What Affects the Average Salary for Bricklayer Jobs?

Bricklayers help shape homes, extensions, garden walls, schools, shops and almost every type of building we see across the UK. Because of that, the trade stays in demand year after year. But what affects the average salary for bricklayer jobs?

Pay can look different from one job to another, so people often ask what really affects bricklayer salaries. Some take employed roles, some go self-employed, and others mix the two. Rates also shift based on the area, project type, and level of experience.

This guide looks at all the things that influence bricklayer pay. It explains how employers set wages, how day rates compare to price work, and why two bricklayers can earn very different incomes even when their skills look similar. The aim is to give a clear picture of the UK market so you know what to expect and how to grow your earnings over time.

What Is the Average Salary for Bricklayer Jobs in the UK?

Most employed bricklayers earn somewhere between £25,000 and £45,000 a year, depending on experience. These numbers come up often in government guidance and job listings. Hourly snapshots show bricklayers averaging around £14–£20 per hour, although this moves with region and project type.

Some employers pay higher salaries for experienced workers who can handle complex brickwork, decorative patterns or leadership tasks. The range gives a good starting point for anyone comparing job offers or thinking about moving to self-employment.

Bricklayers with strong speed and accuracy usually rise into the upper part of this range because their output helps projects finish on time. Some work in gangs and earn more through shared price work. Others take foreman roles once they gain enough site experience.

If you want a clearer picture of how these numbers translate into real on-site earnings, the blog “How Much Does a Bricklayer Earn Per Brick?” breaks it down in a fresh, practical way.

Does Experience Affect a Bricklayer’s Salary?

Experience plays a large role in pay. A first-year bricklayer earns much less than someone with ten years of site experience. Employers prefer people who work fast, keep brick lines tight and steady, and solve small problems on the spot. With more experience, you usually pick up advanced skills. You learn how to:

– read drawings more confidently

– fix problems with courses and bonding patterns

– handle different weather conditions

– plan your own time and workload

– keep a clean, organised site space

A bricklayer who brings these strengths to a job often gets higher pay, more responsibility and better job security. Many move into specialist fields such as stonework, heritage repairs or detailed façade work. These areas can pay above the standard ranges because the work takes more skill and precision.

Does Location Influence Bricklayer Pay?

Location affects wages more than many people expect. The UK has strong regional differences in pay for manual trades. London and parts of the South East usually pay the most because living costs are higher and demand for tradespeople stays strong.

In some areas, employed bricklayers see average salaries close to £38,000 a year, while day rates and price-work rates also sit higher. The opposite happens in areas with lower living costs or lower demand. Rates can fall toward the bottom of the national averages.

People who move between regions often see clear changes in their income. A bricklayer who charges £280 a day in the South East might only get £220 in parts of the North or Midlands for the same type of work. It depends on the local market and how busy the area is.

Do Qualifications or Training Improve Earnings?

Training can increase your pay because it helps you work on more types of jobs. Many sites expect bricklayers to hold a CSCS Skilled Worker (Blue) Card, which normally requires an NVQ Level 2 in Bricklaying. Without it, you might only access lower-paid labouring work or small domestic jobs. Extra qualifications help you stand out, such as:

– NVQ Level 3 for advanced craft

– training in decorative brickwork

– safety courses like manual handling or working at height

– certifications linked to heritage and restoration work

These qualifications open doors to better-paid projects and more stable site work. If you feel unsure where to start, the CPD-accredited Bricklaying Course from Open Learning Academy gives a simple entry route for beginners and new tradespeople. It helps learners understand tools, materials, bonding patterns and site expectations.

How Does Working Self-Employed Change Salary?

Self-employed bricklayers often report higher earnings, but their income also depends on how steady their workload is. A self-employed person can set their day rate, choose their clients and pick projects that pay well. But they also manage their own expenses, travel costs and downtime.

Typical day rates in the UK fall around £240–£320 per day for strong, reliable bricklayers. Some skilled workers charge more for specialist work or complex projects. Price work gives another way to earn. Bricklayers agree on a rate per thousand bricks and get paid for output rather than hours.

Self-employment gives freedom and higher earning potential, but it also brings risk. You need a van, tools, insurance and time to find jobs. Holidays and sick days do not get paid. Income rises and falls throughout the year unless you build strong relationships with local builders and developers.

Do Special Skills Lead to Higher Bricklayer Pay?

Yes. Bricklayers who learn specialist skills often earn more. Some types of brickwork take much longer, so clients pay more to get them done properly. Examples include:

– decorative brick bonds

– curved walls

– arches

– heritage repairs

– complex façades

These projects demand accuracy and patience. Clients do not want mistakes because repairs cost time and money. When you show skill in these areas, people pay higher rates because they trust your work. Jobs like heritage restoration or listed-building work also require strict rules and specific materials. Workers with this knowledge often get better pay because fewer people can do the job well.

Does Project Size or Type Affect Salary?

The type of project makes a big difference. Straight, simple brick runs usually pay lower rates because the work moves faster. More detailed work takes longer and pays more. Different projects include:

– new-build homes

– extensions

– garden walls

– retaining walls

– commercial builds

– schools or public buildings

– refurbishments

Large projects with simple lines often use price work because bricklayers can move quickly. Complex projects with many cuts, patterns or tight access normally use day rates because they slow down naturally.

