Average Wage for a Bricklayer UK: Salaries & Rates

Bricklaying is a strong and in-demand trade in the UK. It offers steady work and good pay. In this role, bricklayers build and repair walls and structures while following plans on site. When it comes to incomes, the average wage for a bricklayer UK is around £36,000 per year, but this can change depending on experience and location. For example, entry-level bricklayers earn £19,000–£24,000, while experienced workers can reach £40,000 or more. 

Through this article, we cover the daily tasks, salaries, self-employment, regional pay, and how qualifications boost a bricklayer’s earnings.

What Does a Bricklayer Do?

Bricklayers are skilled workers who build and repair walls, buildings, and other structures. Their work keeps buildings strong, stable, and safe. They follow plans and drawings to turn ideas into real structures that last for years. Here are the key duties of a bricklayer:

• Build walls, buildings, chimneys, tunnels, and decorative structures.
• Lay bricks and blocks carefully to make strong, stable work.
• Apply and remove mortar to join bricks neatly and securely.
• Follow plans and drawings to ensure everything is correct.
• Measure areas and set out the first rows of bricks accurately.
• Construct arches, ornamental features, and special brickwork.
• Repair and maintain masonry to keep structures in good condition.

What Is the Average Wage for a Bricklayer UK?

Bricklaying offers a dependable career path with fair pay and constant demand. The typical bricklayer’s salary is about £36,000 annually. At the same time, the typical or median pay is about £31,040 per year. In other words, the average yearly pay equals roughly £17 per hour, so you can see how annual and hourly earnings relate. This gives a clear picture of what most bricklayers earn. Overall, the trade offers solid earning potential for those in the profession.

For a more detailed breakdown of bricklayer earnings across different roles and regions, check out our article, “How Much Does a Bricklayer Earn in the UK?”

Entry-Level vs Experienced Bricklayer Earnings

Entry-Level Bricklayer Salary

New bricklayers usually start with a yearly pay between £19,000 and £24,000, which is about £9 to £12 an hour. At this stage, they learn practical skills, understand plans, and improve their speed and accuracy. As they gain confidence and more site experience, their pay begins to rise.

Experienced Bricklayer Salary

Experienced bricklayers earn between £40,000 and £45,000 a year, or about £19 to £22 an hour. Many skilled workers make even more — around £20 to £25+ per hour or £260 to £320 a day. With years of experience, they often lead small teams, handle complex builds, or even run their own business. This level of skill brings steady work and strong income growth.

How Much Can Self-Employed Bricklayers Earn?

Self-employed bricklayers can earn between £56,000 and £60,000 per year. This largely depends on whether they work as a sole trader or run a limited company. They can earn around £38 per hour or approximately £300 per day, though these figures are gross earnings, and take-home pay will be lower after covering costs like materials, fuel, and vehicle expenses. Typically, a sole trader earns around £56,000 per year, while a limited company can bring in £59,000 to £60,000.

Overall, self-employment usually pays more than being employed. With experience, high demand, and larger or specialised projects, income can increase even further. This makes self-employment a flexible and rewarding career path for skilled bricklayers.

Does Location (London vs Other Regions) Affect Bricklayer Pay?

Yes, location greatly affects how much bricklayers earn. London bricklayers usually earn £37,823 annually, about £18 per hour, which beats most other UK areas. Bricklayers in London and the South East usually earn more than those in the North of England or the Midlands. The main reason is the strong demand for skilled workers and the higher cost of living in the city. Elsewhere, pay is lower, but local construction projects and skill shortages can still create good opportunities for bricklayers.

What Hourly Rates Do Bricklayers Earn?

Bricklayers in the UK earn an average of around £14.35 per hour. Entry-level bricklayers typically earn less, while experienced workers can earn higher rates. Self-employed bricklayers often command top rates, which can exceed £25 per hour depending on their skills, experience and project type. Take a look at the approximate hourly rates for bricklayers at different career stages:

• Apprentice/Trainee: Earn £6–£10 per hour while learning the ropes.
• Newly Qualified: Make £18+ per hour as you gain real experience.
• Employed Bricklayer: Usually earns £19–£20 per hour, building steady skills.
• Experienced/Senior: Can earn £20–£25 per hour handling bigger, complex projects.
• Self-Employed (Sole Trader): Often earns £38 per hour, running their own jobs.
• Business Owner (Ltd Company): Can earn £40+ per hour, managing projects and teams.

How Do Qualifications and Certifications Affect Earnings?

Apprentices start at roughly £11,000 a year as they get hands-on training. Then, earning formal qualifications like NVQ Level 1–3 or City & Guilds helps them increase their pay. At the same time, these qualifications give bricklayers access to more jobs, since most commercial and public-sector sites require a CSCS card. Furthermore, higher-level certifications, like an NVQ Level 3 Diploma, open doors to supervisory roles such as foreman or site manager, which pay more. In short, the more skills, training and certifications a bricklayer has, the higher their income and career opportunities.

Career Growth and Progression in Bricklaying

Bricklaying offers clear paths for those ready to learn and work hard. As you gain experience, you start as an apprentice and can move up to senior bricklayer, then foreman or site manager. Gaining qualifications and hands-on experience helps you advance faster and earn more. Some bricklayers even start their own business, taking full control of projects and income. Overall, with dedication and skill, bricklaying can be a long-term career with strong growth and rewarding potential.

Final Thoughts: Understanding Bricklayer Wages in the UK

The average wage for a bricklayer UK reflects the value of experience and skill in the trade. In addition, where you work and your focus area make a big difference, with London and the South East offering higher rates. Self-employment gives the highest earning potential, but it comes with extra costs and responsibilities. Also, day rates and hourly pay often matter more than the yearly salary, especially for self-employed bricklayers. Overall, with training, dedication, and the right opportunities, bricklaying remains a rewarding and flexible career in the UK.

High pay goes to bricklayers who master their craft. Boost your skills and unlock top rates with our Bricklaying Training Course at Open Learning Academy!

FAQs

How much do bricklayers get paid in the UK?

Bricklayers earn around £36,000 per year on average, with entry-level at £19,000–£24,000 and experienced workers up to £40,000–£45,000.

Can a bricklayer lay 1,000 bricks a day?

Yes, skilled bricklayers can lay 800–1,000 bricks per day, depending on complexity and conditions.

Do bricklayers get paid £1 a brick?

Not exactly. Payment is usually by hourly, daily, or project rate, not per brick.

Can bricklayers make £100k a year?

Highly experienced, self-employed, or business-owning bricklayers can earn over £100k with large or specialized projects.

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

It can cost around £1,000–£1,500, depending on location, materials, and complexity.

How much is a day rate for a bricklayer?

Day rates typically range from £260 to £320 for experienced bricklayers, higher for self-employed or specialists.

Is bricklaying a difficult skill to master?

Yes, it takes practice, precision, and understanding of construction techniques.