricklayers work overtime?
Some do. Overtime can depend on project deadlines, weather delays, site schedules and employer requirements.
What jobs can a Bricklayer move into?
A Bricklayer can move into roles such as Senior Bricklayer, Artisan Bricklayer, Refractory Bricklayer, Foreman, Site Supervisor, Building Supervisor, Construction Supervisor or Building Contractor.
Sources
Indeed Brick Mason salary data
https://za.indeed.com/career/brick-mason/salaries
Indeed Cape Town Brick Mason salary data
https://za.indeed.com/career/brick-mason/salaries/Cape-Town–Western-Cape
PayScale Bricklayer hourly pay data
https://www.payscale.com/research/ZA/Job%3DBricklayer/Hourly_Rate
WageIndicator Bricklayers and related workers salary data
https://wageindicator.org/en-za/work-in-south-africa/role-and-pay/south-africa-bricklayers-and-related-workers
SalaryExpert Bricklayer salary data
https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/bricklayer/south-africa
SalaryExpert Refractory Bricklayer salary data
https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/refractory-bricklayer/south-africa
WageIndicator Building construction labourers salary data
https://wageindicator.org/en-za/work-in-south-africa/role-and-pay/south-africa-building-construction-labourers
