Average Salary Bricklayer UK: Full Salary Guide

Bricklayers can earn through salaries, hourly rates, daily rates or job fees. Their pay depends on skills, experience, location and work type. So, what is the average salary bricklayer UK? The median salary is £30,925, according to Skills England. 

The National Careers Service gives a salary range of £25,000 to £45,000. Trade estimates show earnings from £11,063 for apprentices to £59,002 for company owners. Self-employed bricklayers may earn more, but they also have business costs. 

This guide explains bricklayer salaries, hourly rates, day rates, self-employed earnings and career pay. 

What is the Average Salary Bricklayer UK Per Year?

A typical bricklayer in the UK earns about £30,925 a year. This figure represents the current median salary for the role. The median shows the middle point among all recorded salaries. It gives a useful idea of typical bricklayer pay. Bricklayer pay can change depending on experience and the type of job. 

Beginners may earn about £25,000. Skilled bricklayers can earn around £45,000. These figures show the pay at different stages. Your bricklayer salary UK can grow as you learn more skills and gain experience.

How Much Do Bricklayers Earn by Experience?

Bricklayers can earn more as they learn and gain experience. So, how much do bricklayers earn UK at each stage? Apprentices start with less pay. They learn new skills as they work. After training, their pay can go up. Skilled and self-employed bricklayers can often earn more.

1. Apprentice: £11,000 to £11,063
2. Newly qualified: £31,942 to £32,000
3. Experienced or employed: £40,000 to £40,102
4. Sole trader: £56,000 to £56,052
5. Limited company owner: £59,002 to £60,000

The experienced bricklayer salary UK can grow with better skills. Self-employed workers may earn more from bigger jobs. However, they must pay their own business costs.

What is a Bricklayer Hourly Rate UK?

The bricklayer hourly rate UK depends on skills, experience and location. Apprentices may earn around £6.30 per hour. Newly qualified bricklayers can earn about £18.19. Employed bricklayers may earn around £19.28 per hour. Sole traders can charge about £38 per hour. Company owners may charge around £40 per hour.

These figures are trade estimates. They do not guarantee your actual pay. On the other hand, self-employed bricklayers can set their own rates. The job type can also affect their charges. People aged 21 or older should earn at least £12.71 an hour. The minimum apprentice rate starts at £8 per hour.

What is the Bricklayer Day Rate UK?

The bricklayer day rate UK varies by experience and work type. Apprentices may earn £50.40 per day. Newly qualified workers can earn £145.52. Employed bricklayers may earn £154.24. Sole traders can charge £304 and company owners around £320.

A daily rate is not the same as yearly pay. Bricklayers may not have work every day. They may also take time off without pay. Self-employed workers must pay for tools, fuel and insurance. Their income can change from one job to another. Regular work can help them earn steady money.

How Do Bricklayers Charge for Their Work?

Bricklayers can use different ways to price their work. The best option depends on the job and its size. They may charge for each brick, set a daily rate or give one complete quote. The price can also change with materials, site access and job difficulty.

1. Price per brick: Common bricks may cost 65p to £1.50 each.
2. Per 1,000 bricks: Prices can range from £650 to £1,500.
3. Different bricks: Some materials can reach £1,790 per 1,000 bricks.
4. Special bricks: Handmade and clay-facing bricks can cost more.
5. Daily rate: Bricklayers can charge a set amount for each working day.
6. Whole-job quote: A single price can cover the complete project.

How Many Bricks Can a Bricklayer Lay Daily?

A bricklayer can usually lay around 500 bricks per day. Some workers may lay 500 to 600 bricks in good conditions. Easy site access can help maintain a steady pace. However, difficult sites, complex designs and unusual brickwork can reduce output. Weather can also affect daily productivity.

Skilled bricklayers can lay around 800 to 1,000 bricks a day. Some very skilled workers can lay 1,200 or more. Laying more bricks can mean more money when workers are paid by the brick. However, daily work can change from job to job. The final pay depends on the agreed price and the type of work.

What Affects Bricklayer Wages in the UK?

Several things can affect bricklayer wage UK. Experience and skills can make a big difference. In addition, skilled bricklayers can handle harder work and earn more. Location also matters because some areas have more demand. Your type of work can affect your pay too. Employees, subcontractors and self-employed workers may earn different rates.

The project can also change how much you earn. New builds, extensions and commercial jobs may offer different rates. Smaller jobs, like garden walls and conservatories, can vary too. Good finishing skills can help you get better-paid work. Specialist skills can bring more job options. Regular work can also help you earn a steadier income.

Where Do Bricklayers Earn the Most UK?

Location can have a big effect on bricklayer salary UK. London often offers some of the highest rates for experienced bricklayers. Contract and self-employed workers can earn around £290 to £350 per day. The South East also offers strong rates, with around £240 to £290 per day. Midlands and northern areas can offer lower rates, but demand still varies.

