Bricklayer Average Salary UK: How Much Can You Earn

The bricklayer average salary in the UK varies by experience, location and work type. The National Careers Service lists salaries from £25,000 to £45,000 yearly. However, earnings can differ across different career stages. Newly qualified bricklayers can earn around £31,942 per year. Employed bricklayers can earn about £40,102 each year.

Sole traders can earn around £56,052 before business costs. Day rates can also change a bricklayer’s overall earnings. Qualifications, skills, location and experience can affect bricklaying wages. Career progression can also help skilled bricklayers increase their earning potential. 

Let’s explore realistic bricklayer earnings across different UK work types.

What is the Bricklayer Average Salary in the UK?

The bricklayer average salary in the UK varies by experience and work type. According to the National Careers Service, salaries range from £25,000 to £45,000 yearly. However, this range covers both new and experienced bricklayers.

Apprentices can earn around £11,000 a year when they start. After training, pay can rise to about £32,000. Experienced bricklayers can earn around £40,000 a year. Self-employed bricklayers may earn £56,000 to £60,000. 

How Much Do Bricklayers Earn at Each Career Stage?

Bricklayer pay often goes up as workers gain skills and experience. At first, an apprentice bricklayer may earn around £11,000 each year. However, some current apprenticeships offer up to £16,640 per year. Pay can also change based on age and employer.

After training, a newly qualified bricklayer can earn around £32,000 yearly. With more experience, an experienced bricklayer can earn about £40,000 each year. Also, the National Careers Service lists salaries from £25,000 to £45,000. Good skills and more work duties can help workers earn more.

How Much Can Self-Employed Bricklayers Earn?

A self-employed bricklayer can earn more than an employed worker. However, gross earnings do not equal take-home pay. Business costs, tax and other payments reduce the final income. The business type can also affect how much money you keep.

1. Sole trader: Can earn around £56,000 before business costs.
2. Limited company owner: Can earn around £60,000 before costs.
3. Sole trader take-home: Around £37,589 after costs and payments.
4. Limited company take-home: Around £38,830 after costs and payments.

What is the Bricklayer Day Rate in the UK?

The bricklayer day rate can vary by skills and experience. For example, apprentices can earn at least £60.40 per day. This figure uses an eight-hour working day. After training, newly qualified workers can earn around £145.52 per day.

Employed bricklayers can earn around £154.24 per day. Meanwhile, sole traders can earn around £304 per day. Limited company owners can earn around £320 per day. Also, 2026 rates can range from £240 to £320. Job size, location and work difficulty can change bricklayer pay per day.

What is the Bricklayer Hourly Rate?

A bricklayer’s hourly rate can change based on their daily pay. You can work it out by dividing daily pay by eight hours. For example, an apprentice earning £60.40 a day earns about £7.55 an hour. A newly qualified bricklayer earning £145.52 earns around £18.19 an hour.

An employed bricklayer earning £154.24 a day earns about £19.28 an hour. A sole trader earning £304 a day earns around £38 an hour. A limited company owner earning £320 a day earns about £40 an hour. 

How Does Location Affect Bricklayer Pay?

Where you work can make a big difference to your pay. London and the South East often pay more. But living costs can be higher too. So, higher wages may not mean more savings. Local demand can also push bricklayer pay up or down.

For instance, busy areas may have more building work and better pay. Large projects may also offer better rates for skilled workers. Therefore, check local job adverts and trade rates before choosing where to work. Your experience, job type and costs can also affect your final income.

What Factors Affect a Bricklayer Average Salary?

Several things can change a bricklayer’s pay. More skills and experience can help you earn more. Where you work can also affect your pay. The type of job matters too. Special skills can help you get better-paid work. 

1. Experience: Skilled bricklayers often earn more.
2. Qualifications: Training can improve job opportunities.
3. Location: Busy areas may offer better rates.
4. Specialist skills: Restoration and custom masonry can boost pay.
5. Pricing: Self-employed workers may charge per brick, day or job.
6. Costs: Fuel, tools and insurance can reduce final profit.

How Much Can a Bricklayer Earn Per 1,000 Bricks?

Bricklaying rates can change based on the brick type and project. For example, common bricks can cost £650 to £1,500 per 1,000 bricks. This works out at around 65p to £1.50 per brick. Engineering bricks can cost £650 to £1,790 per 1,000.

Clay facing bricks can cost much more, from £2,260 to £5,000 per 1,000. However, these figures show job prices, not personal profit. Material costs, tools, fuel and other expenses can reduce earnings. Therefore, bricklayer pay per brick can vary between projects. The final quote also depends on the brick type, job size and work needed.

How Many Bricks Can a Bricklayer Lay Per Day?

