What Is the Bricklaying Average Wage for Skilled Workers?

Bricklaying can offer a strong income, but the pay is not the same for everyone. It can change with your skills, experience, location and type of work. Because of this, the bricklaying average wage in the UK usually sits around £35,000 to £45,000 a year for employed workers. However, self-employed bricklayers may earn £50,000 to £60,000 or more before tax and work costs.

Your pay can also rise as you take on harder or more skilled work. So, let’s dive into this guide and explore yearly pay, hourly rates, daily wages and ways to earn more.

In this guide, we explain the average bricklayer wage UK workers can expect. We also look at bricklaying pay by experience, job type, and work setup.

How Much Do Bricklayers Earn Per Year?

Bricklayers can earn different amounts each year. Their pay often depends on their skills and experience. The type of job can also affect their pay. So, a new bricklayer will not earn the same as someone with many years of experience.

1. Apprentice bricklayer wage: An apprentice may earn around £11,000 to £21,000 a year. They earn while they learn the trade.
2. Newly qualified bricklayer salary: A new bricklayer can earn around £25,000 to £32,000 a year. Their pay can rise as they gain more skills.
3. Experienced bricklayer salary: An experienced bricklayer may earn around £38,000 to £45,000 a year. Good skills can help them earn more.
4. Self-employed bricklayer earnings: A self-employed bricklayer can earn £50,000 to £60,000+ a year before tax and costs.

How Many Bricks Does a Bricklayer Lay in a Day?

A bricklayer can lay a different number of bricks each day. It depends on their skills, the wall, and the work area. A skilled bricklayer can usually lay 400 to 600 bricks a day. However, an apprentice may lay fewer bricks.

An apprentice may lay around 200 to 250 bricks a day. They are still learning the job. So, they may work more slowly at first. With time and practice, they can work faster.

A skilled bricklayer can lay around 400 to 600 bricks a day on a simple wall. In good conditions, a very skilled worker may lay 800 to 1,000 or more bricks a day.

Many things can affect how fast a bricklayer works. These include the brick type, wall shape, weather, and space on the site. Help from a labourer can also make the work easier.

Speed can also affect price-work earnings. Some bricklayers get paid for each brick they lay. Therefore, laying more bricks can help them earn more money. Still, they should always focus on good and neat work.

How Much Does a Newly Qualified Bricklayer Earn?

A newly qualified bricklayer can earn around £25,000 to £32,000 a year. This is a good starting wage after training. However, pay can change based on the job, location, and level of skill.

A new bricklayer may earn around £18 to £22 an hour. They may also get around £240 to £320 a day. Some jobs may offer less, while jobs in busy areas may pay more. So, it is worth checking the pay before taking a job.

Pay can rise as a bricklayer gains more experience. For example, a worker who can lay bricks quickly and neatly may get better-paid jobs. They can also take on harder work. Over time, this can lead to a higher wage.

An employed bricklayer gets regular pay from an employer. They may also get holiday pay, sick pay, and a pension. The employer may also provide some tools and work equipment.

A self-employed bricklayer can choose their own jobs and set their own rates. This can give them a chance to earn more. However, they must pay for tools, travel, insurance, and other work costs. They also need to find their own customers and manage their work.

How Much Can a Bricklayer Earn With Overtime?

A bricklayer can earn more money by working extra hours. However, overtime pay can change from one employer to another. Some employers pay more for extra hours, while others use a set rate.

Overtime rates can help increase your weekly pay. For example, you may get a higher rate for working after your normal hours. Always check the rate before you take extra work.

Weekend work can also help you earn more. Some bricklayers work on Saturdays or Sundays when a job needs to be finished quickly. The pay may be higher, but this depends on the job. Extra hours can give your weekly pay a boost. Still, bricklaying is hard work. So, you also need enough rest. This helps you stay safe and do a good job.

Overtime can also increase your yearly earnings. If you work extra hours often, you can add more money to your normal pay. However, your total pay will depend on your hourly rate and the number of extra hours you work.

What Skills Help Bricklayers Earn More?

Good skills can help bricklayers earn more money. They can also help you get better jobs. So, learning new skills can be a great way to grow your pay.

1. Working quickly and accurately: A good bricklayer works fast and keeps the work neat. This helps them finish more work in less time.
2. Reading building plans: Bricklayers need to read building plans. This helps them know where to build walls, doors, and windows.
3. Stone and block work: Stone and block work give bricklayers more job choices. These skills can also help them earn more.
4. Decorative brickwork: This work needs care and skill. Bricklayers who can make nice brick patterns may get better-paid jobs.
5. Restoration work: Old buildings need special care. Bricklayers with these skills can work on old walls and buildings.
6. Supervising other workers: An experienced bricklayer can lead a team. This means more work and more duties. However, it can also bring better pay.

