Average Wage for a Bricklayer UK: Salary, Pay and Career Guide

Bricklaying is the skilled work of building walls with bricks and mortar. It plays a crucial role in homes, offices and other buildings. Bricklayers also repair walls and replace damaged bricks. The average wage for a bricklayer UK varies based on experience, location and work type.

The National Careers Service says bricklayers can earn £25,000 to £45,000 a year. New bricklayers usually start at the lower end. With more skills and experience, pay can grow. Self-employed bricklayers may charge more for each day of work. Checkatrade gives day rates of £240 to £320. However, this is not the same as take-home pay.

This guide covers bricklayer salaries, hourly pay, day rates, apprentice wages and self-employed earnings.

What Does a Bricklayer Do Each Day?

A bricklayer does more than just lay bricks. Their work includes planning, measuring, building and checking brickwork. A typical day may involve:

1. Read building plans and understand what the job needs.
2. Measure the area and mark out where the brickwork will go.
3. Mix mortar and prepare the materials before laying bricks.
4. Lay bricks and blocks to build walls and other structures.
5. Check lines, levels and angles to keep the brickwork neat and straight.
6. Cut bricks to fit around windows, doors, corners and tight spaces.
7. Repair damaged brickwork or replace old mortar when needed.
8. Work on homes and building sites, sometimes outdoors or at height.

What is the Average Wage for a Bricklayer UK?

The average wage for a bricklayer UK varies with experience and work type. The National Careers Service lists £25,000 for starters and £45,000 for experienced bricklayers. This provides a useful guide to the average bricklayer salary UK. However, trade pricing data can show higher daily figures. Checkatrade lists bricklayer day rates of around £240 to £320.

However, a day rate does not equal annual salary. It can include tools, travel, insurance and other business costs. Therefore, customer prices do not show personal income. Your bricklayer salary UK depends on experience, location, employer and work type. These factors can also affect overall bricklayer wages UK.

How Does Bricklayer Pay Change with Experience?

Bricklayer pay can grow as workers gain more skills and experience. New workers usually start with lower pay while they learn. With time, better skills can lead to better-paid jobs.

1. Apprentice: Earnings can start at around £11,063 while training.
2. Newly qualified: Pay can rise to around £31,942 after training.
3. Employed bricklayer: Experienced workers can earn around £40,102.
4. Sole trader: Self-employed bricklayers may earn around £56,052.
5. Ltd company owner: Some business owners can earn around £59,002.
6. Why pay rises: More skills, experience and work can mean higher earnings.

What is the Bricklayer Day Rate Today?

The current bricklayer day rate UK ranges from £240 to £320. Checkatrade’s April 2026 guide gives this range for bricklaying work. Another Checkatrade guide lists an average bricklayer daily rate of £260 to £300. It also gives an hourly rate of around £32.50 to £37.50.

These rates usually show what customers pay for bricklaying work. The final price can change for several reasons. Experience, location and the type of job can affect the rate. Harder jobs may cost more because they take extra time. Specialist skills can also lead to higher charges. So, bricklayer daily rates can vary from one job to another.

How Much Do Bricklayers Charge Per Hour?

The current bricklayer hourly rate UK is around £32.50 to £37.50. Checkatrade gives this range for bricklaying work. However, this is usually the customer’s labour charge. It does not show the worker’s final bricklayer hourly wage. Hourly pricing often suits small repairs and short jobs. Larger jobs may use daily rates or fixed prices. 

Checkatrade says tradespeople can charge by the hour, day or project. Also, self-employed bricklayers have extra business costs. These can include tools, fuel, travel and insurance. They may also lose money during unpaid time. Therefore, the bricklayer pay per hour can be lower than the quoted rate.

How Much Can an Apprentice Bricklayer Earn?

The apprentice bricklayer salary depends on age and training stage. From 1 April, the legal apprentice rate is £8 per hour. This applies to apprentices under 19 and those aged 19 or over during their first year. After the first year, apprentices aged 19 or over receive the minimum rate for their age.

Some employers may pay above the legal minimum rate. One current example advertises £16,640 per year for a bricklaying apprenticeship. A Level 2 vacancy also offers £16,640 to £26,436.80, depending on age. Therefore, apprentice bricklayer pay can vary between employers. Your bricklayer apprenticeship wage may also rise as you gain skills and progress through training.

Does Location Change a Bricklayer Salary UK?

Location can affect a bricklayer salary UK because demand varies across areas. Busy construction areas often offer more work and higher trade rates. London and the South East often have higher bricklaying day rates. However, higher wages can also come with higher living costs. So, gross pay does not always mean more money to spend.

