How Much Do Bricklayers Make UK? Salary, Rates and Earnings Guide

Bricklaying involves building walls, homes and other structures with bricks. It is a practical skill and can offer a great career path. But how much can this hands-on career really pay? How much do bricklayers make UK in a typical year? Official UK career guidance lists salaries between £25,000 and £45,000 yearly. However, experience, location and work type can affect your earnings.

Bricklayers can work for construction firms or take on private jobs. Apprentices usually earn less while they learn and gain experience. Skilled workers can earn more through higher hourly or daily rates. Some bricklayers also use pricework and earn money per brick. Rates can range from £600 to £1,790 per 1,000 bricks. 

This guide explains different bricklayer pay methods and what you could earn.

How Much Do Bricklayers Make UK on Average?

Bricklayer wages vary across the UK due to experience, location and work type. The National Careers Service lists salaries between £25,000 and £45,000 per year. However, Checkatrade gives an older employed figure of £40,102.

Bricklayer actual pay can differ from these averages. Experienced bricklayers often earn more than beginners. Regional demand can also affect wages. Employment status also plays a major role in earnings. Remember, salary does not equal your final take-home pay. Taxes and other costs can reduce your income.

What Does a Bricklayer Earn at Each Career Stage?

Bricklayer earnings can increase as skills and experience grow. The career stage also affects the type of income you receive. Employed workers receive a salary while business owners manage their own earnings.

1. Apprentice: £11,063 per year
2. Newly qualified: £31,942 per year
3. Employed: £40,102 per year
4. Sole trader: £56,052 per year
5. Ltd company owner: £59,002 per year

What is the Average Bricklayer Hourly Rate UK?

The bricklayer hourly rate UK can vary between workers. Experience, location and job type can affect how much they earn. Self-employed bricklayers may also charge more than employed workers. Hourly rates can also differ from pricework rates.

1. Apprentice: £6.30 per hour
2. Newly qualified: £18.19 per hour
3. Employed: £19.28 per hour
4. Sole trader: £38 per hour
5. Ltd company owner: £40 per hour
6. Other estimates: £20 to £30 per hour

What is the Typical Bricklayer Day Rate UK?

The bricklayer day rate UK can vary based on experience and work type. Location, site conditions and job size can also affect daily pay. Self-employed bricklayers may charge higher rates to cover business costs.

1. Apprentice: £50.40 per day
2. Newly qualified: £145.52 per day
3. Employed: £154.24 per day
4. Sole trader: £304 per day
5. Ltd company owner: £320 per day
6. Self-employed estimate: £200 to £250 per day

How Much Do Bricklayers Earn Per Brick?

Some bricklayers get paid for the number of bricks they lay. This way of working is known as pricework. The amount can differ from one job to another. In many cases, rates range from 60p to £1 per brick. For example, 85p per brick gives a simple guide. Rates may reach over £1 in London and other busy areas. 

Some specialist work can pay £1.50 to £3 per brick. Building curved walls often takes more time and skill. Old buildings can also need extra care and attention. The type of brick can affect the price as well. Access to the site may also make the job harder. So, bricklayers should check the rate before starting a job. 

How Much Do Bricklayers Charge Per 1,000 Bricks?

The cost of bricklaying per 1,000 bricks can vary by job. Brick type, location and job size can all change the price. Common bricks can cost £650 to £1,500 for labour. Class A/B engineering bricks can cost £650 to £1,790. Clay facing bricks can cost £2,260–£5,000.

A bricklaying gang may charge around £600 to £900 per 1,000 bricks. One labour cost example comes to around £850. This price may cover two bricklayers and one hod carrier. However, the full customer price is not one worker's pay. The final cost can change with the brick type and project.

How Many Bricks can a Bricklayer Lay Per Day?

Bricklaying speed can vary a lot from one worker to another. An average bricklayer can lay around 500 bricks per day. Some workers can reach 500 to 600 bricks during a normal day. Faster and more experienced bricklayers may lay 800 to 1,000 bricks.

The fastest workers can go even further. The top 1% can lay 1,200+ bricks in one day. For example, a skilled bricklayer may lay around 900 bricks on a good day. However, site access, scaffolding, brick type and weather can affect output. Pricework also makes daily output important. Still, good brickwork needs both speed and care.

What Costs Reduce Self-Employed Bricklayer Earnings?

Self-employed bricklayers have several costs to manage. These costs can reduce the money they keep from each job. The exact amount depends on the size and type of business. Some bricklayers also pay for software, subscriptions, office work and administration. Therefore, £59,002 in income does not mean £59,002 in profit.

