How Much Does a Bricklayer Make a Year? Salary Facts and Figures

Bricklaying can be a good career if you enjoy practical work and building things. But how much does a bricklayer make a year? The answer depends on your location, skills, experience and type of work. In the United States, bricklayers can earn around $53,000 to $66,000 a year. In the UK, an employed bricklayer can usually earn £25,000 to £45,000 a year. Experienced bricklayers and those who run their own businesses may earn more. 

In this guide, we explain bricklayer salaries, hourly pay, and what can affect your yearly earnings. 

How Much Does a Bricklayer Make a Year in the UK?

If you enjoy hands-on work, bricklaying can offer a good income. In the UK, a bricklayer can earn around £30,000 to £40,000 a year. However, your pay can change based on your skills, experience, and location.

A new bricklayer may earn around £25,000 to £30,000 a year. As you gain more skills and experience, your pay can grow. An experienced bricklayer may earn £35,000 to £45,000 or more each year. Your location can also affect your yearly pay. For example, bricklayers in London and the South East may earn more. The type of building work you do can also make a difference.

Self-employed bricklayers can often earn more because they can set their own rates. However, they also pay for tools, travel, insurance and other costs. They also need to find their own work and manage customers.

Overall, bricklayer pay depends on experience, skills, location, and work type. With time and hard work, you can build your skills and increase your yearly income.

How Much Does a Bricklayer Make a Month?

A bricklayer in the UK can earn £25,000 to £45,000 a year, according to the UK National Careers Service. That works out at about £2,083 to £3,750 a month before tax. Starter bricklayers may earn near the lower end, while experienced workers can reach the higher end.

Your take-home pay will be lower because you pay tax and other deductions. The exact amount depends on your salary and personal tax details. So, there is no single take-home figure for every bricklayer.

Monthly pay can also change when you work extra hours. Bricklayers usually work around 40 to 44 hours a week, but some may take on extra work. More hours can increase your income, especially during busy periods.

Self-employed bricklayers may also earn different amounts each month. They can set their own rates and take on more jobs. However, they must cover costs such as tools, travel and insurance. The National Careers Service also notes that pay can vary by location, employer, working hours, and training.

How Much Does a Bricklayer Earn Per Hour?

1. Average pay: A bricklayer in the UK can earn about £12 to £22 an hour. Your pay can change based on your skills and work.
2. Beginner pay: New bricklayers may earn around £12 to £15 an hour. As you learn more, you can earn more.
3. Experienced pay: Skilled bricklayers may earn around £18 to £22 an hour. Your area and type of work can also affect your pay.
4. Overtime pay: Extra hours can help you earn more money. However, your employer sets the overtime rate.
5. Weekend work: Some employers may pay more for weekend work. Others may pay the normal rate. So, check your work contract first.

With more skills and experience, you can improve your hourly pay.

How Much Does a Bricklayer Make When Starting Out?

A new bricklayer can earn around £25,000 a year when starting out. Your first salary can change based on your location, employer and skills. Some new workers may start with a lower wage and increase it as they gain more skills.

A bricklaying apprentice earns money while learning the trade. The wage depends on their age, year of training and employer. Apprentices also spend time learning on the job. This gives them useful skills and work experience from the start.

At first, you may work on simple tasks and learn from skilled bricklayers. You can then take on harder work as your skills improve. Good work, steady progress, and more experience can help you ask for better pay.

How Much Can an Experienced Bricklayer Make a Year?

An experienced bricklayer can earn around £35,000 to £45,000 a year. Some skilled workers can earn more, especially when they take on extra work. Your location and the type of building work can also affect your pay.

You can also move into specialist or senior roles as you gain experience. For example, you could work on special brickwork or move into a site supervisor role. These jobs can bring more responsibility and better pay.

Experience can make a big difference to your income. You learn to work faster, handle harder jobs, and solve problems on site. As a result, employers may offer you better jobs and higher wages.

So, bricklaying can offer a clear path to better pay. Start by building strong skills, gain experience, and keep learning as you move forward.

What Factors Affect a Bricklayer's Salary?

1. Experience and skills: More experience can help you earn more. Skilled bricklayers can do harder jobs and may get higher pay.
2. Location: Pay can change across the UK. Areas with more building work may offer better pay.
3. Employer: Your pay can depend on who you work for. A large building company may offer different rates from a small local firm.
4. Overtime: Extra hours can increase your income. However, check your contract to see how your employer pays for overtime.
5. Specialist skills: Skills in stonework, restoration, or complex brickwork can help you find better-paid work.
6. Project size: Large housing or commercial projects may offer more work and better earning chances.

