what is a bricklayer?
As a bricklayer, you build new structures, renovate, and restore existing ones. But your work involves much more than just stacking bricks. In your profession, modern technology complements traditional craftsmanship. Digital execution plans and sometimes even digital models form the basis of your work. You implement them using hand tools and modern machinery. As a result, the profession of bricklayer is more demanding and versatile than it was decades ago. Still, you continue to lay masonry, carry out concrete work, assemble scaffolding, apply plaster, and lay sewer pipes. Extreme weather conditions like cold and heat don’t bother you. Heights don’t scare you either. One of the advantages of being a bricklayer is that you can see your work take shape firsthand. Find out more about the tasks, skills, and salary of a bricklayer here.
bricklayer jobsworking as a bricklayer.
You're in your element on the construction site. You work as a bricklayer outdoors, come rain or shine. Your main task is to ensure that buildings are completed on time. You're involved in almost all structural work. Find out more about the key responsibilities of a bricklayer here.
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your area of responsibility
Typical tasks of a bricklayer include:
- Preparation: As a bricklayer, you don't lay stone on stone right away. First, you set up and secure the construction site. This includes barriers, protective shields, and markings. You dig trenches for the sewer system, lay pipes and conduits, and on sloped terrain, you backfill. Well prepared, you start your construction work.
- Construction: Now it’s time to get to the core of things. You build structures according to the plans using bricks, natural stone, or concrete. Throughout the process, you constantly check that everything stays straight. If you notice anything crooked, you correct it immediately with your trowel.
- Renovation: As a bricklayer, important tasks also include demolition and renovation work. If there's no hope left for the building, you prepare it for demolition. If only some paint and plaster are missing, you can make the building shine again with renovation work.
- Protection: During your work as a bricklayer, you protect your health and the environment. You adhere to all safety regulations and guidelines. For example, you wear safety shoes, gloves, and a safety helmet. Sometimes, hearing protection or a safety harness is also necessary. Additionally, you safeguard the environment by disposing of waste properly.
- Hammer: You prepare formwork for foundations, support pillars, and walls.
- Assembly: Now you put everything together like with a construction kit. You install prefabricated components such as window sills and supports. Afterwards, you assemble everything in place. Make sure to leave openings for windows and doors. This way, a wall becomes a livable building.
- Cladding: To turn a livable building into a cozy home, an attractive and functional cladding is essential. An appealing facade makes the house stand out. The right insulation provides protection against cold and noise.
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who are your colleagues?
As a bricklayer, you work closely with a variety of tools. Depending on your specialization and the size of the construction site, you also have contact with other trades. You might meet engineers, architects, or electricians. Not to forget, your fellow bricklayers. Especially on large construction sites, you're never working alone. Who your colleagues are mainly depends on where you're working.
types of bricklayers.
Bricklayers have a versatile profession that revolves around construction. You can specialise in a particular area. The following fields are available to you:
- Bricklayers in high-rise construction: The classic for bricklayers. Here, you build structures out of concrete or bricks. Your work is quite diverse, whether in residential construction, industrial buildings, or public structures.
- Bricklayers in civil engineering: Instead of working upwards, you go down into the depths. You build sewer systems or tunnels. This also includes sealing floors and walls, as well as installing drainage systems.
- Bricklayers in prefabricated house construction: In this line of work, you deal with modules. You don't lay bricks on top of each other, but assemble prefabricated components. Quickly, the prefabricated house is ready.
- Bricklayers for renovations: Your task here is to preserve existing buildings. You repair damages, restore individual trades, and make them attractive again with comfortable living.
salary as a bricklayer.
On popular job platforms, you can find the gross wages for bricklayers. They depend on your training, responsibilities, and further education. As a bricklayer with an EFZ apprenticeship diploma, you earn more than a labourer. Master builders receive a higher salary than construction workers. As a bricklayer, you benefit from the collective employment agreement (GAV) of the Swiss Association of Master Builders (SBV). After completing your apprenticeship, you can expect an entry-level salary of around 6,148 CHF per month or approximately 79,924 CHF per year. Find out more here about your gross salary as a bricklayers.
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how much do I earn as a bricklayer in a permanent position?