How Much Does a Self-Employed Bricklayer Earn?

A self-employed bricklayer salary UK can be higher than employee pay. Sole traders can earn around £56,052. Limited company owners can earn about £59,002. These figures are roughly £56,000 and £60,000. Self-employed bricklayers can set their own prices and choose their jobs. 

However, they must find regular work and manage customers. They also handle quotes, bills and other tasks. Some weeks may have less work. These figures show gross earnings, not take-home pay. Tools, fuel, insurance and other costs can reduce income.

What Costs Reduce Self-Employed Bricklayer Pay?

Self-employed bricklayers do not keep all their earnings. First, they must pay work costs before keeping their income. These costs can include fuel, vehicles, tools and insurance. They may also pay for software and other work services. The total cost can differ for each bricklayer.

For example, sole traders may spend around £7,006 on business costs. Limited company owners may spend about £10,325. After these costs, estimated take-home pay can reach £37,589 and £38,830. These figures are only estimates. Also, tax and personal costs can change the final amount.

How Much Does a Bricklayer Apprentice Earn?

A bricklayer apprentice salary UK can vary between jobs and employers. Trade estimates put apprentice earnings at around £11,000. Some job examples offer around £16,640. Employers may offer wages above the legal minimum rate. The apprentice minimum rate is £8 per hour. 

It applies to apprentices under 19 who meet the rules. It also covers older apprentices in their first year. After that, their pay follows their age group. Apprentices also get paid training and employee rights. As they learn more skills, their pay can go up. So, £11,000 gives a simple idea of apprentice pay.

Is Bricklaying a High-Demand Career in the UK?

Bricklaying remains an important trade in the UK construction industry. Government research lists bricklayers as a shortage occupation. Current data shows around 11,000 employees work in this occupation. The government also recommends keeping bricklayers on the shortage list.

1. New homes: Bricklayers help build new homes across the UK.
2. Refurbishment: Repairs and upgrades create regular work.
3. Heritage: Older buildings need skilled brickwork and repairs.
4. Labour shortages: Fewer skilled workers can increase job demand.
5. Self-employment: Bricklayers can work for themselves or as subcontractors.
6. Future work: Housing projects can create more opportunities.

What Skills Can Increase a Bricklayer’s Earnings?

Good skills can help bricklayers find better work. First, accurate measuring and setting out help build neat walls. Reading plans and careful work also improve results. In addition, bricklayers should use tools safely and mix mortar correctly.

Next, spirit levels, laser levels and plumb lines improve accuracy. Specialist skills in heritage, decorative brickwork and stonemasonry can create more options. Also, teamwork, time management and basic computer skills are useful. These skills can help bricklayers take on better projects.

How Can Bricklayers Progress Their Careers?

Bricklayers can grow their careers as they gain skills and experience. Over time, some become team supervisors, construction estimators or site inspectors. Others may work as self-employed contractors or start their own businesses. This can give them more control over their work and income.

Also, bricklayers can learn special skills like heritage brickwork or stonemasonry. Experienced workers can train apprentices or teach at further education colleges. As well, Level 2 and Level 3 training can help bricklayers progress. As they gain more skills, they can take on harder jobs. This can also help them earn more over time.

Final Thoughts

The average salary bricklayer UK is around £30,925. However, earnings can range from £25,000 to £45,000. With experience, skilled bricklayers can often earn more. Also, self-employed workers can earn around £60,000 gross. However, business costs can reduce their take-home pay. 

In addition, the average wage for bricklayer UK can change by location, experience and job type. For example, apprentices usually start with lower pay. As they qualify, their earnings can grow. Overall, bricklaying can offer a good career for skilled workers.

Ready to Start Your Bricklaying Career? Enrol in our Free Bricklaying Training Course.

FAQs About Average Salary Bricklayer UK

1. Can bricklayers make £100k?

1. Some experienced self-employed bricklayers can reach £100,000 in gross business income. However, costs, taxes, workload and job rates can reduce their final income.

2. Is bricklaying a dead-end job?

1. Bricklaying offers several career paths as workers gain skills and experience. They can become supervisors, contractors, specialists or start their own business.

3. How much does a bricklayer charge to lay 1,000 bricks?

1. Bricklayers may charge around £650 to £1,500 for 1,000 common bricks. The final price can change with brick type, access and job difficulty.

4. Do bricklayers make more than plumbers?

1. Earnings can vary greatly between bricklayers and plumbers across the UK. Experience, location, work type and self-employment can affect both incomes.

5. What is the hardest trade to learn in the UK?

1. Bricklaying can take time to master because it needs skill and accuracy. Workers also need strength, patience and regular practice to improve.

6. Is there a demand for bricklayers?

1. The UK construction industry continues to need skilled bricklayers for many projects. New homes, repairs and specialist work can create further job opportunities.