Salary for a Bricklayer in the UK: Pay, Rates and Earnings

The salary for a bricklayer in the UK can change with experience and job type. The official salary range is £25,000 to £45,000. However, some bricklayers can earn more. Apprentices may earn around £11,000 while they learn the job. Experienced bricklayers can earn a higher amount of money because of their skills and expertise. 

Self-employed bricklayers can earn around £56,000, while some business owners can reach £60,000. Daily rates can range from £60.40 to £320. A number of bricklayers choose to work for price work. Price work helps bricklayers to earn money faster.

Let’s look at the full bricklayer salary breakdown.

How Much is the Salary for a Bricklayer?

The salary for a bricklayer usually ranges from £25,000 to £45,000. The National Careers Service lists £25,000 for new bricklayers. Experienced bricklayers can earn up to £45,000 each year. These figures cover employed workers at different career stages. So, they give a clear guide to bricklayer wages in the UK.

However, employment data may display higher earnings for some workers. Research shows that bricklayer earnings can fluctuate depending on the role and experience. Therefore, official salary figures not match with provided salary figures. Self-employed earnings also work differently from a fixed salary. Overall, starting salaries range from £25,000 to £45,000.

What Does a Bricklayer Earn at Each Career Stage?

The salary for a bricklayer can change a lot throughout a career. Training and experience can help workers earn more money. Self-employed bricklayers can also increase their income over time. However, business earnings differ from normal employee wages. The figures below show earnings at different career stages.

1. Apprentice: Around £11,000 per year while learning the trade.
2. Newly qualified: approximately £32,000 per year after completing training.
3. Experienced: Around £40,000 per year with more skills.
4. Sole trader: Nearly £56,000 per year from self-employed work.
5. Limited company owner: About £60,000 per year from business earnings.

How Much Does a Bricklayer Earn Per Day?

A bricklayer's day rate changes with experience and work status. An apprentice earns £60.40 per day based on an eight-hour day. A newly qualified bricklayer earns £145.52, while an employed worker earns £154.24. Self-employed rates can reach £304 per day for sole traders. 

A limited company owner can earn around £320 per day. However, these bricklayer rates may include business costs. Tools, transport and insurance can reduce actual income. Therefore, daily rates do not equal yearly salary or take-home pay.

How Much Do Bricklayers Charge Per 1,000 Bricks?

Bricklayers often use price work for large building projects. The bricklaying price per 1,000 bricks depends on the brick type. Common machine-made bricks cost £650–£1,500 per 1,000, equal to 65p–£1.50 per brick. Engineering bricks cost £650–£1,790 per 1,000 or 65p–£1.79 per brick.

Clay facing bricks cost more at £2,260–£5,000 per 1,000. This equals £2.26–£5 per brick. These figures show the amount charged through bricklayer price work. They do not represent final profit. Tools, transport, insurance and labour costs can reduce the money a bricklayer keeps.

What Affects a Bricklayer's Earning Potential?

Several factors can affect a bricklayer's earning potential in the UK. Experience, location and employment status can all change pay. London and the South East may offer higher rates. However, higher living costs can reduce this benefit. Project type, complexity, brick type and work speed also matter.

Expertise skills help workers to earn more money. Heritage brickwork, masonry restoration and custom masonry may offer higher rates. Eco-friendly bricklaying can also create new opportunities. Pricing methods and demand can affect bricklayer wages too. Therefore, skilled bricklayer pay can vary widely between jobs.

How Much Can a Self-Employed Bricklayer Earn?

Self-employed bricklayers' earnings can be higher than employed pay. However, gross earnings do not equal take-home pay. Business owners must cover their own costs and expenses. Here are the main industry estimates:

1. Sole trader: Can earn around £56,000 per year. 
2. Limited company owner: £59,002–£60,000 from industry estimates.
3. Business costs: Tools, transport and insurance reduce profit.
4. Take-home pay: Final income can be lower than gross earnings.

What is a Bricklayer's Take-Home Pay?

A bricklayer’s take-home pay means the money left after business costs and tax. Travis Perkins estimates a sole trader’s gross income at £56,052. After costs, tax and National Insurance, the estimated take-home pay falls to £37,589.

For a small company owner, net income reaches £59,002, while estimated take-home pay reaches £38,830. Workplace equipment and tool costs can reduce profit. Tax and National Insurance can also reduce the final income. The Class 4 National Insurance rate is 6%. Therefore, bricklayer net pay can vary based on personal and business costs.

How Much Do Bricklayer Apprentices Earn?

Bricklayer apprentices can earn different amounts based on their employer and contract. Research shows that teaching assistant apprentices can earn around £11,000 to £11,063 per year. The National Careers Service lists £16,640, but this is not a national standard. Pay varies by age, employer, location and hours.

