The Average Bricklayer Wage UK: From Starter to Self-Employed

You might be surprised by the average bricklayer wage UK, it shows just how valuable these skilled workers are in shaping our towns and cities. When you see a house being built, you’ll notice rows of bricks going up fast. The people laying them are called bricklayers. They build everything from garden walls to tall buildings.

So, how much do bricklayers earn? And is it a good job?
The truth is, bricklaying pays well.  Most bricklayers earn £31,000 to £36,000 a year. Beginners start near £25,000, while skilled workers can make £45,000 or more in London. In this guide, we’ll explore the bricklayer salary UK, from beginner pay to expert earnings.

Let’s get started and learn more about bricklayer pay across the country.

An Overview of Bricklayer Pay in the UK

Bricklaying is a skilled trade. The pay is often better than in many other jobs on a building site. It is important to know the different pay ranges you might see. This helps you understand what to expect. So the question is…  

Is Bricklaying Good Money in the UK?

Yes, bricklaying pays well for a skilled trade. Most bricklayers in the UK earn between £31,000 and £36,000 a year. That’s close to what many full-time workers across the country make. It shows that bricklaying is a valued and steady job.

Many bricklayers work for a company. They get a set salary, paid in monthly amounts, which keeps their income stable. However, some choose to work for themselves instead. Self-employed bricklayers can often earn more, especially if they work fast and take on regular jobs.

Bricklaying also suits people who enjoy outdoor, hands-on work. You can see the results of your effort every day. It’s hard work, but it offers good pay, real pride, and solid job security.

What Do Job Adverts Say?

When you look for a job, you will see adverts. These adverts often show a range of pay. For bricklayers, this range is quite wide. It shows what you could earn at different stages of your career.

You will often see jobs advertised from £25,000 to £45,000. The £25,000 figure is for a starter. This is someone new to the job. In contrast, the £45,000 figure is for someone with lots of experience. They are very fast and very skilled.

A Sensible UK-Wide Average

So, what is a good number to keep in mind? A sensible UK-wide average is a great place to start. It gives you a middle ground. You can use about £32,000 a year as a good average. The average bricklayer salary UK sits comfortably at this level. Some will make more money, while others will make less. But this is a very realistic figure for an employed bricklayer.

Furthermore, pay varies according to where you live. Some areas might have a lower average. This could be around £29,000. In very busy areas, the average is higher. It could be closer to £35,000 or even more. As busy areas require more bricklayers, wages rise.

Your Pay Grows With Experience

Like other jobs, you earn more as you learn more. Likewise, your pay as a bricklayer will grow over time. You start at one level and work your way up. At the end of the year, each step brings a higher wage. Let’s look at the journey from a new starter to an expert.

How Much Do New Bricklayers Earn?

When you first qualify, you are a new bricklayer. You have the skills. You know how to do the job safely. But you might not be very fast yet. Your starting salary will reflect this.

Newly qualified bricklayers often start on a good wage. They can expect to earn between £22,000 and £28,000. This is a great starting point for a trade career. It is the first step on the pay ladder.

Apprentices earn less than this. An apprentice is still in their training programme. They are learning on the job. Once you are fully qualified and site-ready, your pay jumps up. If you are in a busy area, you can reach £30,000 fairly easily. This happens as you get faster and more confident in your work.

How Much Do Experienced Bricklayers Earn?

After you have worked for a few years, you become an experienced bricklayer. You are fast. Your work is very neat and tidy. You can read drawings easily. You know how to solve problems on the job.

With several years of experience, your pay goes up again. A common salary for an experienced bricklayer is £35,000 to £40,000. This rewards your skill and hard work. You are a valuable member of the construction team.

Some bricklayers become specialists. They might work on very difficult projects. Or they might become a supervisor. A supervisor manages other bricklayers on the site. These specialist roles earn even more. They can reach £45,000 or even higher on good projects.

Where You Work and How You Work Matter!

Your pay is not just about experience. It is also about where you work. A bricklayer in London will earn more than one in a small town. It is also important to consider how you are employed. Let’s explore these factors.

Do Bricklayers in London Get Paid More?

Yes, they do! Living in the capital city is extremely expensive. That’s why bricklayers in London earn more money. There are also many big and important building projects. Therefore, London bricklayer wages are much higher than in any other part of the country.

Typical London pay is often £38,000 or more. This is already higher than the average. The pay is even higher for larger or more expensive websites. Some roles in London are advertised at £47,000 to £51,000. This shows the huge demand for skilled bricklayers in the city.

