Bricklaying Wages UK: Average Pay, Rates and Earnings Guide 2026

Bricklaying is the process of building walls and structures with bricks and mortar. A bricklayer lays bricks to build strong, safe buildings. They may work on homes, offices, walls, extensions and other structures. Their work also includes repairing old brickwork and replacing damaged bricks. Bricklaying wages UK can vary based on several factors. 

The National Careers Service lists salaries between £25,000 and £45,000 a year. However, experienced bricklayers can earn more, especially when working independently. Current day rates often range from £240 to £320, depending on the job and location. Apprentices usually earn less while they train and gain practical skills.

How Much Do Bricklayers Earn in the UK?

Bricklaying wages UK usually range from £25,000 to £45,000 yearly. The National Careers Service gives this range for bricklayers. New bricklayers often start near the lower end. Skilled workers can earn closer to the higher end.

Checkatrade-based figures show higher average earnings in some cases. These figures include £31,942, £40,102, £56,052 and £59,002 yearly. The figures differ because sources use different data. Some show salaries, while others include contractor income or turnover.

What is the Hourly Pay for a Bricklayer?

The National Careers Service does not publish an official hourly rate. However, its £25,000–£45,000 salary range gives a useful estimate. A typical bricklayer may work around 40–44 hours each week. So, hourly earnings can change with hours and experience.

1. Starting pay: £25,000 works out at about £10.90 to £12.02 per hour.
2. Mid-level pay: £35,000 equals roughly £15.29 to £16.83 per hour.
3. Higher pay: £45,000 works out at around £19.67 to £21.63 per hour.
4. Market rates: The bricklayer hourly rate UK varies by location and demand.
5. Self-employed work: Contractors may charge higher rates to cover business costs.
6. Extra costs: Charges can include tools, travel, insurance and other expenses.

What is the Average Bricklayer Day Rate?

The current bricklayer day rate UK often ranges from £240 to £320. Checkatrade lists this as a typical trade charge for bricklaying work. However, Able Skills shows different figures based on employment status and experience.

Able Skills lists £145.52 for newly qualified bricklayers and £154.24 for employed workers. Sole traders can earn around £304, while limited company owners can earn up to £320 per day. These stats vary because employee pay differs from customer charges. Experience, location and job difficulty can also change the final rate.

How Much Does a Bricklaying Apprentice Earn?

A bricklayer apprentice's salary in the UK starts at £8 per hour under current rules. Apprentices under 19 can receive this rate throughout their apprenticeship. Those aged 19 or over can receive £8 during their first year. After that, they usually move to the minimum wage for their age.

However, many employers offer more than the legal minimum. Current apprenticeship adverts show salaries around £16,640 a year for a 40-hour week. Your actual pay depends on the employer, location and experience. Therefore, check the full job advert before applying. The legal minimum gives you a starting point, but some employers pay much more.

How Do Bricklaying Wages UK Change With Experience?

Bricklayer wages can rise as your skills, speed and experience improve. Able Skills lists £11,000 for apprentices and £32,000 for newly qualified bricklayers. Experienced workers can earn around £40,000. Sole traders may reach £56,000, while limited company owners can earn about £60,000.

Your bricklayer salary by experience depends on more than qualifications. Skilled bricklayers can take on harder jobs and more work. Employers also look for good work, speed and reliability. So, strong practical skills can help you earn more.

Do Self-employed Bricklayers Earn More?

Self-employed bricklayers can have higher earning potential than employees. They can choose their prices and pick the projects they want. However, higher earnings also come with extra costs and responsibilities. So, headline income does not equal actual take-home pay.

1. Sole trader: Around £56,052 yearly, with about £37,589 take-home.
2. Limited company: Around £59,002 yearly, with about £38,830 take-home.
3. Tax: Income tax and National Insurance can reduce your final earnings.
4. Business costs: Tools, transport, insurance and other costs affect profits.
5. Rate control: Self-employed workers can set rates based on skills and demand.
6. Self-employed bricklayer earnings UK: Experience and workload can strongly affect income.

What Costs Reduce Self-employed Bricklayer Income?

A £300+ day rate may sound impressive, but you cannot keep it all. Self-employed bricklayers must cover many costs before counting their profit. Materials such as bricks and mortar can take a large share. Tools like trowels, chisels, mixers, levels and wheelbarrows also need upkeep.

Vehicle costs can include fuel, repairs, parking and travel. Bricklayers may also pay for liability and health and safety insurance. Training, certificates, advertising, websites and administration add more costs. Office space, utilities and software can also reduce profits. Therefore, these bricklayer business costs UK can make a big difference to final earnings.