The apprentice minimum wage is £8 per hour. It applies to apprentices under 19 and those aged 19+ during their first year. After year one, apprentices aged 19+ can receive their age-based minimum rate. Therefore, a bricklayer apprentice's salary can increase during training.

How Many Bricks Can a Bricklayer Lay Daily?

A bricklayer can lay around 500 bricks a day in good conditions. Easy site access can help them work faster. However, the type of bricks and critical design take much time. Simple walls take less time, while complex walls need more care. Higher output can increase earnings through bricklayer price work. 

However, laying 500 bricks does not mean earning £650 to £1,500 profit. That figure usually covers rates for 1,000 bricks. Tools, transport and other costs reduce final earnings. Therefore, how many bricks can a bricklayer lay depends on the job, site and working conditions.

What Costs Reduce a Bricklayer's Earnings?

Bricklayers face a huge number of costs when running their own business. These expenses can reduce profit, especially for self-employed workers. Some costs cover tools, while others support daily business work. Therefore, bricklayer business costs can vary between different jobs.

1. Tools and equipment: Bolsters, chisels, mixers, levels, trowels and wheelbarrows.
2. Materials: Bricks, mortar, wall ties and other masonry supplies.
3. Vehicle costs: Van payments, fuel, repairs, insurance and maintenance.
4. Training: Courses, certifications and other skills-related costs.
5. Business costs: Website, advertising, office costs, utilities and administration.
6. Other expenses: Regular self-employed bricklayer expenses can reduce overall profit.

Which Bricklaying Jobs Offer Higher Pay?

Bricklayer pay depends on the job and the skills it needs. New-build homes often have lots of brickwork. Repeating the same work can help bricklayers work faster. Domestic jobs include house extensions, garden walls and chimneys.

Commercial jobs can require bigger tasks and more detailed work. Heritage work means fixing up old buildings and needs special skills. Custom and complex brickwork can also pay more. Therefore, jobs that need extra skills may offer better pay.

Where Do Bricklayers Earn the Most in the UK?

Bricklayer pay can vary across the UK. London often offers more work and higher labour rates. The South East also has strong demand for bricklayers. However, other areas may have lower living costs.

Higher bricklayer wages in London do not always mean more money. Rent, fuel and travel can quickly increase costs. Self-employed workers may also pay more for daily travel. Therefore, bricklayer salary UK regions depends on work demand and local costs.

How Can a Bricklayer Increase Their Salary?

Bricklayers can earn more as they gain skills and experience. Learn new skills, such as repairing old buildings. Working faster can also help you earn more on price work. Some bricklayers become self-employed and take their own jobs. 

Others start their own business and build a regular customer base. With more experience, you can become a team leader. You can also move into jobs like construction estimator or site inspector. These steps can support bricklayer career progression and help increase bricklayer salary.

Is Bricklaying a Good Career in the UK?

Bricklaying can be a good career for people who enjoy practical work. The official salary range is £25,000 to £45,000. Experienced bricklayers can earn more, especially through self-employment or price work. However, the job also has some challenges.

1. Good earning chances: Price work and self-employment can increase income.
2. Physical job: Bricklaying needs strength and can be tiring.
3. Outdoor work: You may work in rain, cold and hot weather.
4. Travel: Some jobs may need travel to different sites.
5. Career growth: Training can lead to skilled and senior roles.
6. Business option: Experienced bricklayers can start their own business.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the salary for a bricklayer usually ranges from £25,000 to £45,000. Apprentices earn less while learning their trade. Experienced bricklayers can earn more through skilled work and price work. Self-employed workers may also earn higher gross amounts. However, gross pay differs from take-home pay. Location, experience and costs all affect bricklayer earnings. Overall, bricklaying offers good long-term career opportunities.

Want to learn bricklaying skills for free? Enrol in our Free Bricklaying Training Course.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a bricklayer earn £100k a year?

1. Some experienced self-employed bricklayers can reach £100,000 in gross income.

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

1. Bricklayer rates vary by experience, location, job type and contract.

3. Do bricklayers get paid £1 per brick?

1. Some price-work jobs can pay around £1 per brick, but rates vary.

4. How much money do bricklayers make in the UK?

1. Bricklayers can earn around £25,000 to £45,000.

5. Is bricklaying a high paying job?

1. Yes, bricklaying is a high-paying job in the UK.

6. How hard is bricklaying?

1. Bricklaying is physically demanding and requires strength, skill and steady practice.

7. Is bricklaying a dead-end job?

1. No, bricklaying offers paths into supervision, estimating, inspection and business ownership.

8. How many bricks per hour can a bricklayer lay?

1. A bricklayer may lay around 60 bricks per hour under good conditions.