Average Salary for Bricklayer in the UK: Salary Guide 2026

Bricklayers build walls, homes, extensions and other structures across the UK. Bricklayers work with bricks, blocks, mortar and other building materials. The average salary for bricklayer jobs varies across the UK. Their earnings depend on their skills, experience, location and type of work. 

Some bricklayers work for building companies, while others work for themselves. New bricklayers usually earn less than skilled and experienced workers. Self-employed bricklayers can charge daily rates for their work. However, they also cover their own tools, travel and business costs. 

This guide explains bricklayer wages, hourly rates, daily pay and yearly earnings. It also shows what can affect your income as a bricklayer.

What is the Average Salary for Bricklayer?

A starter bricklayer can earn around £25,000 a year. With more experience, this can rise to around £45,000 a year. However, there is no official UK average salary for bricklayers. A simple midpoint of these figures gives £35,000 a year. 

This is an estimate, not an official average. Other industry figures put experienced earnings at around £40,000 a year. Pay also depends on experience, location, job type and project size. Therefore, the average salary for a bricklayer can vary across the UK.

How Much Does a Bricklayer Earn by Experience?

A bricklayer can earn more as they gain skills and experience. Their earnings can also rise after moving into self-employment. The figures below show how a bricklayer's salary by experience can change:

1. Apprentice: About £11,000 a year.
2. Newly qualified: Approximately £32,000 a year.
3. Experienced: Roughly £40,000 a year.
4. Sole trader: Nearly £56,000 a year.
5. Limited company owner: Around £60,000 a year.

The salary increases between these stages are:

1. Apprentice to newly qualified: £21,000 increase.
2. Newly qualified to experienced: £8,000 increase.
3. Experienced to sole trader: £16,000 increase.
4. Sole trader to limited company owner: £4,000 increase.

What is the Bricklayer Hourly Rate in the UK?

Experience and work type can change a bricklayer’s hourly pay. Apprentices earn around £6.30 an hour while learning. Newly qualified bricklayers can earn about £18.19 an hour. Employed bricklayers may earn around £19.28 an hour. Sole traders can earn about £38 an hour. Limited company owners may earn around £40 an hour.

However, self-employed workers must pay their business costs first. These rates can include tools, fuel, insurance and other expenses. From April, apprentices receive at least £8 an hour. Workers aged 21 and over receive at least £12.71 an hour when the minimum wage applies.

What is the Bricklayer Day Rate in the UK?

Bricklayers often use day rates instead of fixed annual salaries. This makes different work arrangements easier to compare. An apprentice earns around £60.40 per day. A newly qualified worker earns £145.52. Employed bricklayers earn about £154.24 per day. Sole traders can earn around £304, while limited company owners earn £320 per day.

The bricklayer day rate UK market range sits around £240 to £320. Experienced bricklayer labour can reach £260 to £300 per day for some wall-building work. However, a day rate does not equal take-home pay. Weather, travel, tools, insurance, job gaps and unpaid time can reduce final earnings.

How Much Can a Bricklayer Earn per Brick?

Some bricklayers price their work based on the number of bricks. The typical rate ranges from £650 to £1,790 per 1,000 bricks. This equals around 65p to £1.79 per brick. Another current estimate places the rate between £650 and £1,500 per 1,000 bricks.

Each job has different needs, so bricklaying prices can change. Brick type, wall design, finish and site access all matter. Good working conditions can help a bricklayer lay around 500 bricks a day. However, difficult sites can slow the work down. Some skilled workers may lay more bricks each day. Still, working faster does not always mean making more profit.

What Affects Bricklayer Salary in the UK?

Several factors can affect a bricklayer's earnings across the UK. Experience plays a major role in setting pay and job rates. Location, work type and project size can also change earnings. Self-employed bricklayers often have more control over their pricing.

1. Experience: Skilled bricklayers can earn more than beginners.
2. Location: London and the South East often offer higher rates.
3. Employment type: Self-employed workers can charge by the day, brick or job.
4. Project type: New builds, extensions and commercial work offer different rates.
5. Specialist work: Restoration and complex projects can support higher rates.
6. Working conditions: Poor weather and difficult access can reduce productivity.

Where Do Bricklayers Earn the Most in the UK?

London and the South East offer some of the highest pay for bricklayers. These areas often have strong construction demand and higher living costs. Glassdoor reports £38,000 average base pay for bricklayers in London. Its base-pay range sits between £31,000 and £47,000.

Three visible London salary submissions show £52,000, £43,000 and £53,000. Their simple average comes to £49,333. However, this does not represent Glassdoor's reported London average. London figures also do not represent the whole UK. The National Careers Service gives a wider salary range for bricklayers across the UK.

How Much Do Self-Employed Bricklayers Earn?

Self-employed bricklayers can earn more than workers on a fixed salary. A sole trader can earn around £56,052 a year. A limited company owner can earn around £59,002 a year. However, these figures do not show final take-home pay. After costs and deductions, sole traders may take home around £37,589. Limited company owners may take home about £38,830.