Do Self-Employed Bricklayers Earn More?

Self-employed bricklayers can set their own rates. This means you have more control over your income. With good skills and regular customers, you may earn more than an employed bricklayer.

Working for yourself also gives you more freedom. You can choose jobs and plan your working hours. However, you must cover your own costs. These can include tools, travel, insurance, and tax.

Your income can also change each month. You may have lots of work during busy periods but fewer jobs at other times. So, keeping some money aside can help you manage quiet months. Overall, self-employed bricklaying can offer good earning potential. Still, it comes with extra costs and responsibility.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Bricklayer?

1. Bricklaying apprenticeship: An apprenticeship lets you learn while you work. You learn on the job while earning a wage at the same time.
2. College courses: You can take a bricklaying course at a college. It can teach you how to lay bricks, use tools, and follow building plans.
3. NVQs and other qualifications: An NVQ can show that you have the skills needed for the job. You can also take other construction courses to improve your knowledge.
4. On-the-job training: You can learn from skilled bricklayers while working on real projects.
5. Previous experience: You do not always need previous experience to start. Many people begin through an apprenticeship or college course and learn as they go.

How Can a Bricklayer Increase Their Salary?

You can increase your salary by gaining more experience. As you learn and improve, you can take on harder jobs. This can help you get better pay. Learning special skills can also help. For example, you can learn stonework, old brick repair, or other types of brickwork. These skills can help you find more job options.

You can also take on more work and responsibility. With time, you may move into a team leader or site supervisor role. These jobs often come with more pay. Working overtime can also help you earn extra money. However, check your work contract first. It should tell you how your employer pays for extra hours.

Another option is to become self-employed. You can set your own rates and choose your jobs. However, you must also pay for tools, travel, insurance, and taxes. Finally, build a good name for your work. Do your job well and treat customers kindly. Happy customers may recommend you to others. This can help you get more work and earn more over time.

Bricklayer Salary Compared With Other Construction Jobs

Bricklayers can earn a good wage compared with many other building jobs. However, your pay can change based on your skills, experience, location and type of work. Builders may earn more when they manage full building projects. Even so, skilled bricklayers can still earn a good income.

Bricklayers and plasterers can earn similar pay in some areas. Carpenters may also earn a similar wage, depending on their skills and work. Electricians often earn more because they need extra training and qualifications. However, general construction workers may earn less than skilled bricklayers.

Is Bricklaying a Good Career in the UK?

Bricklaying can be a good career if you enjoy practical work. You can build a good income while learning practical skills. As you gain experience, you can take on harder jobs and aim for better pay.

The UK needs skilled construction workers, so bricklayers can find work in many areas. You can also grow your career and become a team leader or site supervisor. Another option is to work for yourself and set your own rates.

However, bricklaying can be hard on your body. You may work outside in rain, cold, or hot weather. You also spend long hours standing and lifting materials. Even so, many people enjoy bricklaying because they can see the results of their work and build something useful.

Final Thoughts

So, how much does a bricklayer make a year? In the UK, a bricklayer can earn around £25,000 to £45,000 a year. Your pay depends on your skills, experience, location and type of work. New bricklayers may start with lower pay, while skilled workers can earn much more. You can also increase your income by learning new skills, taking extra work, or becoming self-employed. Bricklaying can be hard work, but it can also offer a steady career. If you enjoy practical work and like building things, it can be a rewarding trade with good earning potential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can bricklayers make £100k?

1. Yes, but it is not common. Skilled self-employed bricklayers may earn this much in a good year. However, they also have costs, tax and other bills to pay.

2. Is bricklaying a dead-end job?

1. No. Bricklaying can give you good career options. You can become a team leader, site supervisor, or self-employed bricklayer. You can also learn new skills.

3. How much for a bricklayer per day?

1. A bricklayer may charge around £150 to £300 per day. The rate can change by location, skills, and job type.

4. Do I need GCSEs to be a bricklayer?

1. You do not always need GCSEs. You can start with an apprenticeship or college course. Some courses may ask for English or maths GCSEs.

5. How much does a bricklayer charge to lay 1,000 bricks?

1. The price can change from job to job. A bricklayer may charge around £500 to £1,000 for labour. Location and the type of wall can affect the price.

6. How hard is bricklaying?

1. Bricklaying can be hard work. You may lift heavy materials, bend often, and work outside. However, you can learn the skills with training and practice.

7. Is 40 too old to become a bricklayer?

No, 40 is not too old. You can start at 40 and learn the trade. You just need to feel fit enough for the work.