Average Pay for Bricklayer: Earnings Explained Clearly

Bricklaying is one of the UK’s strongest trades and offers great earning potential. The average pay for bricklayer working full-time is usually between £31,000 and £36,000 a year. Beginners often start at around £25,000, while experienced bricklayers can earn up to £45,000. If you go self-employed, daily rates of £240–£320 can push annual earnings to £55,000–£70,000 or more. In short, the average pay sits in the low to mid £30Ks, but bricklayers who manage their own work can earn much higher.

So let’s break it down and explore the key details behind these numbers.

What Does a Bricklayer Do?

A bricklayer or brickie builds, repairs and extends structures using bricks, blocks, and mortar. Key tasks include:

• Read plans: Turn drawings into real walls by following project instructions.
• Prepare the site: Measure, mark, and set the foundation for perfect rows.
• Mix mortar: Get the mortar just right for strong, lasting work.
• Lay bricks/blocks: Place each brick with care to create solid, neat structures.
• Check alignment: Keep walls straight, level, and perfectly in line.
• Shape materials: Cut and trim bricks to fit tricky spots like windows and doors.
• Finish and repair: Smooth joints, fix cracks and make everything look flawless.
• Work outdoors: Build outside every day, meeting deadlines and quality targets.

What Is the Average Pay for a Bricklayer in the UK?

The average pay for bricklayer in the UK is around £32,000 per year, making it a well-paying trade compared to many other skilled jobs. Beginners typically earn about £25,000, while experienced bricklayers can reach up to £45,000 annually. Regional differences also affect pay, with London and the South East offering higher salaries. Job advertisements usually reflect this range to account for varying experience levels, locations, and types of work.

How Much Do Bricklayers Earn Per Hour or Per Day?

The pay for bricklayers can vary depending on whether they are employed or self-employed. For employed bricklayers, the usual rate is around £14–£15 per hour. This rate can be multiplied by your weekly hours to estimate your annual salary. 

On construction sites or subcontracted work, experienced and fast bricklayers often earn day rates between £240 and £320. This higher pay reflects skill, speed, and the ability to complete quality work efficiently.

If you feel excited to know more about bricklayer pay and see detailed figures, read our article “How Much Does a Bricklayer Earn?”

Do Experienced Bricklayers Earn More?

Yes, experience helps you earn more money. After a few years, most bricklayers make about £35,000–£40,000 a year. Moreover, if you become a specialist or work very fast, you can earn £45,000 or more when employed. On self-employed or price-based projects, skilled bricklayers can make even higher earnings, sometimes exceeding £50,000 a year. This shows that improving your skills and speed can directly increase your income.

How Much Do Apprentice Bricklayers Get Paid?

Apprentice bricklayers in the UK usually earn between £11,000 and £16,000 a year. This depends on your hours and the employer. Apprentices learn on the job while gaining important skills, so the pay starts lower. Once you are fully qualified and working full-time, your salary can quickly rise to £22,000–£28,000 a year. In short, learning the trade and gaining experience helps you earn more faster.

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Do Bricklayers in London Earn a Higher Wage?

Yes, bricklayers in London and the South East usually earn more than in other parts of the UK. In fact, pay is often 10–30% higher in these areas. Many bricklayers in London make around £38,000 a year. For some specialist or high-end jobs, salaries can go up to £47,000–£51,000. This is because construction costs are higher and skilled workers are in greater demand in London.

How Much Can Self-Employed Bricklayers Make?

Self-employed bricklayers can earn a lot if they stay busy. For example, day rates usually range from £240 to £320. If you work 5 days a week for 48 weeks, this adds up to about £57,000–£76,800 a year before tax. Of course, you need to pay for fuel, your van, tools, and holidays. Still, the take-home pay is often higher than that of most employed bricklayers. This shows that working for yourself can be very rewarding if you manage your work well.

What Factors Affect Bricklayer Pay in the UK?