But why does the final amount drop? Self-employed bricklayers must cover costs such as fuel, tools, insurance and vehicles. They may also pay for software and other business services. Class 4 National Insurance is 6% on profits from £12,570 to £50,270 in 2026/27. The rate drops to 2% on profits above £50,270. Personal tax can also lower your final income.

What Does a Bricklayer Do Each Day?

Bricklayers build and repair walls, houses and other structures. They also work on chimneys, decorative stonework and heritage buildings. Their work requires careful measuring, planning and strong practical skills. A typical bricklayer works around 40 to 44 hours each week.

1. Planning: Bricklayers read building plans and measure work areas carefully.
2. Setting out: They mark brick courses and check levels before building.
3. Brickwork: They lay bricks, cut materials and create decorative designs.
4. Repairs: They repair mortar joints, walls, chimneys and older structures.
5. Tools: They use trowels, hammers, chisels, power tools and spirit levels.
6. Working hours: Some jobs can run from 8 am to 6 pm away from home.

What Qualifications Does a Bricklayer Need?

You can enter bricklaying through college, an apprenticeship or work experience. Basic Construction Skills and bricklaying courses can teach key trade skills. You can also study a T Level in On Site Construction. You may need four or five GCSEs, graded 9 to 4, including English and maths.

Apprenticeships include Level 2 Foundation, Level 2 Intermediate and Level 3 Advanced Craft Bricklaying. Foundation training usually suits people aged 16 to 21. Some 22- to 24-year-olds may qualify in certain cases. Beginners can also start as labourers or hod carriers.

Does a Bricklayer Need a CSCS Card?

Most bricklayers need a CSCS card or equivalent for construction site work. The National Careers Service lists this as a key requirement. The card shows your training, skills and ability to do the job. However, each employer or site may have different rules. So, check the card and qualification requirements before starting work.

Apprentices and new workers should also learn site rules early. They need to understand basic health and safety before entering a site. This can help them work safely and find jobs more easily. If you are learning how to become a bricklayer UK, check these requirements early.

What Skills Help Bricklayers Earn More?

Strong bricklayer skills can help workers handle better jobs and grow their careers. Good workmanship also builds customer trust and can lead to repeat work. Here are the main skills that can support career growth:

1. Building knowledge: Understand construction methods, materials and basic building rules.
2. Practical skills: Measure, cut and position bricks with care and accuracy.
3. Attention to detail: Check your work and keep walls straight, level and neat.
4. Teamwork: Work well with other trades and adapt to changing site needs.
5. Planning: Manage your workload and stay focused during busy jobs.
6. Digital skills: Use basic computers and handheld devices when needed.

How Can Bricklayers Increase Their Earnings?

Bricklayers can increase their earnings by gaining experience and learning new skills. Strong skills can also help them take on bigger projects and more responsibility. They can become bricklaying team supervisors, construction estimators or site inspectors. 

They can also specialise in heritage brickwork or stonemasonry. Experienced workers may become self-employed contractors or start their own businesses. Later, they can train apprentice bricklayers at a further education college.

Is Bricklaying a Good Career in the UK?

Bricklaying can be a good career for people who enjoy practical work. You can enter through an apprenticeship, employment or self-employment. The UK construction industry needs workers with useful building skills. Bricklayers can earn through salaries, hourly pay, daily rates or project quotes.

Bricklaying can be hard work because you use your body a lot. Most bricklayers work outdoors and travel to different building sites. You may also need to work at height. Working for a company can give you regular pay. Self-employed bricklayers can choose their jobs and earn in different ways. Overall, bricklaying can suit people who enjoy practical work.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the average salary for bricklayer can differ across the UK. Your experience, location and type of work can affect your pay. Apprentices usually earn less while they learn the trade. However, qualified bricklayers can earn more as they gain experience. Self-employed workers can also earn more from bigger projects. Therefore, check local pay rates before choosing this career. With good skills and experience, bricklaying can offer good earning opportunities.

Want to start your bricklaying career? Take our Free Bricklaying Training Course and build your skills today.

FAQs About Average Salary for Bricklayer 

1. What do bricklayers earn in the UK?

1. Bricklayers can earn around £25,000 to £45,000 a year. Experienced and self-employed bricklayers may earn more.

2. Can a bricklayer earn £100k a year?

1. Yes, but £100,000 is not a typical bricklayer salary. Experienced business owners may reach this through large projects and strong profits.

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

1. Bricklayers often charge around £20 to £40 per hour. The rate depends on experience, location and project size.

4. Do bricklayers get paid £1 per brick?

1. Some bricklayers may use per-brick rates for certain jobs. However, £1 per brick is not a fixed UK rate.

5. Is bricklaying a dead-end job?

1. No, bricklaying offers several career paths. You can become a supervisor, start a business or gain specialist skills.

6. What is the 3:4:5 rule for bricklaying?

1. The 3:4:5 rule helps bricklayers create a perfect right angle. It uses three, four and five-unit measurements.

7. Do bricklayers make more than plumbers?

1. Bricklayers and plumbers can earn similar salaries. However, experienced self-employed workers can earn more in either trade.

8. Do I need GCSEs to be a bricklayer?

1. You do not always need GCSEs to become a bricklayer. However, English and maths skills can help with training and work.