1. London: Bricklayers may earn more because there are more jobs.
2. South East: More building work can mean better pay.
3. Other areas: Pay can change based on local work.
4. Living costs: Higher pay can also mean higher living costs.
5. Regional pay: Salaries can differ between areas.
6. Real earnings: Higher pay does not always mean more money to spend.

What Affects Bricklayer Earnings in the UK?

Several things can change how much a bricklayer earns. Experience, training, skills and location can affect pay. Hard or complex jobs may also pay more. The type of work and payment method can change total earnings. High demand for bricklayers can also lead to more work.

Extra skills can help bricklayers earn more. Custom brickwork, green building and old wall repairs offer more options. However, bad weather can slow down bricklaying work. Difficult sites can also make jobs take longer. As a result, bricklayer pay can vary between jobs.

Can Self-employed Bricklayers Earn More?

Self-employed bricklayers can have good earning potential. A source estimates £56,052 a year for a sole trader. A Ltd company owner could earn around £59,002. However, these figures show total earnings before costs and tax.

The estimated take-home income is £37,589 for a sole trader. A Ltd company owner could take home around £38,830. These figures are only estimates, not fixed salaries. Self-employed bricklayers also pay for tools, vans, fuel and insurance. They may also have training and marketing costs. Therefore, actual self-employed bricklayer earnings can vary based on work and business costs.

What Does it Cost to Lay 1,000 Bricks?

The cost to lay 1,000 bricks depends on the type of brick you choose. Common machine-made bricks cost around £650 to £1,500. This equals about 65p to £1.50 per brick. Class A or B engineering bricks cost around £650 to £1,790. So, the price can range from 65p to £1.79 per brick.

Clay facing bricks cost more, at around £2,260 to £5,000 per 1,000 bricks. That works out at £2.26 to £5 per brick. These figures show the total job cost, not the bricklayer’s wage. The final price can also change based on the job and brick type.

How Many Bricks Can a Bricklayer Lay Daily?

A bricklayer may lay around 500 bricks per day in good conditions. However, daily output can change from one job to another. Several things can affect bricklayer productivity and the number of bricks laid.

1. Brick type: Some bricks take longer to cut and place.
2. Wall design: Simple walls usually take less time than complex designs.
3. Site access: Easy access helps bricklayers work faster.
4. Weather: Cold, wet or very hot weather can slow brickwork.
5. Experience: Skilled bricklayers may work faster and more smoothly.
6. Site preparation: Good preparation helps avoid delays.
7. Work difficulty: Detailed brickwork can take longer, even for skilled workers.

What Qualifications Do Bricklayers Need?

You can become a bricklayer through college, an apprenticeship or work-based training. A T-level in On-Site Construction can also help. You can take a Level 2 bricklaying apprenticeship or a Level 3 Craft Bricklaying apprenticeship.

You can also start as a labourer or hod carrier. Foundation routes often need no specific qualifications. Other courses may ask for some GCSEs, including English and maths. Advanced routes usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4. Apprentices may also need to improve their English and maths skills.

Is Bricklaying a Good Career in the UK?

Bricklaying can offer a solid career with good earning potential. The National Careers Service lists £25,000 to £45,000 from starter to experienced level. The job also offers practical work and clear skill growth. You can become self-employed or start your own business. Specialist work can also improve your bricklayer earning potential.

However, bricklaying can be physically demanding. You need good hand skills, focus and strength. Outdoor work can also mean cold, rain and hot weather. Some jobs involve working at height. With experience, you can become a team supervisor, estimator or site inspector. You can also specialise in heritage brickwork or stonemasonry.

Final Thoughts on Average Wage for a Bricklayer UK

So, the average wage for a bricklayer UK depends on where you work and your experience. Skilled bricklayers often earn more as they gain experience. Self-employed bricklayers may also earn higher day rates. However, they must cover tools, travel and other costs. Overall, bricklaying offers good earning potential and steady work. With the right skills, you can build a strong career.

FAQs About Average Wage for a Bricklayer UK

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

1. Yes, but £100,000 is usually possible only for highly experienced self-employed bricklayers or business owners.

2. Do bricklayers make good money in the UK?

1. Experienced bricklayers can earn good money, especially with specialist skills.

3. Is bricklaying a dead-end job?

1. Bricklaying offers career growth through higher skills, self-employment and specialist work.

4. How much do bricklayers earn in the UK per hour?

1. Bricklayers can charge around £32.50 to £37.50 per hour for their work.

5. How much should I pay a bricklayer per day?

1. A typical bricklayer day rate ranges from around £240 to £320.

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

1. The UK construction industry continues to need skilled bricklayers for building work.