Your median salary as a bricklayer is around 6,200 CHF per month. That amounts to approximately 80,650 CHF per year. You work 41 hours a week. For night shifts and shift work, you receive additional allowances. Another way to increase your salary is through further training. This can help you move up to a higher salary bracket, which can easily add 600 CHF per month. If you advance to become a master builder, you can negotiate your salary freely. In that case, a monthly salary of 6,600 CHF is achievable. That’s still about 85,800 CHF annually. The region where you work also makes a difference. Employers in Basel and Zurich tend to pay more than in Graubünden.
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in which industry do I earn the most as a bricklayer?
As a bricklayer, you work in the construction industry. Thanks to the collective labour agreement (GAV) applicable to the sector, wage differences are minimal. To attract skilled workers, companies pay you at least the wage set by the Swiss Building Workers’ Union (SBV). Some companies even compete for apprentices and staff by offering better working conditions than their competitors. Flexible part-time hours are also negotiable.
vocational training and further education as a bricklayer.
The best chances for a well-paid job are as a bricklayer with a Federal Vocational Certificate (EFZ). After three years of apprenticeship in a construction company, you will hold the coveted Swiss Federal Certificate of Competence. You can also complete your apprenticeship as a Construction Worker EBA after just two years. However, the shorter apprenticeship means a lower salary. You could also take the more challenging route of gaining work experience first and then obtaining the EFZ qualification later. Even as a bricklayer, you haven't reached the end of the road yet. Further training allows you to qualify for higher salary levels and responsible positions. Technical and vocational schools offer numerous opportunities for this. For example, you can specialise with a professional examination (BP) as a Construction Foreman or a Craftsman in historic preservation. A career path opens up with a higher technical examination (HFP) as a Master Builder or a certified Construction Manager. Moving from practical craft work into a managerial role typically goes through a higher technical school. With a diploma as a Higher Technical Specialist in Construction Management, you can even lead bricklayers yourself.
positions as bricklayer.
Your chances as a trained bricklayer are excellent on the Swiss job market. Due to the skilled labor shortage, construction companies are eagerly looking for you. You can choose whether you prefer to work in small businesses or large companies. There is plenty of work available: on big construction sites or smaller projects for private clients. You can decide if you enjoy working at great heights, close to the ground, or underground. If you're interested in an attractive position as a bricklayer, you'll find offers on this page.
positions for career changers as bricklayers.
Bricklayers are in high demand. However, there’s a shortage of young talent, so companies have to hire less qualified staff. That’s why they invest directly in training and further education. If you’re switching from a related profession, you have great prospects. This includes basic construction practitioners EBA, stone setters EBA, or road construction practitioners EBA. Your chances improve significantly with several years of experience in the construction industry.
career opportunities and development potential for bricklayers.
You’ve already laid the foundation for a career in the construction industry with your completed apprenticeship as a bricklayer EFZ. Construction companies are eager to hire you with open arms. Plus, there are excellent opportunities for further training and professional development. By gaining additional qualifications, you can improve your chances of advancing. For example, with a higher vocational examination or a diploma, you could lead other bricklayers and construction workers. Want to develop further as a bricklayer? Check out our tests and tips.
skills as a bricklayer.
To be successful as a bricklayer and enjoy your work, the following skills and qualities will help you:
- Craftsmanship: As a bricklayer, you typically lay stone on stone. You enjoy getting hands-on and use your tools confidently. Additionally, you ensure that the construction stays straight and true. A good sense of spatial awareness helps you with that. You use materials efficiently and avoid waste.
- Endurance: A building isn’t built overnight. Things don’t always go smoothly either. You don’t just give up and put down your trowel and spatula. Your employer can rely on you. You don’t let your team and customers down.
- Capacity for work: You work as a bricklayers outdoors. Wind and weather don’t bother you. Even dizzying heights don’t make you break out in a cold sweat. You’re physically fit and agile. Thanks to your robust health, you even enjoy your work.
- Flexibility: Your work as a bricklayer isn’t evenly spread throughout the year. In winter, you work a bit less. During the rest of the season, your finishing time shifts accordingly. If there’s time pressure on a project, you might also have to do a night shift or work on weekends.
benefits of working as a bricklayer at randstad.
There are many good reasons to work as a bricklayer at Randstad:
- exciting jobs at well-known companies
- a reliable contact person whenever you need them; personal advice really matters
- attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
- further training courses and personal development opportunities
- clear information in the myRandstad app
- do you have a fixed-term contract? Often, there’s the possibility of securing a permanent position afterwards. Many popular companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad.
your training budget as a bricklayer with randstad.
