How Much Does a Bricklayer Get Paid Per Brick: Full UK Guide

Bricklayers build walls, homes and other structures using bricks and mortar. Bricklayers measure areas, prepare materials and lay each brick with care. Brick by brick, the job grows. In some cases, the pay does too. So, how much does a bricklayer get paid per brick? In the UK, bricklayers can earn around £0.50 to £1.50 per standard brick on pricework jobs.

However, they usually agree on prices for 1,000 bricks, not single bricks. Standard bricklaying work can cost around £650 to £1,500 per 1,000 bricks. The exact rate can change based on the job and brick type. Experience, location and work speed can also affect earnings. 

This guide explains bricklayer pay per brick and what workers can expect.

How Much Does a Bricklayer Get Paid Per Brick in the UK?

A bricklayer can earn around 50p to £1 per brick on typical pricework. However, common brick rates can range from 65p to £1.50 per brick. The exact rate depends on the brick type, job and location. An average rate of around 85p per brick is also possible.

Rates can change across the UK. For example, bricklayers in London may earn over £1 per brick. In Northern England, rates may sit closer to 70p per brick. So, there is no single fixed rate. The agreed price usually depends on the work, location and brick type.

What is the Price Per 1,000 Bricks?

Bricklayers often agree on a price per 1,000 bricks for pricework. Common bricks can cost around £650 to £1,500 per 1,000 bricks. This equals about 65p to £1.50 per brick. However, rates can vary depending on the job and working conditions.

Some bricklaying gangs may charge around £600 to £900 per 1,000 bricks. A rate of £850 per 1,000 bricks works out to 85p per brick. However, this amount does not always go to one bricklayer. A gang may split the money between bricklayers and other workers. So, the price per 1,000 bricks does not always equal personal earnings.

How Many Bricks Can a Bricklayer Lay Daily?

The number of bricks a bricklayer lays can vary from one job to another. Simple walls can help workers maintain a faster pace. Good site access and labourer support can also improve daily output.

1. Typical output: Around 500 bricks per day
2. Skilled bricklayer: Around 500–600 bricks per day
3. Fast bricklayer: Around 800–1,000 bricks per day
4. Top 1%: More than 1,200 bricks per day
5. Qualified worker: Around 40–60 bricks per hour
6. Beginner: Around 20 bricks per hour

How Much Do Different Bricks Pay?

Different brick types have different laying rates in the UK. The brick type can affect how much time and care the work needs. Some bricks need careful handling, cutting or extra finishing. Common bricks usually pay 65p to £1.50 per brick. 

Class A/B engineering bricks can pay 65p to £1.79 per brick. Clay facing bricks can pay £2.26 to £5.00 per brick. However, higher rates do not always mean higher profit. Some bricks take longer to handle and lay. Others need more care to achieve a clean finish.

Does Location Change Bricklayer Pay?

Location can change bricklayer pay across the UK. Rates are often higher in London and the South. Some London jobs may pay over £1 per brick. In Northern England, rates may be closer to 70p per brick. However, a higher rate does not always mean higher pay. The job type, work speed and local costs also matter. 

London also has higher living and travel costs. Other areas may offer lower rates but have cheaper living costs. Building work can also vary between different areas. Employed bricklayers generally earn £25,000 to £45,000 per year across the UK. Therefore, compare local rates, work demand and living costs before judging bricklayer wages.

Which Bricklaying Jobs Pay the Most?

New-build homes can offer steady work and lots of bricks to lay. However, rates may be lower because the work is often repeated. Domestic work includes home extensions, garden walls and chimneys. Commercial jobs may pay more because they can be harder and need more care.

Heritage and restoration work can offer the highest rates. Rates can range from £1.50 to £3 per brick. Specialist bricklaying includes arches, curved walls and stone slips. These jobs need extra skill, care and experience.

What Can Lower Your Per-Brick Earnings?

A high brick rate does not always mean higher daily earnings. Several site problems can slow your bricklaying productivity. These problems can reduce the number of bricks you lay. Therefore, check the site conditions before accepting pricework.

