How Much Do Bricklayers Make Per Brick on Average in the UK?

How much do bricklayers make per brick? This is a common question for people thinking about a career in bricklaying. The answer can change based on the job, brick type and location. Most bricklayers on commercial sites use piece-rate work. This means they get paid for the number of bricks they lay. Standard rates often range from 50p to £1 per brick. So, a bricklayer could earn around £500 to £1,000 for every 1,000 bricks.

Bricklayers do not all earn the same pay. Some work pays more when it needs extra skill. Private jobs can also include the cost of materials and other expenses.

In this guide, we explain how much bricklayers make per brick, how piece-rate pay works, and what can affect their earnings.

How Much Do Bricklayers Make Per Brick?

So, how much do bricklayers make per brick? On most building jobs, bricklayers may earn around 50p to 80p per brick. This means they can make about £500 to £800 for every 1,000 bricks.

However, the rate can change from job to job. The type of brick, the design, and the work needed can all affect the price. Private jobs may also cost more. For some special jobs, the rate can range from 65p to £5 per brick.

How Much Do Bricklayers Get Paid Per 1,000 Bricks?

In the UK, bricklayers can earn around £650 to £1,500 for 1,000 bricks on standard jobs. However, the rate can change from job to job. Bricklayers may earn £500 to £5,000 per 1,000 bricks.The brick type, job size, design, and location can all affect the pay.

Some bricks take more time to lay. So, bricklayers may charge more for them.

1. Common Bricks: Bricklayers can earn £650 to £1,500 per 1,000 bricks. These bricks are simple and quick to lay. They often go on walls that will have plaster or another cover.
2. Engineering Bricks: The rate can range from £650 to £1,790 per 1,000 bricks. These bricks are strong and heavy. They can take more time and care to lay.
3. Clay Facing Bricks: Bricklayers can earn £2,260 to £5,000 per 1,000 bricks. These bricks stay on show outside a building. So, each brick needs to look neat and straight. This extra care can make the job cost more.

What Is the Average Bricklaying Rate Per Brick?

The average bricklaying labour rate is around 65p to £1.79 per brick. This works out at about £650 to £1,790 for 1,000 bricks. However, the rate can change from one job to another. For simple work, the rate may be lower. On the other hand, complex or special brickwork can cost up to £5 per brick. The brick type and the amount of work can affect the price.

Bricklayers often give a price for 1,000 bricks or for each square metre. This makes it easier to work out the cost of a large job. Standard or machine-made bricks can cost around 65p to £1.50 per brick. This equals £650 to £1,500 for 1,000 bricks. These bricks are usually simple to lay.

Facing bricks can cost around 95p to £2.26 or more per brick. This equals £950 to £2,260 or more for 1,000 bricks. These bricks stay visible, so bricklayers need to lay them neatly. Specialist or heritage bricks can cost around £2.26 to £5 per brick. This equals £2,260 to £5,000 for 1,000 bricks. These bricks can take more time and skill to lay.

What Factors Affect Bricklayer Pay Per Brick?

Many things can affect how much a bricklayer earns per brick. So, two jobs may have very different rates. Here are the main things that can change the pay.

1. Type and size of the brick: Some bricks are small and easy to lay. Others are large, heavy, or harder to handle. Special bricks can also take more time, so they may pay more.
2. Wall design and brick pattern: A plain wall is usually quick to build. However, walls with curves, corners, or special patterns need more care. This can increase the rate per brick.
3. Job location: Bricklaying rates can change across the UK. Work in large cities may pay more because costs can be higher. Rates may also differ between busy and quiet areas.
4. Number of bricks: A large job can give a bricklayer steady work. It can also help them work faster. Because of this, the price per brick may differ on large jobs.
5. Site conditions: An easy site helps the work move quickly. A site with poor access, uneven ground, or lots of obstacles can slow things down. This may lead to a higher rate.
6. Bricklayer’s skill and experience: An experienced bricklayer can often work faster and keep the brickwork neat. They may also handle difficult jobs with less trouble. As a result, skilled workers can earn more.
7. Extra work: Some jobs need more than just laying bricks. For example, bricklayers may need to cut bricks, clean the wall, or do pointing. These extra tasks take time and can increase the total pay.

Do Bricklayers Get Paid Per Brick or Per Hour?

Bricklayers can get paid in different ways. Some get paid per brick, while others get paid per hour or per day. The payment method often depends on the employer and the type of job.

