Average Wage for Bricklayer UK: Pay and Salary Guide

The average wage for bricklayer UK workers changes with skills, experience and job type. New workers usually earn less, while experienced workers can earn more. Official figures show £25,000 for starters and up to £45,000 for experienced workers. The midpoint is £35,000. However, £35,000 is not an official UK average.

Industry figures show earnings from £11,000 to £60,000 across different career stages and business types. This guide compares annual salaries, hourly rates and daily rates. It also covers self-employed earnings, business costs, qualifications and career progression. You will also learn which factors can affect bricklayer pay across different parts of the UK.

Let's dive into the latest salary figures and see what bricklayers can earn across the UK.

How Much Do Bricklayers Earn in the UK?

Bricklayer pay changes with experience and job type. Starters can earn around £25,000 a year. Experienced bricklayers can earn up to £45,000. Other estimates show apprentices earning £11,063, while qualified workers can earn £31,942.

Employed bricklayers may earn around £40,102 a year. Self-employed workers can earn more. Sole traders may earn £56,052, while limited company owners can earn £59,002. These figures come from different sources, so treat them as estimates.

What Does a Bricklayer Earn at Each Career Stage?

Bricklayer earnings usually rise with skills and experience. Apprentices earn less while learning the trade. Qualified and experienced bricklayers can earn more.

1. Apprentice: £11,000 to £11,063 per year
2. Newly qualified: £31,942 to £32,000 per year
3. Experienced: £40,000 to £40,102 per year
4. Salary growth: An apprentice could earn around £29,000 with experience.
5. Qualified bricklayer salary UK: Pay can rise with skills and responsibility.

What is the Hourly Average Wage for Bricklayer UK?

Want to know what bricklayers can earn per hour? The rate depends on skills, experience and work type. Apprentices start lower while learning the trade. However, pay can rise quickly after qualification and with more experience.

An apprentice may earn around £6.30 per hour. A newly qualified bricklayer can earn £18.19. Employed bricklayers may earn about £19.28 per hour. Self-employed bricklayers can charge much more. Sole traders may charge £38, while company owners may charge £40 per hour. Keep in mind that self-employed workers also cover business costs.

What is the Bricklayer Day Rate UK?

The bricklayer day rate UK changes with experience and work type. Many bricklayers use day rates for short projects. However, the daily rate is not the same as take-home pay. Self-employed bricklayers must also pay for tools, travel and other business costs.

An apprentice can earn £50.40 per day, while a newly qualified bricklayer can earn £145.52. An employed bricklayer can earn £154.24 per day. Sole traders may charge around £304, while limited company owners can charge £320 per day. Another figure places the apprentice rate at least £60.40 for an 8-hour day. Workload and available jobs can also affect actual earnings.

How Much Can a Self-Employed Bricklayer Earn?

A self-employed bricklayer salary UK can vary with workload, skills and demand. Sole traders may earn more than employed bricklayers. However, gross income does not equal personal take-home pay. A sole trader can earn around £56,052, while another estimate gives £56,000. 

Limited company owners may earn around £59,002 a year. Another estimate puts this figure closer to £60,000. Bricklayers can also charge by the job, day or brick. During busy periods, they may earn more. However, fewer jobs can lower their income. So, bricklaying wages UK can vary widely between self-employed workers.

What Costs Reduce a Bricklayer's Take-Home Pay?

Self-employed bricklayers need to cover several costs before keeping their earnings. These costs can make take-home pay much lower than gross income. Business expenses can include tools, transport, insurance and other services. Therefore, you should compare take-home pay instead of gross earnings alone.

1. Sole trader costs: Around £7,006 in estimated business expenses.
2. Limited company costs: Around £10,325 in estimated business expenses.
3. Main costs: Fuel, vehicles, insurance, tools, software and subscriptions.
4. Sole trader take-home: Around £37,589 after estimated costs.
5. Limited company take-home: Around £38,830 after estimated costs.
6. Tax and National Insurance: These figures do not represent final tax calculations.

Does Location Change Bricklayer Wages in the UK?

Location can badly affect bricklayer wages UK. London and Southeast England often offer more earning opportunities. Strong demand can also bring more jobs and better rates. Some employers may also offer extra pay for working in London. Pay can differ between regions because construction work varies across the UK. 

Travel can also affect which jobs a bricklayer chooses. Recent industry data shows that many workers travel for construction jobs. About 34% work within 20 miles of home. Around 28% travel more than 50 miles. Only 10% travel more than 100 miles. Therefore, travelling further can give bricklayers access to more job opportunities.

How Many Bricks Can a Bricklayer Lay Per Day?

A bricklayer can lay around 500 bricks per day in good conditions. Easy site access can help them work faster. However, bad weather, complex walls and difficult designs can slow them down. The type of brick can also affect working speed. Bricklayers may charge based on the number of bricks they lay. 