Several things can change how much a bricklayer earns:

• Location: London and the South East pay the most due to high demand and living costs.
• Experience and skill: More experience and speed mean higher pay.
• Type of work: New builds, commercial projects, high-end homes, and decorative work pay differently.
• Qualifications: NVQ Level 2/3 or CSCS cards increase pay. Knowing how to price per 1,000 bricks helps too.
• Employment type: Self-employed bricklayers can earn more, but cover their own costs. Employed bricklayers get steady pay and benefits.
• Work consistency: Staying busy regularly leads to higher, steady earnings.

Is Bricklaying Good Money in the UK?

Yes, bricklaying can pay very well.

On average, employed bricklayers earn about £31,000–£36,000 a year. If you work for yourself, you can earn more, sometimes £55,000–£70,000 a year or higher, depending on how much work you get. Compared with many other jobs, this is above the national average, so bricklaying pays well. Bricklaying is also good if you like physical work, and you can see and touch. Most of the work is outdoors, so it suits people who enjoy being active while working.

Challenges of a Bricklaying Career

Bricklaying is a rewarding career, but it comes with some challenges. Here are a few:

• Physically hard: Bricklaying means lifting, bending, and standing a lot. Working outside in the rain or the sun can be tiring.
• Risk of injury: Working on a construction site can be risky. Without proper training and safety equipment, accidents can happen.
• Pay can vary for self-employed: Self-employed bricklayers can earn more, but they must pay for tools, transport, and taxes. Money is not always steady.
• Irregular hours: Some jobs start early, finish late, or need weekends to meet deadlines.
• Need training and qualifications: Most sites ask for a CSCS card or an apprenticeship. You must learn skills and safety rules first.

Common Misconceptions About Bricklaying

Bricklaying is often misunderstood. Let’s look at some common myths and the real facts.

Only men can be bricklayers

Reality: Bricklaying is for anyone. Women are succeeding in the trade every day. What matters most is skill, dedication, and hard work—not gender.

You don’t need training or certificates

Reality: Most construction sites require a CSCS card to prove you understand health and safety rules. Apprenticeships and courses give you the skills to work safely and professionally.

There is little room for career growth

Reality: Bricklaying can open doors. Experienced bricklayers can become supervisors, project managers, building surveyors, or even start their own business.

Bricklaying is always exhausting

Reality: The job is physical, but proper tools, strategies and smart planning make it manageable. Bricklayers know how to balance effort with efficiency.

Machines will replace bricklayers

Reality: Technology can help, but it cannot match the precision, experience, and craftsmanship of a skilled bricklayer.

Final Thoughts: Understanding the Average Pay for Bricklayer

The average pay for bricklayer boosts as you gain experience and skills. For example, apprentices earn about £11,000–£16,000, and new bricklayers make £22,000–£28,000. Next, the normal average pay for a bricklayer is around £31,000–£36,000, while experienced bricklayers can reach £35,000–£40,000. Also, in London or as a self-employed bricklayer, pay can go up to £50,000–£60,000 or more. Finally, you can earn more by working fast, keeping your CSCS valid, and choosing high-paying or day-rate projects.

Dream of earning more while working with your hands? Begin now. Join the Bricklaying Course Training at Open Learning Academy and start building your skills today.

FAQs

How much do bricklayers get paid in the UK?

Average pay is around £31,000–£36,000 a year. Beginners earn £25,000, and experienced bricklayers can reach £45,000+.

How much should I pay a bricklayer per day?

Employed: around £14–£15 per hour.

Self-employed or subcontracted: £240–£320 per day.

How much do bricklayers get paid per 1000 bricks?

Rates vary, but skilled bricklayers can earn extra by pricing per 1,000 bricks, often adding a few hundred pounds per 1,000.

Do bricklayers make good money?

Yes, average pay is close to the national full-time median, and self-employed bricklayers can earn much more.

Can bricklayers make 100k a year?

It’s rare, but highly skilled, fast, and self-employed bricklayers on big projects can approach or exceed £100,000 a year.

What jobs pay 300k a year in the UK?

High-paying jobs include surgeons, top lawyers, investment bankers, senior executives, and some tech directors.

Which job pays $1 million per year?

Jobs like CEOs of large companies, top investment bankers, celebrity athletes, and successful entrepreneurs can earn $1 million or more annually.