NOC 2021 · 72320 · TEER 2
NOC 72320: Bricklayers
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
Bricklayers lay bricks, concrete blocks, stone and other similar materials to construct or repair walls, arches, chimneys, fireplaces and other structures in accordance with blueprints and specifications. They are employed by construction companies and bricklaying contractors or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
TEER
TEER 2
Usually needs a college diploma, an apprenticeship of 2 or more years, or supervisory work
Median wage (Canada)
$40.00 / hour
Job Bank, 2023-2024
High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)
Tier 3
+20 CRS for Canadian work, or 50 for a job offer
Express Entry categories
Trades
Category-based draws (2026)
Express Entry
How NOC 72320 counts for Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of continuous skilled (TEER 0–3) work in the last 10 years and 67 points on the FSW grid.
- Canadian Experience Class: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of skilled (TEER 0–3) work in Canada in the last 3 years.
- Federal Skilled Trades: eligible occupationNeeds 2 years of work in an eligible trade group in the last 5 years, plus a job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
High-wage CRS points
NOC 72320 is in tier 3 of IRCC's high-wage list, in effect from 3 November 2026.
| 12+ months of Canadian work | +20 points on top of work-length points |
|---|---|
| Qualifying job offer (no LMIA) | 50 points |
You get whichever option scores higher, not both.
See all 186 high-wage occupationsCategory-based draws
- Trades
At least 12 months of full-time work experience (or equal part-time) in the past 3 years in one listed occupation, plus Express Entry eligibility and the round instructions.
IRCC category listsDuties
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Read sketches and blueprints to calculate materials required
- Cut and trim bricks and concrete blocks to specification using hand and power tools
- Prepare and lay bricks, concrete blocks, stone, structural tiles and similar materials to construct or repair walls, foundations and other structures in residential, industrial and commercial construction
- Lay bricks or other masonry units to build residential or commercial chimneys and fireplaces
- Lay radial bricks to build masonry shells of industrial chimneys
- Lay or install firebricks to line industrial chimneys and smokestacks
- Line or reline furnaces, kilns, boilers and similar installations using refractory or acid-resistant bricks, refractory concretes, plastic refractories and other materials
- Lay bricks, stone or similar materials to provide veneer facing to walls or other surfaces
- Construct and install prefabricated masonry units
- Lay bricks or other masonry units to build patios, garden walls and other decorative installations
- May restore, clean or paint existing masonry structures.
For Express Entry, your experience must match the lead statement and most of these duties, not only the job title.
Job titles
Example job titles
- apprentice bricklayer
- bricklayer
- brickmason
- refractory bricklayer
- stonecutter
- stonemason
All 46 job titles in NOC 72320
- apprentice bricklayer
- apprentice brickmason
- apprentice mason
- artificial stone mason
- artificial stone setter
- brick and stone mason
- brick chimney builder
- brick setter
- bricklayer
- brickmason
- chimney bricklayer
- chimney repair bricklayer
- chimney repair stonemason
- cinder block mason
- cinder block setter
- concrete block setter
- fire brick layer
- fire brick liner repairer
- fireplace brickmason
- furnace lining bricklayer
- industrial furnace bricklayer
- industrial furnace brickmason
- industrial oven brickmason
- journeyman/woman bricklayer
- journeyman/woman brickmason
- journeyman/woman mason
- journeyman/woman stonemason
- kiln repair bricklayer
- ladle repair bricklayer
- maintenance bricklayer
- masonry silo erector
- permastone installer
- permastone mason
- refractory brick repairer-mason
- refractory bricklayer
- refractory builder
- refractory mason
- residential construction bricklayer
- restoration stonemason
- simulated stone mason
- simulated stone setter
- smokestack bricklayer
- stone setter
- stonecutter
- stonemason
- terra cotta mason
Requirements
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in bricklaying is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Trade certification for bricklayers is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the Yukon.
- Trade certification for stonemasons is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Trade certification for restoration stone masons is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified bricklayers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Additional information
- The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
- Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
This occupation may be regulated in some provinces. You may need a licence or certificate from the provincial regulator before you can work in it in Canada, even if you hold permanent residence.
Wages
Wages for NOC 72320 in Canada
Low, median and high wages per hour in Canadian dollars, from ESDC Job Bank's 2025 wage data.
| Region | Low | Median | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $25.78 | $40.00 | $48.78 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $25.00 | $38.50 | $52.47 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Nova Scotia | $22.50 | $31.00 | $36.63 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| New Brunswick | $21.00 | $32.00 | $48.31 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Quebec | $26.31 | $40.89 | $43.85 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Ontario | $25.00 | $38.00 | $50.83 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Manitoba | $25.41 | $38.88 | $44.20 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Saskatchewan | $25.45 | $36.30 | $42.67 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| Alberta | $28.00 | $41.85 | $54.00 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
| British Columbia | $27.50 | $38.00 | $50.00 | Employment Insurance Survey Data, 2023-2024 |
Provinces with too little data are not shown. Wages vary by city and employer; see Job Bank for regional figures.