With price work, a bricklayer gets paid for the work they complete. For example, they may get a set amount for every 1,000 bricks they lay. This can be good for skilled workers who work quickly. They can earn more when they lay more bricks. However, slow work or problems on site can lower their earnings.

Some bricklayers prefer hourly or daily pay. This gives them a set amount for their time. It can also give them more steady pay when a job takes longer. However, they may earn less if they work very quickly.

Self-employed bricklayers may also agree on a fixed price for the whole job. They agree on the price with the customer before the work starts. This can make the cost clear for both sides. So, bricklayers do not always get paid per brick. The payment method may vary by job, employer and worker.

How Much Does a Bricklayer Make Per Day?

A bricklayer in the UK can make around £145 to £350 per day. However, daily pay can change based on skill, experience, location and type of work. Self-employed bricklayers often charge more than employed workers.

An apprentice may earn around £60 per day while they learn the trade. Next, a newly qualified bricklayer can earn about £145 to £176 per day. With more experience, an employed bricklayer may earn around £150 to £240 per day.

A self-employed bricklayer or sole trader may earn around £240 to £440 per day. However, they also need to pay for tools, travel, insurance, and other work costs.

A limited company owner may earn around £320 to £480 per day. Their income can be higher, but they also have more business costs to manage. Overall, experience can make a big difference. As a bricklayer gains more skills and takes on harder jobs, their daily rate can grow too.

How Many Bricks Can a Bricklayer Lay in a Day?

A skilled bricklayer can usually lay around 400 to 600 bricks in one day. However, this number can change. The type of brick, wall design, weather, and work area can all affect the speed.

A beginner or apprentice may lay around 200 to 300 bricks per day. They are still learning the job. So, they may take more time to work carefully. An average skilled bricklayer can lay around 400 to 600 bricks per day. This is a common amount for a normal working day.

A fast bricklayer may lay around 800 to 1,000 or more bricks per day. This can happen when the job is simple and the work area is easy. However, not every job allows this speed. Complex walls can take much longer.

How Much Do Self-Employed Bricklayers Make Per Brick?

Self-employed bricklayers in the UK may earn around 50p to £1.20 per standard brick on price-work jobs. However, bricklayers usually agree on a price for 1,000 bricks instead of one brick. The rate can range from £500 to £1,500 per 1,000 bricks.

The final rate can change for many reasons. The area, type of brick, and job difficulty can all affect the price. A simple wall may pay less, while a hard job can pay more. Common bricks may cost around 50p to £1.50 per brick. These bricks are often simple and quick to lay. They may go inside walls or walls that people will cover later.

Engineering bricks may cost around 65p to £1.79 per brick. These bricks are strong and dense. They can also resist water, so bricklayers may use them below ground. Clay facing bricks can cost around £2.26 to £5 or more per brick. These bricks stay visible on the outside of a building. So, bricklayers need to keep each brick neat and straight. This extra care can lead to a higher rate.

Conclusion

So, how much do bricklayers make per brick? The answer can change based on the brick type, job, location and skill level. Many bricklayers earn around 50p to £1.50 per brick on standard work. Special brickwork can pay much more. Price work can also help skilled bricklayers earn more when they work quickly.

Take your first step into bricklaying. Sign up for our Free Bricklaying Training Course and learn the trade from the basics. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do bricklayers get paid £1 per brick?

1. Yes, some bricklayers can earn about £1 per brick on price-work jobs. However, the rate can vary by job and brick type.

2. Can bricklayers make £100k a year?

1. Yes, but this is not common. Skilled self-employed bricklayers or business owners can earn £100,000 or more before tax and costs.

3. How much do UK bricklayers earn per brick?

1. UK bricklayers may earn around 50p to £1.50 per standard brick. Special brickwork can pay more.

4. How much do bricklayers charge per 1000 bricks?

1. Bricklayers may charge around £500 to £1,500 per 1,000 bricks for standard work. Special jobs can cost more.

5. Is bricklaying a dead-end job?

1. No. Bricklaying can offer good career options. With more skills and experience, you can take on bigger jobs or become self-employed.

6. What is the 3:4:5 rule for bricklaying?

1. The 3:4:5 rule helps bricklayers make a right-angle corner. You measure 3 units on one side, 4 on the other, and 5 between the points.

7. Do I need GCSE to be a bricklayer?

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