Average Bricklayer Wage UK: What Affects Bricklayer Earnings?

The average bricklayer wage UK workers earn can vary based on experience, skills, and location. An employed bricklayer can earn around £40,000 a year, while daily rates often range from £240 to £320. However, your pay can change as you gain more experience. Skilled bricklayers often earn more than those who are just starting out. Your location can also affect your wages, with some areas offering higher rates than others. If you work for yourself, you may also charge more per day. However, you need to cover your own tools, travel, insurance and other costs.

In this guide, we will look at typical bricklaying wages across the UK. You will also learn what affects your pay and how you can increase your earnings as a bricklayer.

What Is the Average Bricklayer Wage UK?

The average salary for an employed bricklayer in the UK sits around £38,000 to £40,000 a year. However, your pay can change as you gain skills and experience. Your work type and location can also affect your income.

Here is what you can expect at different stages:

1. Apprentice: £11,000 to £16,000 a year
2. Newly qualified: £25,000 to £32,000 a year
3. Experienced bricklayer: £38,000 to £45,000 a year
4. Self-employed bricklayer: £56,000 to £60,000+ gross a year
5. Limited company owner: £59,000 to £90,000+ gross a year

Self-employed bricklayers can charge around £30 to £55 per hour. Daily rates can range from £240 to £440. Of course, these figures do not tell the whole story. A self-employed bricklayer must pay for tools, travel, insurance, and other business costs. So, your actual take-home pay may be lower.

How Much Does a Bricklayer Earn a Year?

An employed bricklayer in the UK can earn around £38,000 to £40,000 a year. However, pay can change with experience, skills, location, and the type of work you do. As an apprentice, you can earn around £11,000 to £16,000 a year. You learn bricklaying skills while you work and earn money. It is a good way to start your career.

A newly qualified bricklayer can earn around £25,000 to £32,000 a year. At this stage, you have more skills and can work on more jobs. Your pay can grow as you gain experience. An experienced bricklayer can earn around £38,000 to £45,000 a year. Skilled bricklayers can often earn more because they can complete work well and on time.

If you work as a self-employed bricklayer, you could earn £56,000 to £60,000 or more a year before costs. You may charge around £30 to £55 an hour or £240 to £440 a day. However, you must pay for tools, travel, insurance, and other costs.

A limited company owner could earn around £59,000 to £90,000 or more a year before tax and business costs. More jobs can help you earn more, especially when you manage your business well. Overall, bricklaying can give you good earning potential. As your skills and experience grow, you can aim for better-paid work.

Essential Equipment Used by Bricklayers

Bricklayers use many tools to build strong and neat walls. Each tool has a clear job. The right tools also help bricklayers work safely and get better results. Trowels are some of the most important tools. A brick trowel helps spread mortar over the bricks. A pointing trowel helps fill and tidy the gaps between bricks.

Hammers and chisels help bricklayers cut and shape bricks. A brick hammer works well for small cuts and changes. A club hammer and bolster chisel can handle harder blocks.

Levelling tools help keep walls straight and even. Bricklayers often use a spirit level, laser level or plumb line. These tools make it easier to spot small mistakes before they become bigger problems.

Jointing tools help create a clean finish. A brick jointer smooths the mortar between the bricks. This gives the wall a neat and professional look.

Mixing and moving tools also make the job easier. Bricklayers use mixers to prepare mortar. They can then move the mortar and bricks with tools such as a hod or brick tongs. Finally, safety gear keeps bricklayers protected on site. High-visibility clothing, safety boots, gloves, and protective glasses can help prevent injuries. Good safety gear gives workers extra confidence while they work.

How Do You Become a Bricklayer in the UK?

Bricklaying can be a good job if you enjoy working with your hands. There are different ways to learn this trade. These simple steps can help you get started.

Step 1: Check the Entry Requirements

GCSEs are not always needed to become a bricklayer. However, English and maths GCSEs can help you. They make it easier to read plans and take measurements.

Step 2: Decide How You Want to Train

An apprenticeship is a popular way to learn bricklaying. You work with skilled workers and earn money at the same time. College courses also teach useful bricklaying skills.

Step 3: Learn Bricklaying Skills

Basic training will teach you how to lay bricks and mix mortar. Training will show you how to use bricklaying tools safely. The more you practise, the more confident you can become.

Step 4: Get a Qualification

A Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying can help you start your career. It shows employers that you have learned important trade skills.

Step 5: Get a CSCS Card

Many construction sites ask workers to have a CSCS card. Check which card you need for your role and qualification.

Step 6: Find a Bricklaying Job

Your next step after training can be finding a bricklaying job. Many builders need workers with the right skills. Later, you might decide to work for yourself.

