What is the current award rate for a bricklayer in Australia?

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award, a Level 3 bricklayer (CW/ECW 3) receives a minimum hourly rate of $32.64 as of the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. This rate includes industry allowance, follow-the-job loading, and tool allowance. Higher rates apply for overtime and weekends.

Can a bricklayer be paid less than the award rate?

No, the award rate is the legal minimum for employees covered by that award. An enterprise agreement may set different rates, but they must pass the better off overall test. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies only if no award or agreement covers the employee.

How does the bricklayer award rate compare to average earnings?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (May 2026), full-time adult ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week. A bricklayer working 38 hours at the award rate earns $1,240.32 per week before tax, which is below the national average but above the national minimum wage.

Bricklayer Salary: Award Rates and the National Minimum Wage in Australia

The minimum bricklayer salary under the Building and Construction General On-site Award is $32.64 per hour for a Level 3 bricklayer, well above the national minimum wage of $26.44.

Understanding the bricklayer salary in Australia

When people search for a "bricklayer salary" they often want to know the going rate, but the answer depends on whether you are looking at the legal minimum, an award rate, a survey average, or a negotiated figure. This guide explains each layer so you can compare apples with apples.

The legal minimum: national minimum wage

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. This is the floor for employees not covered by any award or registered agreement. However, most bricklayers in the private sector are covered by the Building and Construction General On‑site Award, which has higher minimum rates.

The award rate for bricklayers

The Building and Construction General On‑site Award classifies bricklayers at Level 3 (CW/ECW 3). According to the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide for that award, the ordinary hourly rate from 1 July 2026 is $32.64. This rate already includes the industry allowance, follow‑the‑job loading, and tool allowance. For overtime, Saturday work, or Sunday work, penalty rates apply – for example, the first two hours of Monday‑to‑Friday overtime are paid at $48.96 per hour.

It is important to note that the award rate is the minimum. An employer cannot pay less than $32.64 per hour for a bricklayer covered by this award. If a bricklayer is an apprentice, junior, or trainee, different rates apply – those are set out in the award and are lower than the full classification rate.

Survey averages and the ABS

The Australian Bureau of Statistics publishes average earnings figures. In May 2026, full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings were $2,083.70 per week. That figure includes all occupations and industries. A bricklayer on the award rate of $32.64 per hour for 38 hours earns $1,240.32 per week before tax. That is below the national average but still well above the national minimum. Some bricklayers may earn more through piecework, overtime, or enterprise agreements, which can push their actual salary higher.

Negotiated salaries and enterprise agreements

A bricklayer’s actual take‑home pay can be higher than the award rate if an enterprise agreement applies. Such agreements must pass the better off overall test compared to the award. In some cases, bricklayers on large commercial projects earn above‑award rates. The key point is that the award rate is a floor, not a ceiling.

Superannuation is on top

Whenever you see a pay rate, remember that the superannuation guarantee requires employers to pay an additional 12% of ordinary time earnings into the employee’s super fund. So for a bricklayer earning $32.64 per hour, the employer also contributes $3.92 per hour in super. This is not deducted from the wage – it is paid on top.

How to check your own rate

If you are a bricklayer or an employer, the best way to confirm the correct minimum is to use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool. You can also read our Which minimum wage applies guide to see if you are in the national system or covered by a state award. For detailed tables of award rates, visit our Rate tables page.

Common misunderstandings

A frequent mistake is to assume the national minimum wage of $26.44 applies to all workers. It does not – if an award covers the job, the award rate is the legal minimum. Another confusion is mixing up the award rate with a survey average. The award rate is a legal floor; the ABS average is a statistical snapshot of what people actually earn, which can be higher or lower depending on the industry.

Summary

The bricklayer salary under the Building and Construction General On‑site Award is $32.64 per hour as of July 2026. That is the minimum for a qualified bricklayer. Actual earnings may be higher due to overtime, enterprise agreements, or piece rates. Always check the award or agreement that applies to your workplace, and remember that super is an extra cost for employers, not part of the wage. For more detail on how these figures are calculated, see our How the figures work page.