Do Bricklayers Earn More in London?

Location can affect bricklaying wages UK, with London often offering higher rates. The South East can also provide strong earning opportunities due to steady construction demand. However, higher wages can come with higher living, travel and business costs.

Specialist recruitment data shows that London and the South East generally offer stronger market rates. The Midlands and North West may have lower rates, but demand remains steady. These are indicative market rates, not official government salaries. Your bricklayer salary London can also depend on skills, experience and job type. So, compare bricklayer wages by region with local costs and available work before deciding where to work.

How Much Do Bricklayers Charge Per 1,000 Bricks?

Some bricklayers price larger jobs for every 1,000 bricks they lay. This method makes it easier to estimate the cost of bigger projects. Bricklaying rates per 1,000 bricks UK can change based on the brick type and job.

For common machine-made bricks, rates range from £650 to £1,500. Class A or B engineering bricks can cost £650 to £1,790. Clay facing bricks may cost £2,260 to £5,000. These figures usually cover bricklaying work, not just buying bricks. The final price can also change with location, access, design and job complexity.

How Many Bricks Can a Bricklayer Lay Daily?

A skilled bricklayer can lay around 500 bricks per day in good conditions. This figure assumes easy site access and proper preparation. However, daily output can change from one project to another. Speed also should never come before quality or safety.

1. Brick type: Some bricks take longer to lay than others.
2. Wall design: Simple walls usually allow faster bricklaying.
3. Site access: Easy access helps workers move materials quickly.
4. Weather: Rain, cold or extreme heat can slow progress.
5. Preparation: Good planning and ready materials can improve output.
6. Piece-rate work: Some bricklayers earn based on the number of bricks laid.

What Affects Bricklaying Wages UK?

Bricklayers can earn different amounts for different jobs. Their pay can change with their skills, experience and work location. The type of job also matters. Bigger or harder jobs may pay more. Self-employed bricklayers can also choose their own rates.

Special bricklaying skills can help workers earn more. These include heritage brickwork, wall repair, stonemasonry and custom brickwork. Good workers can also earn more when many people need their skills. Easy site access and good weather can help workers finish jobs faster. So, skills, experience and the type of work can all change bricklaying wages.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Bricklayer?

You can learn bricklaying in several simple ways. You can study a Level 2 or Level 3 course at college. Also, you can take a T Level in On Site Construction. Most colleges ask for 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4.

An apprenticeship is another good way to learn. You can start with a foundation, intermediate or advanced apprenticeship. Some people start work as labourers or hod carriers. This helps them learn on a real building site. You will also need a CSCS card for most construction sites.

Is Bricklaying a Good Career in the UK?

Bricklaying can be a good career if you enjoy hands-on work. The official salary range sits between £25,000 and £45,000. Experience can lead to better-paid work, while self-employment offers another earning option.

The job can feel demanding, though. You may work outdoors in changing weather, travel between sites or work at height. With experience, you can become a team supervisor, construction estimator or site inspector. You could also specialise in heritage brickwork or stonemasonry. So, is bricklaying a good career UK? It can be, especially if you enjoy practical work and want to build valuable skills.

Final Thoughts on Bricklaying Wages UK

Bricklaying wages UK can offer a good income with the right skills and experience. Salaries often range from £25,000 to £45,000 per year. However, experienced and self-employed bricklayers may earn more through higher day rates. Your location, experience, project type and work status can affect your pay. Therefore, compare salary, hourly rates and day rates before choosing a job.

If you want to build your skills, join our Free Bricklaying Training Course and take your first step towards a career in bricklaying.

FAQs

1. Can bricklayers make £100k a year?

1. Experienced self-employed bricklayers can reach £100,000 in busy years.

2. Is bricklaying a dead-end job?

1. Bricklaying offers paths into specialist, supervisory and self-employed construction roles.

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

1. Bricklayers commonly charge around £25 to £40 per hour.

4. Can I become a bricklayer at 40?

1. Starting bricklaying at 40 remains possible through training, apprenticeships and practical experience.

5. Is there a UK shortage of bricklayers?

1. The UK construction industry continues to need more skilled bricklayers.

6. Is it difficult to get a job over 50?

1. Experienced bricklayers can find work over 50, especially with strong skills and good experience.

7. How quickly can I learn bricklaying?

1. Basic bricklaying skills can take several months to learn with regular practice.

8. What is the average age of a bricklayer?

1. Bricklaying has an ageing workforce, with many workers now aged over 40.