1. Poor site access: Carrying materials farther takes extra time and effort.
2. Scaffolding delays: Moving around scaffolding can slow down your work.
3. Material distance: Long trips for bricks and mortar reduce productivity.
4. Bad weather: Heavy rain can stop work and reduce earnings to £0.
5. Complex walls: Curves, corners and detailed work can lower daily output.
6. Pointing work: Always confirm if pointing comes within the agreed rate.

How Does Pricework Compare With Day Rates?

Pricework links your earnings to the amount of work you complete. Faster workers can earn more when the rate suits the job. However, bad weather, delays and complex designs can reduce your output. This makes pricework less predictable than a fixed daily wage.

A day rate gives you steady pay each day. Self-employed bricklayers often charge £240 to £320 per day. Employed bricklayers may also get holiday pay and a pension. Pricework may suit workers who work fast and want to earn more. A day rate may suit workers who prefer regular and steady pay.

How Much Does a Self-Employed Bricklayer Keep?

Self-employed bricklayer earnings can look high before business costs. Day rates often range from £240 to £320. Hourly rates can range from £38 to £40 before costs. However, tools, fuel, insurance and PPE can reduce take-home pay. Training, accounting and tax can also add to your costs.

After costs, you may keep £200 to £220 each day. You may earn £25 to £28 per hour. A sole trader may earn £56,052 before costs. They may keep about £37,589 after costs. So, the price per brick is not your final pay. Tax and other costs can lower your money.

What is the Average Bricklayer Salary in the UK?

Bricklayer salary UK figures can vary based on skills and the type of work. New workers often earn less as they learn the job. Experienced bricklayers can earn more with better jobs. Self-employed workers may earn more but their pay can change each month.

1. Starter pay: Bricklayers can earn around £25,000 per year.
2. Experienced pay: Experienced workers can earn around £45,000 per year.
3. Newly qualified: Newly qualified workers may earn about £31,942.
4. Employed bricklayers: Employed workers may earn around £40,102.
5. Sole traders: Sole traders can earn around £56,052 before costs.
6. Limited-company owners: Some owners can earn around £59,002 before costs.

Is Bricklaying a Good-Paying Career?

Bricklaying can offer good earning potential for skilled workers. Pricework can reward speed, skill and strong output. However, weather, difficult sites and complex jobs can reduce earnings. Specialist work may offer higher rates for experienced bricklayers.

Self-employed bricklayers may earn more but they have extra costs. Salaries can range from £25,000 to £45,000. Bricklayers often work 40 to 44 hours each week. So, check the pay, work and costs before taking a job. A good per-brick rate can help but working fast also matters.

What Should You Expect Per Brick?

So, how much does a bricklayer get paid per brick? Typical pricework ranges from 50p to £1 per brick. Common bricks can reach £1.50 while engineering bricks can reach £1.79. Clay facing bricks can reach £5. Heritage work can reach £1.50 to £3 per brick.

These rates are not always the money you take home. Tax, tools, fuel and insurance can lower your pay. Your location, skills and the type of job also matter. So, always check the full pay rate before starting pricework.

Final Thoughts

So, how much does a bricklayer get paid per brick? Most bricklayers get 50p to £1 per brick. The rate can change with the job and place. Skilled bricklayers may get more money for hard work. Fast workers can also earn more with pricework. However, tools, fuel and other costs can lower their pay. Always check the full rate before you start the job.

Looking to build your bricklaying skills? You can start with our Free Bricklaying Training Course.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much do UK bricklayers get paid per brick?

1. UK bricklayers usually earn around 50p to £1 per brick on pricework.

2. How much do bricklayers earn per 1000 bricks?

1. Bricklayers can earn around £500 to £1,000 per 1,000 bricks.

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

1. A bricklayer may charge around £30 to £40 per hour.

4. Is bricklaying a dead-end job?

1. Bricklaying is not a dead-end job and can offer good career growth.

5. Is 40 too old to become a bricklayer?

1. No, 40 is not too old to become a bricklayer if you are fit and willing to learn.

6. How many bricks can a good bricklayer lay in a day?

1. A good bricklayer can often lay around 500 to 600 bricks per day.

7. What is the average age of a bricklayer?

1. There is no fixed average age, as people can enter bricklaying at different ages.

8. What is the hardest job in construction?

1. Many workers consider bricklaying, roofing and heavy groundwork among the hardest construction jobs.