Do Bricklayers Get Paid Weekly or Monthly?

Employed bricklayers often get paid weekly or monthly. The payment date depends on the employer. Some firms pay every week, while others pay once a month. Your job contract should tell you when you will get paid.

Self-employed bricklayers work a little differently. They usually send an invoice after they finish a job or reach an agreed stage. The customer then pays based on the agreed terms. Some customers may pay within a few days, while others may take a few weeks.

Payment may arrive later if a job takes longer than planned. So, it helps to agree on the payment date before you start. This can help avoid payment problems later.

What Qualifications Can Increase a Bricklayer's Wage?

Good skills and qualifications can help a bricklayer earn more. They can also help you get better jobs. So, learning new skills can be a smart way to grow your pay.

1. NVQ qualifications: An NVQ shows that you have good bricklaying skills. A higher level can help you take on more skilled work.
2. Apprenticeships: An apprenticeship lets you learn while you work. You gain skills and work experience at the same time.
3. CSCS card: A CSCS card can help you get work on UK construction sites. Many sites ask workers to have the right card.
4. Specialist skills: Skills in stonework, old buildings, or complex brickwork can help you find better-paid jobs.
5. Supervisory qualifications: These can help you move into team leader or supervisor roles. These jobs have more duties, but they can also offer higher pay.

What Is the Bricklaying Average Wage by Job Type? 

The bricklaying average wage can change based on the type of job. Some jobs are easy, while others need more skill and care. So, bricklayers can earn different amounts for different types of work.

1. House building: Bricklayers build walls for houses. This work can offer regular jobs, especially when many new homes need building. With more experience, a bricklayer may also get better-paid work.
2. Commercial construction: This work includes shops, offices, schools, and other large buildings. These jobs can offer steady work. They may also pay well when the work needs extra skills.
3. Repair and restoration: Bricklayers fix old or damaged walls. This work needs care and patience. A bricklayer must make sure the new work matches the old wall.
4. New builds: New build projects need bricklayers to build new walls. These jobs can last for weeks or months. This can give workers a steady income.
5. Decorative brickwork: This work includes brick patterns, arches, and other designs. It needs good skills and a careful hand. As a result, skilled bricklayers may earn more.
6. Specialist brickwork: This includes stonework and work on old buildings. These jobs need extra skills and experience. Therefore, bricklayers with these skills may get better-paid work.

What Is the Bricklaying Wage by Experience?

The bricklaying wage can change as you gain more experience. When you first start, you may earn less because you are still learning. However, your pay can grow as your skills improve.

An apprentice usually gets lower pay while learning the trade. You work and learn at the same time. At first, the job may feel hard and slow. However, you can work faster as you gain practice. A newly qualified bricklayer can earn more after finishing their training. You now have the skills to take on more work. Your pay can also grow as you gain more work experience.

An experienced bricklayer can earn better pay with strong skills. You can take on harder jobs and work faster. Good work can also help you find jobs that pay more. A self-employed bricklayer can set their own rates. This can help you earn more than an employed worker. However, you also pay for tools, travel, insurance, and other costs. So, always count these costs when you work out your real earnings.

Final Thoughts

The bricklaying average wage can change with your skills, experience, and type of work. A new bricklayer may start with a lower wage, but pay can grow over time. Skilled and self-employed workers can often earn more by taking on bigger or harder jobs.

If you want to start a career in bricklaying, learning the basics can give you a strong start. A Free Bricklaying Training Course can help you learn key skills before you enter the trade. It is a simple way to build your knowledge, feel more confident, and take your first step towards a bricklaying career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much do UK bricklayers earn per brick?

1. UK bricklayers may earn around 50p to £1.50 per brick on price work. The rate can be higher for special or decorative brickwork.

2. Can bricklayers make 100k a year?

1. Yes, but it is not common. Highly skilled self-employed bricklayers or business owners may reach £100,000+ with high rates and regular work.

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

1. You may pay around £30 to £55 per hour for a self-employed bricklayer. Rates can change by location, job type, and experience.

4. Is bricklaying a high paying job?

1. Bricklaying can offer good pay, especially for skilled and experienced workers. Self-employed bricklayers may earn more than employed workers.

5. Is bricklaying a dead-end job?

1. No. Bricklaying can offer good career growth. You can gain skills, become a supervisor, start your own business, or take specialist work.

6. Do bricklayers make more than plumbers?

1. Not always. Pay depends on skills, experience, location and work type. Both trades can offer good earnings.

7. Do I need GCSE to be a bricklayer?

1. You do not always need GCSEs to start bricklaying. However, many employers prefer GCSEs in English and maths or equivalent qualifications.