Job outlook
Job outlook by province, 2025–2027
Job Bank rates the 3-year outlook as good or very good in Nova Scotia, Ontario.
GoodNova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Good for bricklayers (NOC 72320) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.
Here are some key facts about bricklayers in Nova Scotia:
Approximately 350 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Bricklayers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 92%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 91% compared to 82% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 9% compared to 18% for all occupations
34% of bricklayers work all year, while 66% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
27% of bricklayers are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 16% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 15% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 46% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 19% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
GoodOntario
The employment outlook will be Good for bricklayers (NOC 72320) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
What Types of Employers Are Out There?
Majority work in construction, particularly as foundation, structure and building exterior contractors and in residential building construction
What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?
Construction activity is expected to be favourable across Ontario over the forecast period, supporting opportunities in this occupation
Steady demand for new housing to meet population growth
Investments in infrastructure such as transit, health care and other public facilities
What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?
There are three voluntary skilled trades associated with this occupation in Ontario namely, Brick and Stone Mason, Refractory Mason, and Restoration Mason.
Here are some key facts about bricklayers in Ontario:
Approximately 6,650 people work in this occupation.
Bricklayers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 91%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 91% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 9% compared to 19% for all occupations
42% of bricklayers work all year, while 57% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
30% of bricklayers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 26% compared to 9% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 32% compared to 25% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 26% compared to 8% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 13% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 24% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations
ModerateManitoba
The employment outlook will be Moderate for bricklayers (NOC 72320) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.
Here are some key facts about bricklayers in Manitoba:
Approximately 300 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Bricklayers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 94%
Management and administrative services (NAICS 55, 56): 6%
28% of bricklayers work all year, while 71% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
25% of bricklayers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 11% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 37% compared to 31% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 31% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 15% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: n/a
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
ModerateAlberta
The employment outlook will be Moderate for bricklayers (NOC 72320) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about bricklayers in Alberta:
Approximately 1,150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Bricklayers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 88%
Real Estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 53): 5%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 90% compared to 80% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 10% compared to 20% for all occupations
37% of bricklayers work all year, while 63% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
30% of bricklayers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 10% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 28% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 44% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 14% compared to 19% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 21% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
Very limitedQuebec
The employment outlook will be Very limited for bricklayers (NOC 72320) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about bricklayers in Quebec:
Approximately 3,150 people work in this occupation.
Bricklayers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 93%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 93% compared to 82% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 7% compared to 18% for all occupations
30% of bricklayers work all year, while 70% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
17% of bricklayers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 10% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 10% compared to 19% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 71% compared to 19% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
Very limitedBritish Columbia
The employment outlook will be Very limited for bricklayers (NOC 72320) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about bricklayers in British Columbia:
Approximately 1,700 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Bricklayers mainly work in the following sectors:
Construction (NAICS 23): 92%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 88% compared to 78% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 12% compared to 22% for all occupations
41% of bricklayers work all year, while 59% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
44% of bricklayers are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 14% compared to 8% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 35% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 36% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 11% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
UndeterminedNewfoundland and Labrador
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedPrince Edward Island
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNew Brunswick
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedSaskatchewan
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNorthwest Territories
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNunavut
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
Source: ESDC Job Bank, 3-year employment outlooks 2025–2027 (released December 2025).
Provinces
Provincial Nominee Programs
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points. Most provinces run occupation-targeted draws or in-demand lists, and some accept TEER 4 and 5 occupations that Express Entry does not.
Provincial lists change often, sometimes between draws. We check whether NOC 72320 is being targeted by any province as part of a consultation.
Similar occupations
Related NOC codes
Classified elsewhere
If your duties fit one of these better, use that code instead.
Questions
NOC 72320: common questions
What is the NOC code for bricklayers?
What TEER category is NOC 72320?
Is NOC 72320 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 72320 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 72320 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 72320 in Canada?
Classification
Where it sits in NOC 2021
- 7Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupationsBroad Category
- 72Technical trades and transportation officers and controllersMajor Group
- 723Technical construction tradesSub-major Group
- 7232Bricklayers and insulatorsMinor Group
- 72320Bricklayers
Enquiry
Is NOC 72320 your occupation? Ask us about your options.
Tell us your duties, experience and language scores. We will confirm your NOC code and the Canadian routes that fit.
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0, Job Bank wages (2025), Job Bank outlooks 2025–2027 and IRCC. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Checked 21 October 2026.
NOC 2026 is due from Statistics Canada in December 2026. IRCC still uses NOC 2021 codes, and this page will show any change once IRCC switches.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, IRCC or ESDC.
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