How Much Do Bricklayers Earn as Self-Employed Workers?

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Posted by: Roland Rhett Last Updated: 01 Sep, 2026 Reading: --
How Much Do Bricklayers Earn as Self-Employed Workers?

How much do bricklayers earn in the UK? It can change based on their skills, experience, location and type of work. Employed bricklayers can earn around £25,000 to £45,000 a year. However, self-employed bricklayers can often earn more. Some sole traders may make £56,000 to £85,000 or more a year. Pay can also rise when bricklayers take on bigger jobs or extra work. So, how much do brick layers make depends on many factors. 

In this guide, we explain bricklayer pay in simple terms. You will learn about yearly pay, hourly rates, average pay for bricklayer. We will also look at what can help bricklayers earn more. This guide can help you understand what you may earn in this trade. 

How Much Do Bricklayers Earn in the UK?

Bricklayers in the UK can earn different amounts. Your pay depends on your skills, experience and where you work. An employed bricklayer can earn £25,000 to £45,000 a year. The average is around £38,000 to £40,000 a year.

However, your pay can grow as you gain more experience. The type of work can also affect your income. Self-employed bricklayers may earn more. But they also need to pay their own work costs.

How Much Do Bricklayers Earn at Different Levels?

  1. Apprentice: £11,000–£21,000 a year
  2. Newly qualified: £25,000–£38,000 a year
  3. Experienced bricklayer: £35,000–£50,000+ a year
  4. Self-employed bricklayer: £56,000–£85,000+ a year before costs

What Is the Average Bricklayer Salary in the UK?

The bricklaying average salary in the UK can vary. Employed bricklayers usually earn around £36,000 to £40,000 a year. However, self-employed bricklayers can earn £56,000 to £90,000 or more before tax.

Your pay can grow as you gain more skills and experience. Where you work can also affect your pay. Daily rates often range from £215 to £320.

How much do bricklayers get paid UK at each level?

An apprentice bricklayer can earn around £11,000 to £21,000 a year. This is often the starting point for someone new to the trade. A newly qualified bricklayer can earn around £30,000 to £38,000 a year. With more experience, an employed bricklayer can earn about £38,000 to £45,000 a year.

A self-employed bricklayer can earn around £56,000 to £85,000 a year before tax. However, they must pay their own work costs. A limited company owner may earn around £59,000 to £90,000 or more a year before tax. Their income can change based on the amount of work they get.

How Much Do Bricklayers Earn Per Hour?

Bricklayer pay can change based on skills, experience and the type of job. In the UK, an employed bricklayer can earn around £18 to £25 per hour. However, self-employed bricklayers often charge more. They may charge around £32 to £40 per hour to cover their work and business costs.

Many bricklayers do not use an hourly rate. Instead, they may agree on a day rate with the customer or builder. This can often range from £240 to £320 per day. Some bricklayers also use price work. With this method, they get paid based on how much work they complete.

What Is the Hourly Pay for Bricklayers at Each Level?

An apprentice bricklayer may earn around £6.30 to £8 per hour. They earn less at first because they are still learning the job. Their pay can rise as they gain skills. A newly qualified bricklayer can earn around £18 to £22 per hour. At this stage, they have finished their training and can take on more work.

An employed bricklayer can earn around £19 to £25 per hour. Workers with strong skills and good experience may earn towards the top of this range. A self-employed bricklayer may charge around £32 to £40 per hour. However, this is not all take-home pay. They may need to pay for tools, travel, insurance and other work costs.

A limited company owner may charge around £40 to £60 per hour. Their rate can be higher because they may have more business costs and responsibilities. Overall, bricklaying wages can vary from job to job. Your skills, location, experience and type of work can all affect how much you earn.

How Much Do Bricklayers Earn Per Day?

The average bricklayer wage UK is around £240 to £320 for a qualified bricklayer. However, daily pay can change based on several things:

  1. Experience: Skilled bricklayers can often earn more.
  2. Location: Some UK areas pay higher rates than others.
  3. Type of work: Large or difficult jobs may pay more.
  4. Work status: Self-employed bricklayers may charge higher rates.
  5. Speed: Faster workers may complete more work in a day.

What Is the Average Bricklayer Day Rate?

