1. The 2026 “Housing Gap” Statistics
The math for 2026 is simple: Australia has the funding, but not the “boots on the ground.”
- The Shortfall: Annual completions are currently stuck at ~173,000, while 240,000 are needed.
- The Labor Vacuum: Industry bodies (HIA and Master Builders) estimate an additional 83,000 to 90,000 skilled workers are required immediately to clear the backlog.
- The Consequence: Bricklayers and Solid Plasterers are now receiving “off-cycle” invitation rounds, bypassing the long queues faced by IT and accounting professionals.
2. Comparing the “Structural Duo”
| Feature | Bricklayer (ANZSCO 331111) | Solid Plasterer (ANZSCO 333212) |
| Primary Role | External/Internal structural walls. | Finishing, rendering, and fireproofing. |
| Avg Salary (2026) | $85,000 – $110,000 | $80,000 – $95,000 |
| PR Points (189/190) | 65 Points (Minimum) | 65 Points (Minimum) |
| Physical Intensity | Very High (Heavy lifting). | Moderate/High (Sustained reaching). |
| Sponsorship | High (Employer-sponsored 482/186). | High (State-nominated 190/491). |
3. The PR “Fast-Track”: 65 Points is the Magic Number
In the most recent SkillSelect rounds of early 2026, construction trades have seen a massive points drop.
- The Trend: While an Architect or Engineer might need 90+ points to get an invite, Bricklayers and Solid Plasterers are being invited at 65 points for both the 189 (Skilled Independent) and 190 (Skilled Nominated) visas.
- State Priority: New South Wales and Victoria have specifically listed these trades in their “Priority Construction” streams, often waiving the 1-year work experience requirement for offshore applicants.
4. Skills Assessment: The VETASSESS/TRA Process
To qualify for a visa in 2026, you must pass a Skills Assessment.
- Bricklayers: Usually assessed by VETASSESS. You must prove you can read plans, use tools (trowels, jointers), and understand Australian structural standards.
- Solid Plasterers: Assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). The focus is on your ability to apply “Solid” finishes like cement, render, and fire-rating materials (unlike Fibrous Plasterers who focus on plasterboard).
5. Why You Should Choose These Trades in 2026
- Automation Resistance: While “Bricklaying Robots” (like Hadrian X) exist, 99% of residential builds in 2026 still rely on human precision for complex arches and multi-story structures.
- High Subcontractor Rates: In 2026, bricklayers charging “per thousand bricks” are earning significantly more than salaried workers—sometimes upwards of $150,000 in high-demand suburbs of Sydney and Perth.
- Low Barrier to Entry: You can begin your journey with a Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying (CPC33020) or Solid Plastering (CPC31020).
