How Much Do Bricklayers Get Paid UK? Average Pay and Rates

Bricklaying can be a rewarding career if you enjoy practical work and want good earning potential. Your pay can vary based on your skills, experience, location and type of work. So, how much do bricklayers get paid UK? A fully qualified, employed bricklayer can earn around £38,000 to £49,000 a year. However, new bricklayers often earn less while they build their skills. Experienced workers may earn more, especially when they take on bigger projects. Self-employed bricklayers can also set their own rates and may earn more.

In this guide, we explain bricklaying wages, the average bricklayer wage UK and how much do bricklayers make a year. We also look at the bricklaying average salary and the things that can change your earnings.

How Much Does a Bricklayer Earn Per Year in the UK?

A bricklayer in the UK can earn a good wage. Your pay depends on your skills, experience, location and type of work. Here is a simple guide.

Average Annual Bricklayer Salary

An employed bricklayer can earn around £36,000 to £40,000 a year. However, some skilled bricklayers can earn more.

Entry-Level Bricklayer Earnings

New bricklayers usually earn less at first. An apprentice may earn around £11,000 to £21,000 a year. After training, a new bricklayer can earn about £30,000 to £38,000 a year.

Experienced Bricklayer Earnings

With more experience, your pay can grow. An experienced bricklayer can earn around £38,000 to £45,000 a year. Good skills can also help you find better-paid jobs.

Senior and Highly Skilled Bricklayer Pay

Senior bricklayers can earn £45,000 or more a year. Some lead teams or work on large building projects. These roles often pay more because they need extra skills.

Self-Employed Bricklayer Earnings

Self-employed bricklayers can earn around £56,000 to £85,000 or more a year before expenses. However, they must pay for tools, travel, insurance and other costs.

How Much Do Bricklayers Get Paid UK Per Hour?

On average, bricklayers earn $24 to $31 an hour in the US. In the UK, they earn about £15 to £25 an hour. However, your pay can change based on your location, skills and experience.

Earnings by Experience Level

Your hourly pay can increase as you gain more skills. At the start, you may earn less. Later, you can earn more as you become better at the job.

1. Apprentice / Entry-Level: An apprentice may earn $13 to $22 an hour in the US. In the UK, they may earn £6.30 to £10 an hour.
2. Newly Qualified / Mid-Level: After training, your pay can rise. You may earn $24 to $28 an hour in the US. In the UK, you may earn £18 to £22 an hour.
3. Experienced / Journeyman: Skilled bricklayers can earn more. They may earn $29 to $38 or more an hour in the US. In the UK, they can earn around £32.50 to £40 an hour.

So, experience can make a big difference. As your skills grow, you can take on better jobs and earn more money.

How Much Does a Bricklayer Earn Per Day? 

In the UK, a self-employed bricklayer can earn around £240 to £320 a day. However, the rate can change based on skills, location and the type of work. Some bricklayers may earn around £145 a day while highly skilled workers can earn over £500 a day.

An apprentice may earn around £60 to £80 a day. At this stage, they are still learning the trade. Their pay can also change based on their age and training level. A newly qualified bricklayer can earn around £144 to £176 a day. With more work experience, their daily pay can rise. An experienced employed bricklayer may earn around £152 to £192 a day.

Self-employed bricklayers can often charge more. They may earn around £304 to £440 a day. However, they must pay for their own tools, travel, insurance and other work costs. A limited company owner may earn around £320 to £480 or more a day. Their income can change based on the jobs they take and how well their business does. Overall, experience can make a big difference. As your skills grow, you can take on bigger jobs and earn more.

What Factors Affect Bricklayer Pay in the UK?

Several things can affect a bricklayer’s pay. Experience and skills are very important. A new bricklayer may earn less at first. However, pay can rise as they gain more skills and finish harder jobs.

your Location can also affect your pay. Bricklayers in London and busy areas may earn more. This is because building work can cost more there. The type of job also matters. Big building sites may pay more than small jobs. Your training and qualifications can help too. They may help you find jobs that pay more.

Some bricklayers have special skills, such as stonework or work on old buildings. These skills can help them charge more. Also, when there are fewer skilled bricklayers, employers may offer higher pay.

How Much Do Bricklayers Get Paid Per Brick?

In the UK, bricklayers can earn around £0.50 to £1.00 per brick for basic labour work. Many bricklayers use price work instead of counting every brick. They may earn around £650 to £1,500 for every 1,000 bricks.

However, the rate can change for each job. The type of brick, the size of the job and the level of work can all affect the pay. So, always check the rate before you start.

Pay Rate by Brick Type

Common bricks can pay around £0.65 to £1.50 per brick. Workers often use them for walls that will later have plaster or another cover.

Engineering bricks can cost around £0.65 to £1.79 per brick. These bricks are strong and can handle water. Builders often use them for foundations and other heavy work.

Clay facing bricks can cost more. The rate may range from £2.26 to £5.00 per brick. These bricks need careful work because the wall must look clean and even.

