This article examines bricklayer cost per hour in the United States, detailing typical price ranges, regional differences, and what drives the hourly rate. Buyers will find practical figures and a clear breakdown to help compare estimates and budget accurately.

Note: the price discussion uses cost, price, and rate interchangeably for hourly labor, with ranges reflecting normal scope, quality, and access conditions.

Typical Bricklayer Hourly Rates by Region

Regional differences dominate the base price. In the Southeast, rates commonly run around $28-$40 per hour for an experienced bricklayer, while the Northeast and West Coast can push toward $40-$60 per hour due to labor costs and permitting requirements. In midwestern markets, rates often land between $32-$46 per hour. Assumptions: standard mortar mix, good access, no structural remediation.

How Work Scope Affects the Hourly Price

Scope determines adjustments beyond base wages. Simple repointing or small veneer work may stay near the lower end, while full brick masonry with lintels, demolition, and scaffold setup raises the effective rate. For a 100–200 sq ft veneer project, expect $2,800-$5,000 total, equating to roughly $28-$50 per hour depending on crew and access. For larger jobs, the hourly rate may benefit from efficiencies, while complex patterns or arches can push costs higher.

Material and Tool Costs That Influence Labor Price

Materials and tools are separate but tied to overall price. Most bricklayer rates assume standard clay bricks, lime-poor or Portland cement mortar, and basic hand tools with minimal rental needs. If specialty bricks, decorative patterns, or imported materials appear, per-hour costs tend to rise by $5-$15. For projects requiring scaffolding, hoisting, or specialty blades, the crew will either charge a higher rate or bill separately for equipment. Assumptions: standard brick size, normal access, typical mortar mix.

Crew Size and Job Duration Impact

Two-person crews can improve efficiency but raise total labor cost. A single bricklayer may average 40–60 sq ft per day on a straightforward wall, while a two-person team can cover 60–100 sq ft daily under good conditions. Over a 300 sq ft wall, a two-person crew reduces days but increases daily cost; total price depends on hours worked and local labor rates.

Residential Brickwork vs Commercial Prices

Different project types carry distinct price cadences. Residential brick veneer typically lands around lower-to-mid hourly ranges, say $28-$45, reflecting shorter jobs and simpler patterns. Commercial brickwork, especially with thicker walls or load-bearing specs, can push the rate to $40-$60 per hour or higher, plus possible permits, safety requirements, and scaffolding needs. For a 500 sq ft wall in a small commercial retrofit, expect total costs in the $22,000-$32,000 range, depending on status of existing substrate and required reinforcement. Assumptions: standard 3- to 4-inch brick, typical mortar, no seismic retrofit.

Regional Multipliers and Real-World Examples

Price bands shift with market demand. A Midwest city might see $30-$42 per hour, while a coastal metro could push to $42-$58 per hour. In rural areas, rates can dip to the $28-$36 range but with longer travel times or smaller crews. A practical example: replacing a 100 ft long brick veneer wall with standard brick and mortar in a suburban area could range from $6,500 to $12,000 total, equivalent to $32-$60 per hour depending on crew composition. Assumptions: standard 2, 3, or 4-inch brick, typical job setup.

Ways to Cut Bricklayer Costs Without Compromising Quality

Smart scope control lowers the hourly price burden. Consider grouping nearby brick projects to optimize crew travel time, reuse suitable excess mortar materials, and choose common brick sizes over custom shapes. Scheduling work during off-peak seasons or weekdays may yield lower hourly rates. Avoid upgrades that don’t add structural or aesthetic value, and request a fixed-price milestone for key walls to reduce variability. Assumptions: project kept within standard scope; no structural remediation required.

What a Bricklayer Quote Should Include

A transparent quote helps compare apples to apples. A solid estimate breaks out Materials, Labor, Equipment, Permits, and Delivery/Disposal. Look for unit prices per sq ft for veneer walls, or per hour for labor, plus a clear total. If a quote bundles labor with scaffolding rental or hoisting, verify whether those are separate line items. For a 150 sq ft veneer panel, expect a labor portion around $1,800-$4,000, with materials at $1,200-$2,800 depending on brick type. Assumptions: standard wall height, typical anchor pattern, no load-bearing changes.

Common Quote Example Breakdowns

• Two-person crew, 150 sq ft veneer wall: Labor $40-$55/hour; Materials $12-$22 per sq ft; Equipment $2-$6 per sq ft; Total $7,000-$11,000
• Residential brick veneer, 80 sq ft: Labor $25-$45/hour; Materials $10-$18 per sq ft; Permits $100-$400; Total $2,800-$6,200
• Commercial brick wall, 500 sq ft: Labor $40-$60/hour; Materials $9-$16 per sq ft; Scaffolding $0.75-$2 per sq ft; Total $22,000-$32,000