If you work as a bricklayer for Randstad, you have access to further training courses. As part of the TempTraining program from swissstaffing, you can attend training sessions. You will get the course fees reimbursed later, provided you pass the course exam. Your consultant from Randstad is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can acquire additional language skills or job-specific knowledge, all during your working hours as a bricklayer.
application tips for bricklayers at randstad.
Have you found your dream job as a bricklayer? It’s not just qualifications and certificates that determine the success of your applications. Careful, error-free, and personalized documents will definitely help you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to improve your chances:
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1. find your first job as a bricklayer
Search through the Randstad job offers. If you don’t find a position that’s exactly right for you, you’re still welcome to get in touch with us personally without any obligation or to create a Randstad profile.
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2. applying as a bricklayer
The job ad continues right away: apply online, give us a call, or send us an email.
Make sure your documents are complete.
✓ CV with photo
✓ work references & diplomasYou don't have a CV yet or only an outdated version? Create a new layout using a free online template.
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3. preparing for a job interview as a bricklayer
A good preparation will help you stay calm during the interview as a bricklayer. Here are some tips for your job interview.
Here are some tips for your job interview.
frequently asked questions.
Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about the profession of bricklayer.
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what does a bricklayers do?
As a bricklayer, you mainly lay stone on stone, whether natural stone or brick. Sometimes, you work with concrete, channels, and tunnels. Your job is to construct new buildings and to maintain or restore existing ones. You rely on your craftsmanship skills and digital support through detailed plans and models. Every day, you see your construction take shape. Find out more about your tasks as a bricklayer here.
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how much do I earn as a bricklayer?
Your gross salary as a bricklayer is around 6'200 CHF per month or 80'650 CHF annually. By participating in regular further training, you can increase your earnings. If you work nights and weekends during seasonal peaks, you’ll receive additional pay on top of your base salary. Additionally, the region you work in can influence your wage. Here’s more information about your gross salary as a bricklayer.
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is bricklayer a good profession?
The great thing about your job as a bricklayer is that you work a lot outdoors and stay physically active. On large construction sites, you’re supported by a team, you’re not alone. Another advantage is that you have excellent prospects on the job market. Construction companies are competing for you and offer you an attractive salary. And that’s not all: your career opportunities and further training options are impressive. It’s a recession-proof profession with excellent future prospects, what more could you ask for? Want to know what to expect as a bricklayer? Then keep reading here.
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is bricklayering difficult?
As a bricklayer, you're out in all weather conditions. Your job demands physical effort, sometimes at dizzying heights. During the season, you don't always finish work on time. Your commitment is also needed in the evenings and on weekends. In winter, you can take it a bit easier. The pride you feel in a job well done makes up for the hard work. The more experience you gain, the more skilled you become at laying bricks. Learn more about the profession of bricklayer on this page.
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do you need experience to become a bricklayer?
Maurer ist ein handwerklicher Beruf. Deine Lehre machst du in einem Bauunternehmen und sammelst dort bereits praktische Erfahrung. Ein idealer Einstieg in die Welt der Maurer ist auch eine Lehre als Baupraktiker. Nachdem du mehrere Jahre Erfahrung gesammelt hast, kannst du einen Abschluss als Maurer anstreben. Dasselbe gilt auch für Quereinsteiger. Mit der Erfahrung steigt nicht nur dein Fachwissen, sondern auch dein Lohn. Über Randstad findest du Stellen für Quereinsteiger und Berufserfahrene. Lies hier nach, welche Fähigkeiten du als Maurer benötigst.
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what requirements do I need to meet to become a bricklayer?
With a completed apprenticeship as a bricklayer EFZ, you lay the foundation for a career in the construction industry. Due to the skilled labour shortage, you also have good prospects as a career changer. Having an apprenticeship in a related profession and several years of work experience makes you an attractive candidate for construction companies. Through further training, you can specialise in a specific area or set the course for a management career. If you bring endurance, resilience, and flexibility, construction companies will be eager to hire you. Are you looking for an attractive position with prospects? Discover our offers for bricklayers here.
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how do I apply for a job as a bricklayer?
Your application as a bricklayer is straightforward. Create a Randstad profile and browse our job portal for open positions in your area. Found an interesting offer? Then send us your cover letter, CV, and certificates right away. Need help with your application? Our application tips will guide you to craft a clear and effective application with ease.