So, harder work can often mean better pay. Your skill and speed can also help you earn more.

Do Bricklayers Earn More When Self-Employed?

Self-employed bricklayers can often earn more than employed workers. They can choose their jobs and set their own rates. They also have more control over their working hours.

However, working for yourself has extra costs. You may need to pay for tools, travel, insurance and work equipment. You also need to manage your own taxes and keep your records up to date.

Finding regular work can take time. A good name can help you get more jobs through customer reviews and recommendations. So, self-employment can bring higher earnings but it also brings more costs and responsibility.

How Can Bricklayers Increase Their Earnings?

Bricklayers can earn more as they build their skills and experience. It may take time but small steps can help you move forward.

1. Gain more experience: Keep working and learning. More experience can help you get better jobs and higher pay.
2. Learn special skills: Learn skills like stonework, old building repairs and special brick designs. These jobs may pay more.
3. Take on larger projects: Work on big homes, offices, shops and other large buildings. These jobs can offer more work and better pay.
4. Become self-employed: You can work for yourself and set your own rates. However, you must also pay for tools, travel and other costs.
5. Work in higher-paying areas: Some areas have more building work than others. Moving to a busy area may help you find better-paid jobs.
6. Build a good name: Do clean and careful work. Happy customers may tell others about you. This can bring you more jobs.
7. Keep improving your skills: Learn new ways to do your job. Good skills can help you stay in demand.

Which UK Areas Pay Bricklayers the Most?

Where you work can affect your bricklayer pay. Some parts of the UK have more building work. As a result, bricklayers may earn more in these areas.

London often offers good pay for bricklayers. The city has many homes, offices and large building projects. However, living costs in London are also high. The South East can also offer good wages. Areas such as Surrey, Kent and Berkshire have many building projects. So, skilled bricklayers may find more work there.

Major cities can offer good pay too. Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol and Leeds have busy building markets. Pay can change from one city to another. There are also regional salary differences across the UK. Areas with more building work may offer higher wages. On the other hand, areas with less work may offer lower pay.

Location affects wages because the cost of building work and living costs can vary. Also, some areas have a bigger need for skilled bricklayers. Therefore, working in a busy area may help you earn more. However, always think about living costs before moving.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Bricklayer?

You do not need a university degree to become a bricklayer. There are several simple ways to enter this trade.

1. Bricklaying apprenticeship: You can learn while you work. You also get real experience on building sites.
2. College courses: You can study bricklaying or construction at college. This can help you learn basic skills.
3. On-the-job training: You can learn from an experienced bricklayer. This gives you useful skills while you work.
4. Useful certificates: Health and safety training can help you work safely on building sites.
5. Skills employers want: Employers look for good hand skills, basic maths, fitness, teamwork and careful work.

With practice and experience, you can improve your skills. You can then move on to harder jobs and better pay.

Do Bricklayers Get Paid More for Specialist Work?

Yes, bricklayers with special skills can often earn more. These jobs need more care, skill and time. They can also be harder than normal bricklaying work. Restoration and heritage brickwork can pay well. Bricklayers may repair old homes, churches and historic buildings. They need to work carefully and match the old style.

Stonework and specialist masonry can also bring higher pay. This work needs good hand skills and care. You may build or repair walls, fireplaces and other stone features. Complex building projects may offer better rates. Some jobs need special brick patterns, curves, or designs. These jobs can take more time and skill.

Commercial construction can also pay well. Bricklayers may work on offices, shops, schools and large buildings. These projects often need workers with good skills. High-quality finishing work can help you earn more too. Clean lines and neat brickwork matter to customers. Good work can also bring more jobs through recommendations.

Final Thoughts

So, how much do bricklayers get paid UK? Your pay depends on your skills, experience, location and type of work. Bricklaying can give you a good income. You can get more when you gain skills and take on bigger jobs. If you are new to bricklaying, training can help you get started. A Free Bricklaying Training Course can teach you basic skills and give you a better idea of the job. With time and practice, you can improve your skills and earn more. Bricklaying can be a good career if you enjoy practical work and want to build a better future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can bricklayers make £100k?

1. Yes but it is not common. Highly skilled self-employed bricklayers or business owners may reach £100,000 before costs and tax.

2. Do I need GCSE to be a bricklayer?

1. You do not always need GCSEs. However, GCSEs in English and maths can help you find an apprenticeship or job.

3. Do bricklayers get paid £1 per brick?

1. Sometimes. Rates can range from about £0.50 to £1 or more per brick. The rate depends on the job, brick type and skill needed.

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

1. A typical UK bricklayer day rate can range from £240 to £320. Rates can change by location, skills and the type of work.

5. Is bricklaying a dead-end job?

1. No. Bricklaying can offer good career options. You can become self-employed, learn specialist skills, lead a team, or start your own business.

6. How hard is bricklaying?

1. Bricklaying can be hard work. You spend many hours standing, lifting, bending and working outdoors. Good fitness can make the job easier.