Step 7: Build Your Experience

More experience can help you improve your skills and earn more. Extra training can also open the door to better jobs. With time, you may even decide to run your own business.

Which UK Regions Pay Bricklayers the Most?

Bricklayer wages are not the same everywhere in the UK. Busy areas with many building projects can offer better pay. London is one of the places where bricklayers may earn more, but it can be expensive to live there.

South East England can also offer good pay. Areas near London often have many building jobs. Skilled bricklayers may find better-paid work here. East of England can be a good place for bricklayers too. New homes and repair work create regular jobs in many areas.

Bricklayers can find good work in Scotland. Some cities may pay more than smaller towns. Also, more experience can help you earn more. Wales and Northern Ireland may have lower wages in some areas. However, you can still find good bricklaying jobs there.

Your pay depends on your skills, experience, location, and type of work. Self-employed bricklayers may also earn more by taking on more jobs.

What Should You Know About Bricklayer Wages?

Bricklayer wages can change across the UK. Your experience, skills, location, and job type can all affect your pay. New bricklayers often earn less while they learn. With more experience, you can improve your skills and earn more.

Self-employed bricklayers may charge higher rates. However, they also need to pay for tools, travel, insurance, and other costs. Location can also affect your wage. Areas with more building work may offer better pay. Large jobs and special work can also pay more. Overall, bricklaying can be a good career. Good training and experience can help you find better jobs and earn more over time.

How Much Do Bricklayers Earn Per Hour and Day?

Bricklayer Hourly Rates

Bricklayers in the UK can earn different hourly rates based on their skills and experience. An apprentice may earn around £8 to £11 per hour. A newly qualified bricklayer may earn £18 to £24 per hour.

Self-employed bricklayers can charge around £35 to £55 per hour. A limited company owner may charge £40 to £60 or more per hour. However, self-employed workers must cover costs such as tools, travel and insurance.

Bricklayer Daily Rates

Daily pay depends on experience and the type of work. Apprentices can earn around £60 to £90 per day. Newly qualified bricklayers may earn £144 to £192 per day.

Self-employed bricklayers can charge around £304 to £440 per day. A limited company owner may charge £320 to £480 or more per day. Keep in mind that these rates may include business costs, so the full amount does not become take-home pay.

Overall, skilled and experienced bricklayers can earn much more than those who are just starting.

What Affects the Average Bricklayer Wage UK?

Many things can change a bricklayer's pay in the UK. Your skills, experience, location, and type of work can all affect how much you earn.

Experience can make a big difference to your pay. New bricklayers often earn less because they are still learning. As you gain skills and improve your work, you can earn more.

Location can also affect your pay. Bricklayers in London and the South East may earn more than those in other areas. These places often have more building work and higher living costs.

The type of work can make a difference too. Large building projects may offer better pay than small jobs. Specialist bricklaying work can also bring higher rates. Your work type matters as well. Self-employed bricklayers may charge more than employed workers. However, they need to pay for tools, travel, insurance, and other costs.

Skills and training can help you earn more. Extra training can help you take on harder jobs and find better-paid work. Finally, demand for bricklayers can affect wages. When builders need more skilled workers, you may find more jobs and better pay.

Final Thoughts

Bricklaying can be a great job if you enjoy practical work. The average bricklayer wage UK workers earn can rise as their skills improve. Your location, job type and work status can also affect your pay.

A Free Bricklaying Training Course can be a great first step towards a career in bricklaying. You can learn basic skills and get a better idea of the work. The course can also help you feel ready for an apprenticeship or your first job. 

1. Can bricklayers make £100k a year?

1. Some bricklayers can earn £100,000 a year, but very few reach this level. Running your own business can help you earn more.

2. How much do UK bricklayers earn per brick?

1. Bricklayers may earn around 50p to £1 per brick for standard price work. Rates can rise for specialist or detailed work.

3. How much should I pay a bricklayer per hour?

1. You may pay around £30 to £55 per hour for a self-employed bricklayer. Rates can change based on the job, location, and experience.

4. Is bricklaying a dead-end job?

1. No. Bricklaying can offer good career growth. With experience, you can become a supervisor, specialist bricklayer, or start your own business.

5. Do bricklayers get paid £1 per brick?

1. Some bricklayers can earn around £1 per brick on price work. However, the rate depends on the brick type, job, and agreement.

6. Do I need GCSEs to be a bricklayer?

1. You do not always need GCSEs. However, English and maths GCSEs can help you enter training and understand measurements and building plans.

7. Is there a shortage of bricklayers in the UK?

1. Yes, some bricklayers can earn £100,000 a year, but this is not common. Skilled workers who run their own business may reach this amount with regular work.

8. Is bricklaying a high paying job?

1. Bricklaying can offer good pay, especially with experience. Self-employed and highly skilled bricklayers can earn much more than beginners.