An apprentice bricklayer may earn around £60 to £80 per day. They earn less because they are still learning the job. A newly qualified bricklayer may earn around £144 to £176 per day. They have finished their training but are still gaining work experience. An experienced employed bricklayer may earn around £152 to £200 per day. Their pay can rise as they gain more skills.

A self-employed bricklayer can earn around £304 to £440 per day. However, they need to pay their own work costs, such as:

  1. Tools
  2. Travel
  3. Insurance
  4. Work equipment
  5. Business costs

A limited company owner may earn around £320 to £480 per day. However, their rate can change from one job to another.

What Affects How Much a Bricklayer Earns?

A bricklayer’s pay can change for many reasons. So, two bricklayers may earn different amounts.

  1. Experience and skills: More experience can help you earn more. Good skills can also help you get better jobs.
  2. Location: Pay can change across the UK. Busy areas may offer more work and better pay.
  3. Type of work: Large building jobs may pay more. Some special jobs also pay higher rates.
  4. Qualifications: Extra training can help you learn new skills. These skills may help you get better-paid work.
  5. Employed or self-employed: Self-employed bricklayers can set their own rates. However, they must pay their own work costs.
  6. Extra work: Overtime can help you earn more. Weekend work may also increase your pay.
  7. Project size: Bigger jobs can offer more work. Your payment method can also affect your total earnings.

Which UK Areas Pay Bricklayers the Most?

Bricklayer pay can change across the UK. London often has higher pay because there is lots of building work. However, living costs are also higher in London. The South East can also offer good bricklaying wages. Many towns and cities have new homes and other building projects. This can create more jobs for bricklayers.

The Midlands and North West also have many building jobs. However, the average bricklayer wage can change from one area to another. Some places may offer higher pay than others. Local building demand can also affect pay. When builders need more bricklayers, they may offer better rates. When there is less work, pay may be lower.

So, regional bricklayer salaries can vary across the UK. It is a good idea to check local jobs and pay rates before choosing where to work.

Is Bricklaying a Good-Paying Career in the UK?

Bricklaying can be a good career if you enjoy hands-on work. The average salary for a bricklayer can be around £36,000 to £40,000 a year. However, your pay can grow as you gain more skills and experience. You can also move up in your career. For example, you could become a team leader or site supervisor. You could also work for yourself and set your own rates.

You can learn bricklaying through an apprenticeship while you work. However, you can also take bricklaying courses to improve your skills. These can help you find better jobs. There is also good demand for skilled bricklayers. Builders need bricklayers for homes, walls and other projects. So, good skills can help you find regular work. Over time, you may earn more as you gain experience. You can also take on bigger jobs or extra work. Self-employment may give you more control over your work and pay.

Final Thoughts

So, how much do bricklayers earn? It depends on your skills, experience, location and type of work. Bricklaying can offer a good income, especially as you gain more experience. You can also earn more by taking on bigger jobs or working for yourself. If you want to start your bricklaying career, a Free Bricklaying Training Course can help you learn the basic skills. It can also give you a better idea of what the job involves before you start. With the right training and practice, you can build useful skills and work towards a rewarding career in bricklaying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can bricklayers make £100k a year?

  1. Yes, some bricklayers can earn £100,000 a year. However, this is not common. Self-employed bricklayers with strong skills, steady work and large projects have a better chance.

2. How much for a bricklayer per day?

  1. A qualified bricklayer can earn around £240 to £320 per day. Self-employed bricklayers may charge more, depending on the job.

3. How much money do bricklayers make in the UK?

  1. Employed bricklayers can earn around £25,000 to £45,000 a year. Self-employed bricklayers may earn £56,000 to £85,000+ before costs.

4. Do I need GCSE to be a bricklayer?

  1. You do not usually need GCSEs to start bricklaying. However, some courses or apprenticeships may ask for English and maths GCSEs or similar qualifications.

5. Is bricklaying a dead-end job?

  1. No. Bricklaying can offer good career options. With experience, you can become a team leader, site supervisor or start your own business.

6. How much does a bricklayer charge to lay 1000 bricks?

  1. The price can vary based on the job, brick type and location. Bricklayers may charge by the day or use price work instead of a fixed price for 1,000 bricks.