For 1,000 common machine-made bricks, prices can range from £650 to £1,500. That works out at about 65p to £1.50 per brick. Handmade and clay-facing bricks usually cost more. However, the final customer quote may include extra costs.

What Qualifications Do Bricklayers Need?

You can enter bricklaying through several training routes in the UK. Your choice depends on your age, skills and career plans. College courses can help you learn basic bricklaying skills. Apprenticeships let you learn while gaining practical site experience. You can also start on site and train as you work. Most construction sites require a CSCS card or an equivalent card.

1. College courses: Study Basic Construction Skills or bricklaying courses.
2. T Level: Take the T Level in On Site Construction.
3. T Level entry: Usually requires 4 or 5 GCSEs, grades 9 to 4.
4. Key subjects: These GCSEs should include English and maths.
5. Apprenticeships: Choose Level 2 Foundation, Level 2 Intermediate or Level 3 Advanced.
6. Work-based route: Start as a construction labourer or hod carrier and learn on the job.

How Much Does a Bricklaying Apprentice Earn?

A bricklaying apprenticeship salary can change based on age, employer and training year. The legal minimum for apprentices is £8 per hour. This rate applies to apprentices under 19. It also applies to those aged 19 or over in their first year. After that, older apprentices usually get their normal age-based minimum wage.

Some bricklaying apprenticeships pay around £16,640 a year in Plymouth. However, apprentices do not all earn the same amount. Some employers offer more than the legal minimum. Apprentices earn while they learn useful bricklaying skills. Their pay can also grow after training and gaining more experience.

What Jobs Can Bricklayers Do After Qualification?

Qualified bricklayers can choose from several job paths. They can learn new skills or take on more work. Some workers become team leaders as they gain experience. Others choose to work for themselves and start a business.

Bricklayers have several ways to grow their careers. They can move into heritage brickwork or stonemasonry. Some become team supervisors, site inspectors or construction estimators. Experienced bricklayers can also teach new apprentices at college. These roles offer new skills and more responsibility.

What Factors Affect a Bricklayer's Earnings?

Several things can affect how much a bricklayer earns. Experience helps workers improve their skills and handle harder jobs. The type of work can also change their pay. Employment type may affect how workers get paid. The number of available jobs can also change yearly income.

1. Experience: Skilled bricklayers can handle more difficult work.
2. Location: Local demand can affect pay and job options.
3. Employment type: Employed and self-employed workers may earn differently.
4. Project type: Extensions, new builds and commercial jobs can pay differently.
5. Specialist skills: Heritage work can offer more job opportunities.
6. Reputation: Good work can help attract more customers.

Is Bricklaying a Good-Paying Career in the UK?

Bricklaying can provide a good income for skilled workers. Official salaries range from £25,000 to £45,000 a year. Workers can earn more as they gain skills and experience. Self-employed bricklayers may earn more, but they also have extra costs.

The UK needs more skilled construction workers. This creates steady work opportunities for qualified bricklayers. However, bricklaying can be hard physical work. Bricklayers often work outside, at height and on different sites. Therefore, how much do bricklayers earn depends on their skills, experience and type of work.

Final Thoughts on Average Wage for Bricklayer

The average wage for bricklayer UK workers depends on experience, location and job type. Official figures range from £25,000 to £45,000 a year. Skilled bricklayers can earn more through specialist work or self-employment. However, self-employed workers also have business costs to pay. Overall, bricklaying can offer good pay and strong career options for skilled workers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can bricklayers make £100k a year?

1. Some experienced self-employed bricklayers can reach high gross earnings. However, £100,000 remains above typical bricklayer earnings and costs can reduce take-home pay.

2. How much do UK bricklayers earn per brick?

1. Bricklayers can charge around 65p to £1.50 per common machine-made brick. Rates can change with brick type, project size and job difficulty.

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

1. Hourly rates depend on experience, location and work type. Typical figures range from £18.19 for newly qualified workers to £40 for limited company owners.

4. Do bricklayers make more than plumbers?

1. Bricklayer and plumber earnings can vary across different career stages. Experience, location, employment type and specialist skills can greatly affect each trade's income.

5. Is bricklaying a dead-end job?

1. Bricklaying offers several career paths after gaining experience. Workers can become supervisors, estimators, site inspectors or self-employed contractors.

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

1. Trades with complex skills and long training periods can take longer to master. Bricklaying also needs accuracy, physical strength and strong practical skills.

7. What's the highest paid trade in the UK?

1. Highly skilled trades can provide strong earning opportunities across the UK. Specialist roles and experienced self-employed workers often have greater earning potential.

8. Is there a demand for bricklayers?

1. Construction projects continue to create opportunities for skilled bricklayers. Housing, new builds, extensions and repair work all support demand for qualified workers.