1. Sole trader costs: Around £7,006 per year
2. Ltd company costs: Around £10,325 per year
3. Vehicle and fuel: Covers travel to different jobs and sites
4. Tools and equipment: Includes tools, repairs and replacements
5. Insurance and professional costs: Covers business protection and services
6. Tax and other costs: Includes tax, National Insurance, materials and advertising

Can a Self-employed Bricklayer Earn More?

Yes, self-employed bricklayers can earn more than some employed workers. However, income can change each month. Workload, speed and available projects can affect earnings. Business owners also take on more financial responsibility.

A self-employed bricklayer can earn more than someone on a fixed salary. A sole trader may earn around £56,052 a year. After business costs, take-home pay could be about £37,589. A Ltd company owner could earn around £59,002 a year. Their take-home pay could reach around £38,830.

Which UK Locations Pay Bricklayers the Most?

Location can affect bricklayer wages UK in different parts of the country. London and the South East often offer higher-paying bricklaying jobs. In London, rates can reach over £1 per brick. Some northern areas may offer around 70p per brick.

Higher pay does not always mean more money in your pocket. Big cities may have more building jobs but daily costs can be higher. Smaller towns may have fewer jobs but lower living costs. Travel costs can also affect your earnings. So, pay can change depending on where you work.

Is Pricework Better Than a Bricklayer's Salary?

Pricework can offer higher earnings than a fixed salary. You earn based on the amount of work you complete. For example, 900 bricks at 80p each equals £720. Good weather and steady work can support weekly earnings of around £1,500.

However, pricework also brings more risk. Rain, material delays and equipment problems can reduce output. Repairs may also take extra unpaid time. Employed bricklayers usually receive more stable income. They may also get holiday pay and pension benefits. Therefore, the highest rate does not always mean better overall earnings.

What Can Increase a Bricklayer's Earning Potential?

Bricklayers can earn more by gaining skills and building experience. Specialist work often pays better than standard bricklaying jobs. Good work, strong skills and a good reputation can bring better projects. Career progression can also create new ways to earn more.

1. Specialist work: Heritage, restoration and decorative brickwork can pay more.
2. Higher rates: Specialist jobs can pay £1.50 to £3 per brick.
3. CSCS card: This can help you access more construction work.
4. Better tools: Good tools can improve speed and work quality.
5. Strong reputation: Good work can bring regular clients and better projects.
6. Career progression: Experienced bricklayers can move into supervision or self-employment.

Is Bricklaying a Good-paying career in the UK?

Bricklaying can be a good career if you like building things. It is hands-on work, so you spend much of your day moving and building. You can learn the trade through an apprenticeship and gain skills at work. Your first pay may not be very high. However, it can grow as you become better at the job. 

Experienced bricklayers can take on bigger jobs and earn more money. Some also choose to work for themselves later. This gives them more choice over the work they take. Bricklaying also gives you a skill that you can use for many years. So, it can be a good choice for people who enjoy practical work. 

Final Thoughts

So, how much do bricklayers make UK? Bricklayers can earn £25,000 to £45,000 a year. Skilled workers can earn more through specialist work, pricework or self-employment. However, pay can change with experience, location and job type. Remember, higher earnings can also mean higher costs. Overall, bricklaying can offer a good career for people who enjoy practical work.

If you want to build your career in bricklaying, join our Free Bricklaying Training Course and build your practical skills.

FAQs on How Much Do Bricklayers Make UK

1. Can bricklayers make £100k a year?

1. £100,000 a year is possible through a busy business or specialist bricklaying work.

2. How much do UK bricklayers earn per brick?

1. UK bricklayers can earn around 60p to £1 per brick on typical pricework.

3. Is bricklaying a high-paying job?

1. Bricklaying can offer good pay, especially with experience, skills and specialist work.

4. Is bricklaying a dead-end job?

1. Bricklaying offers career paths into supervision, estimating, inspection and self-employment.

5. Is 40 too old to become a bricklayer?

1. At 40, you can still learn bricklaying and build a new career.

6. What is the hardest job in construction?

1. Bricklaying ranks among the harder construction jobs because it involves heavy physical work.

7. What is the absolute worst job?

1. The worst job depends on the person, working conditions and type of work involved.

8. What is the toughest trade in the UK?

1. Bricklaying ranks among the toughest UK trades because of its physical demands.