The London pay is roughly 10% to 30% more than in other areas. The higher pay helps workers afford the higher cost of living in the capital.

How Do Hourly and Daily Rates Work for Bricklayers?

Not all bricklayers receive a yearly salary. Some are paid by the hour or by the day. This is very common, especially for subcontract workers. Some employed jobs might quote an hourly rate. This is often around £14 to £15 per hour. You can multiply this by your hours to check the yearly salary. It is a different way of looking at your pay.

A significant number of bricklayers work on a daily basis. This means they get paid a set amount for each day they work. Strong day rates in 2025 are between £240 and £320 per day. Your rate depends on your speed and location. A fast, skilled bricklayer in a busy city will get the top day rate.

How Much Can Self-Employed Bricklayers Make?

Some bricklayers choose to work for themselves. They are self-employed. This means they are their own boss. They find their own work and set their own rates. This path can lead to very high earnings.

If a bricklayer earns £240 per day, they can make a lot. Imagine working 5 days a week. And working for 48 weeks in a year. They could invoice for £57,000. If they earn the top day rate of £320, this goes up. They could invoice for £76,800.

It sounds like a huge amount of money. However, this is not their final take-home pay. Self-employed people have extra costs. They must pay their own tax. Also, they have to buy their own tools and a van. They need to pay for insurance. Additionally, they are not paid for sick days or holidays. After all these costs, the real take-home pay is lower. But it is still clearly more than most employees’ salaries. 

To learn more details, check out this How Much Does a Bricklayer Earn guide at our Open Learning Academy! 

What Is the Job, and What Affects the Average Bricklayer Wage UK?

We have talked a lot about money. But what does a bricklayer actually do? And what key things can boost your wages? Understanding the job and the factors that affect pay is very important.

What Does a Bricklayer Do?

A bricklayer’s job is very clear and hands-on.

• Builds and repairs walls, houses, and other brick or block structures.
• Works mainly on housing and construction sites across the UK.
• Spends most of the time outdoors and works full-time hours.
• Follows building plans, measurements, and site safety rules.
• Aims to meet both speed and quality targets on every job.
• Ensures every structure is strong, safe, and built to last.
• It may also help mix mortar, lay foundations, and clean brickwork.

What Affects the Average Bricklayer Wage UK?

Several key things can affect the average bricklayer’s wage UK. If you want to earn more, you should focus on these areas.

1. Location: Where you work is a huge factor. London and the South East of England have the highest wages.  So, go where the work is.
2. Experience and Speed: This is simple. The faster and tidier you are, the more you earn. Good bricklayers are always in demand. They are presented with the best possible prices. 
3. Type of Work: The project you work on matters. New-build housing estates are common. But high-end residential homes can pay more. Even large commercial projects also pay very well.
4. Tickets and Skills: You need a CSCS card for most sites. This shows you are trained in health and safety. Other tickets can also help. Being able to price a job “per 1,000 bricks” is a valuable skill. It shows you understand the business side of the job.

Final Thoughts: The Pay Journey of a Bricklayer

In conclusion, bricklaying has become a popular and lucrative occupation in recent times. The best way to earn more is to get your CSCS card, improve your skills, and find work in busy areas like London or the South East, where pay is higher. 

If you want to start a strong career in this trade, our Bricklaying Training Course is a great first step. You’ll learn real skills, gain confidence, and get ready for site work — helping you earn more, faster. 

Start your training today and lay the foundation for a successful bricklaying career.

FAQ

How much do bricklayers earn in the UK?

Most bricklayers earn £31,000–£36,000 a year, with beginners around £25,000 and experienced workers up to £45,000+.

Can bricklayers make 100k?

Only very skilled, self-employed bricklayers on high-value projects can reach £100,000+, but it’s rare.

How much is a bricklayer per day in the UK?

Day rates are usually £240–£320, depending on skill and location.

Does a bricklayer get paid well?

Yes, bricklaying is a well-paid trade, especially for experienced workers or self-employed bricklayers.

Is brick masonry a dying trade?

No, bricklaying is still in demand, particularly for new builds and repair work.

What jobs pay $4,000 a month in the UK?

Trades like bricklaying, plumbing, and electrician roles can pay around £3,500–£4,500 a month.

Can you lay 1,000 bricks a day?

Only highly skilled and fast bricklayers can lay around 1,000 bricks per day. Most lay fewer.

What jobs pay £250k a year in the UK?

Roles like senior executives, top surgeons, investment bankers, and some highly specialised contractors can earn £250,000+ a year.