A skilled bricklayer can lay around 500 bricks per day. However, daily output can change from one job to another. Simple walls and easy site access can help workers work faster. Brick type, wall design and weather can also affect bricklayer productivity.

Experience also makes a difference. Skilled workers may complete more bricks in less time. Self-employed bricklayers can use their output when setting prices. However, 500 bricks does not mean fixed daily earnings. Workers must also consider materials, fuel, travel and other costs.

What Costs Reduce a Self-Employed Bricklayer's Income?

Self-employed bricklayers have many costs to cover from their earnings. These include bricks, mortar, trowels, chisels, mixers and other tools. They also need to pay for vans, fuel, repairs and insurance. These costs can quickly reduce their overall income.

Running your own bricklaying business comes with extra costs. You may pay for training, certificates, tools and marketing. Office work and admin can also add to your costs. Then, tax and National Insurance reduce what you keep. So, earning more does not always mean keeping more. Smart spending can help you keep more of your profit.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Bricklayer?

A good bricklayer learns by doing, not just by reading or watching others. Your first step can shape the skills you build throughout your bricklaying career. The right training can help you feel ready when you step onto a building site.

1. College course: Learn bricklaying and basic construction skills.
2. Apprenticeship: Earn money while learning the trade.
3. T Level: Study construction with practical work experience.
4. Level 2 training: Build basic skills for bricklaying jobs.
5. Level 3 training: Learn more advanced bricklaying skills.
6. Work experience: Start as a labourer or hod carrier.
7. CSCS card: You may need one for some building sites.

What Skills Can Help You Earn More as a Bricklayer?

Good bricklaying needs more than strong hands. Care, focus and good hand skills help create neat work. Basic building knowledge also helps you read plans and solve simple problems. These skills can help you work faster and make fewer mistakes.

Good time management and teamwork can help you take on bigger jobs. Flexibility also helps when working on different sites. Specialist skills, such as heritage brickwork and stonemasonry, can bring new work. With experience, you may move into supervising, estimating or inspection roles.

Is Bricklaying a Good Career for Long-Term Earnings?

Bricklaying can be a good career for people who enjoy practical work. The National Careers Service lists salaries from £25,000 to £45,000 yearly. With experience, employed bricklayers can earn around £40,000. Specialist skills can also help increase earning potential.

Self-employed bricklayers can earn £56,000 to £60,000 a year. But they also pay for tools, fuel, insurance and tax. Most bricklayers work 40 to 44 hours each week. The job can mean outdoor work and travel. Apprentices can also earn money while they learn.

What Can You Expect From a Bricklayer Career?

A bricklaying career can offer many options as your skills grow. Bricklayers build houses, repair walls and chimneys and restore older buildings. With experience, you can take on larger jobs and more duties. This can help you build a strong and steady career.

You can become a team leader, estimator or site inspector. You may also specialise in heritage brickwork or stonemasonry. Also, you can become self-employed or start your own bricklaying business. Experienced bricklayers can also train apprentices at further education colleges. These paths can help you develop new skills and progress in your career.

Final Thoughts

The bricklayer average salary in the UK depends on several factors. The National Careers Service lists salaries from £25,000 to £45,000 yearly. Other figures show higher gross earnings for self-employed workers. However, gross income does not equal take-home pay.

Experience, location, skills, job type and work status can affect earnings. Apprentices can also earn while gaining useful work experience. Day rates and price-per-brick rates show different types of pay. So, choose a career route that matches your skills, goals and earning needs.

Want to build your skills and learn more about bricklaying? Join our Free Bricklaying Training Course and take the next step towards your career in construction.

FAQs About bricklayer average salary

1. What do bricklayers earn in the UK?

1. Bricklayers usually earn £25,000 to £45,000 per year. Experienced and self-employed bricklayers can earn more.

2. Can bricklayers make £100k?

1. Some experienced bricklayers can earn up to £100,000 in gross income. However, they usually need strong skills and well-paid projects.

3. Is bricklaying a high-paying job?

1. Bricklaying can offer good pay, especially with experience. Self-employed bricklayers may earn more than employed workers.

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

1. Bricklayers often charge around £18 to £40 per hour. Your hourly rate can change based on your skills, location and job type.

5. Is bricklaying a dead-end job?

1. No, bricklaying offers several ways to progress. You can become a site supervisor, contractor or start your own business.

6. Do bricklayers make more than plumbers?

1. Bricklayers and plumbers can both earn good wages. However, experienced self-employed workers may earn more in either trade.

7. Do I need GCSEs to be a bricklayer?

1. You do not always need GCSEs to become a bricklayer. However, many courses and apprenticeships ask for English and maths qualifications.

8. Do bricklayers get paid £1 per brick?

1. Some bricklayers may use price-per-brick rates on certain jobs. However, the actual rate can vary by project and brick type.