In Perth, bricklayers were reportedly charging $2.70–$3 to lay each face brick in a report published on 8 October 2024. A Western Australian Legislative Council speaker later cited an average of $3 per face brick in June 2025—but neither figure is a verified statewide rate for October 2026, and the parliamentary speaker said the rate was not guaranteed.
How much do Perth bricklayers charge per brick?
Ben Harvey reported in PerthNow on 8 October 2024 that the rate for laying face bricks in Perth had climbed to $2.70–$3 per brick. The article said country builders paid “far more,” but did not give a regional figure. That description is not enough to calculate or reliably estimate a country rate.
The report also compared the Perth rate with $1.80–$2 per brick in January. Its accessible text does not clearly identify which year that January refers to, so the comparison should not be treated as a dated annual trend.
What did the 2025 WA statement say?
Speaking in the Western Australian Legislative Council on 19 June 2025, Hon Klara Andric said the average rate—not a guaranteed one—was $2.50 per render brick and $3 per face brick. Those figures differ by brick type and describe an average, not a fixed price every bricklayer or builder must use.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Package Included】: 1 X 6” Pointing trowel ; 1 X 6” Gauging trowel
- 【Size】:Pointing Trowel: Blade length: 150mm/6”；Blade width: 80mm/3.1”；Grip length: 125mm/5” ; Gauging Trowel: Blade length: 150mm/6”；Blade width: 86mm/3.4”；Grip length: 125mm/5”
- 【Material】：Carbon steel
- 【To Use】: It is used to scoop up pre-mixed mortar from a container and lay that mortar across a course of bricks, brick tools to easier your work.
- 【Application】: The versatile blade of brick pointing trowel is great for mixing, scraping and repair. Quality hand tools for the concrete, masonry, asphalt, plaster, drywall, tile, floor covering, and leveling trades.
| Brickwork rate or figure | What it describes | Source and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| $2.70–$3 per face brick | Perth laying rate reported in October 2024 | PerthNow, 8 October 2024; not a current statewide survey. |
| $2.50 per render brick; $3 per face brick | Average rates cited in the Legislative Council | Hon Klara Andric, 19 June 2025; expressly not guaranteed. |
| “Far more” than Perth | Country builders, as compared with Perth | PerthNow, 8 October 2024; no specific country rate stated. |
What does a per-brick rate include?
These figures refer to labour for laying bricks, not the retail price of the bricks or the total cost of a wall or building project. The scope matters: a new-construction subcontract may be priced per brick or per thousand bricks, while replacement and repointing work can use different pricing units. A quote is only comparable with these figures if it covers a similar kind of work and states what is included.
Ask the builder or bricklayer to clarify the brick type, quantity, work location, preparation and finishing included, and whether the price is labour only. For repair work, confirm the unit used for the quote rather than assuming a new-build per-brick rate applies.
Rank #2
- Stainless Steel blade with Rubber Handle
- Used to spread mortar on floors, walls, and other applications
- 2-7/8 in. x 5-1/2 in. Blade
- Silver, Black, and Yellow
- Blade dimensions of 11.125 in. x 3.5 in.
Does $3 per brick mean a brickie earns $1,200 a day?
Andric said an average bricklayer laid 400 bricks a day and used that volume with the cited rates to illustrate $1,000–$1,200 per person per day. This was the speaker’s arithmetic, not evidence of a guaranteed daily income, a typical take-home amount, or consistent daily work. A per-brick rate alone does not establish what someone ultimately earns after accounting for the terms and costs of their work.
Is a salary offer comparable to the per-brick rate?
No. PerthNow also reported that BGC offered bricklayers an annual salary of $108,000 plus superannuation and annual leave, with a $2,500 relocation fee to attract workers from the eastern states. That was a reported employment offer, not a subcontract rate; salary and piecework figures describe different payment arrangements and should not be compared as if they were equivalent.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- MARSHALLTOWN London Brick Trowels offer professional-grade quality to help you complete all functional or decorative brick, block, and stonework.
- Each London Brick Trowel is forged from a single piece of high carbon steel and polished to perfection for a clean finish to any job.The blade is taper ground and heat treated for strength and durability.
- Lengths range from 10 inches to 13 inches and widths range from 4-3/4 inches to 5-3/8 inches.
- The DuraSoft handle offers a comfortable grip to reduce user fatigue and is set to the correct hang and balance.
- All MARSHALLTOWN London Brick Trowels are Made in the USA with Global Materials.
Was the $3 rate linked to price-fixing?
PerthNow reported that the ACCC investigated WA bricklayers in 2021 over a suspected price-fixing operation intended to set a $3 rate. The report does not establish that the investigation resulted in a finding of liability, so it should not be read as proof that bricklayers fixed prices.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MARSHALLTOWN London Brick Trowels offer professional-grade quality to help you complete all functional or decorative brick, block, and stonework.
- Each London Brick Trowel is forged from a single piece of high carbon steel and polished to perfection for a clean finish to any job.The blade is taper ground and heat treated for strength and durability.
- Lengths range from 10 inches to 13 inches and widths range from 4-3/4 inches to 5-3/8 inches.
- The DuraSoft handle offers a comfortable grip to reduce user fatigue and is set to the correct hang and balance.
- All MARSHALLTOWN London Brick Trowels are Made in the USA with Global Materials.
Rank #4
- Large Steel Blade: Delivers optimal surface coverage and unparalleled control. Designed for professionals, it excels at spreading, smoothing, and achieving a flawless finish on concrete, mortar, plaster, and drywall compounds with maximum efficiency.
- High Carbon Steel Blade: Boasts high hardness and outstanding wear resistance, works steadily under frequent use on construction sites. Simply remove residue and keep dry after use for longer tool life.
- Rivet-Free Design: The smooth integrated structure reduces material buildup effectively. It helps create clean, professional finishes with no unwanted marks or streaks.
- Aluminum Shank & Composite Handle: Features aluminum core paired with plastic and rubber overmold. This ergonomic combination reduces vibration and impact, while the lightweight, well-balanced build delivers a secure grip and relieves hand fatigue during long work hours.
- Wide Application: Perfect for construction sites, home renovation, plastering, concrete finishing and DIY handcraft projects.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