Some builders pay more for night work or weekend work. Others pay more for jobs that require higher safety training or extra planning. A bricklayer who understands these differences can choose work that fits their goals and income needs.

Do Bricklayers Earn More on Hourly, Daily or Price Work?

Each pay method has advantages. Which one earns more depends on the job and the worker.

Day rate:

– best for slow, difficult or weather-affected jobs

– income stays stable

– not always the highest earning option

Price work:

– can pay much more if the site is well set up

– reward for speed and skill

– income rises when everything runs smoothly

Some bricklayers prefer day rates because they like predictable pay. Others choose price work because they can earn extra if they work fast. Many people mix the two depending on the time of year.

A strong bricklayer on a well-organised site can sometimes lay around 500 bricks a day. When price work pays around £650–£1,500 per thousand bricks, earnings can rise quickly. But this depends heavily on the conditions.

What Other Factors Change Bricklayer Salaries?

Lots of external factors play a role in wages, including:

– local demand for trades

– inflation pushing material and labour costs higher

– how busy the construction industry feels

– weather and seasonal slow-downs

– the quality of your labourer

– transport and site access

– scaffold height and location

Wider UK wage growth also shapes expectations. Full-time UK workers saw the median wage rise to around £39,000 in 2025, which affects how trades adjust their own rates. When wages rise nationally, bricklayers often raise rates to match demand and cost increases.

Apprenticeship wages also matter. First-year apprentices earn the legal apprenticeship minimum, which rose to £7.55 an hour from April 2025. After that, they move to the standard age-band rates.

How Personal Reputation Shapes Bricklayer Pay

Reputation matters across the UK construction industry. A bricklayer known for tidy work, honest pricing and steady speed often gets more job offers. Clients trust them. Builders call them back for more work. Developers offer better rates to keep them on the job. Good reputation comes from:

– clean work

– on-time arrival

– care with materials

– clear communication

– honesty about issues

– good teamwork

– finishing jobs properly

A great reputation helps bricklayers earn more because they spend less time chasing new jobs. Word of mouth spreads quickly in the trade. When builders trust you, they offer consistent work and better rates.

How Skills and Tools Affect Earnings

The right tools improve the quality and speed of bricklaying. Faster work can increase pay because you finish more in the same time. Sharp trowels, good levels and solid hand tools help every bricklayer. Power tools used for cutting or grinding also make some tasks easier. Extra skills help too. Some bricklayers learn:

– basic carpentry for frames and supports

– landscaping skills for garden builds

– block paving

– pointing and repointing

– damp-proofing steps

These skills open new types of work and increase the number of jobs you can take. More options mean higher earning potential.

Training Paths That Increase Pay Opportunities

Training helps both new and experienced bricklayers. Beginners use training to learn the basics. Skilled workers use training to expand into specialist areas. Many people start with general knowledge and then move into decorative or advanced brickwork.

The CPD-accredited Bricklaying Course from Open Learning Academy supports learners who want a practical, clear introduction to bricklaying. It covers tools, mortar, bonding patterns and safety. Courses like this help learners build confidence before stepping onto a site.

After training, you can work toward NVQs, CSCS cards and advanced qualifications. Each step opens better job roles and higher pay.

How Market Trends and News Affect Bricklayer Salaries

Construction trends change all the time. New housing plans, local regeneration projects and government schemes all affect how busy bricklayers stay. When demand rises, bricklayers usually see higher wages. When demand slows, rates fall or level out. Recent years saw:

– higher material costs

– strong demand for housing

– labour shortages in some regions

– rising wages in many trades

– increased prices for skilled work

These trends push bricklayer rates upward because builders compete for good workers. The industry expects steady demand over the next decade as more homes and public buildings get planned.

Final Thoughts: What Shapes the Average Salary for Bricklayer Jobs?

Many things affect bricklayer salaries — experience, region, skills, training, pay type, project size and market demand. Some bricklayers choose secure employment roles. Others choose flexible self-employment. Some mix both to balance risk and reward.

To grow your pay, focus on strong skills, a good reputation, steady speed and good communication with clients. Look at your local rates, stay up to date with training and choose jobs that use your strengths. When you improve your output and knowledge, you open the door to higher earnings and better long-term opportunities.

Bricklaying remains a solid and respected trade across the UK. With the right approach, it can also be a well-paid one.

FAQ

What do bricklayers earn in the UK?

Most earn £25k–£45k annually, depending on experience, region and role.

Can bricklayers make 100k?

Yes—mainly through self-employment, price work, long hours and specialist skills.

How much do bricklayers get paid per 1000 bricks?

Typically £650–£1,500 per thousand bricks, depending on region and site setup.

How much does a 16-year-old bricklayer get paid?

Usually the apprenticeship minimum wage, rising with experience and qualifications.

What jobs pay 300k a year in the UK?

High-level executive, finance, medical, tech and entrepreneurial roles.

Can a bricklayer lay 1000 bricks a day?

Only in ideal conditions; strong bricklayers often lay 400–600 on real sites.

What is the 3-4-5 method of bricklaying?

A right-angle technique using a 3-4-5 triangle to ensure accurate layout.

What are the four golden rules of bricklaying?

Keep levels true, maintain consistent joints, mix mortar correctly, and work cleanly.

What do bricklayers charge per hour?

Commonly £14–£25 per hour, depending on skill and region.