Brick Layer Salary by Experience: Apprentice to Expert

The brick layer salary in the UK is higher than many people expect. On average, employed brick layers earn between £31,800 and £36,000 a year. At the same time, self-employed workers or those in high-paying regions can make £240–£320 a day. When you add it up, this can become more than £56,000 a year if you stay busy. In fact, that is close to or even above the UK median full-time salary of £39,039 today. For anyone willing to work hard, bricklaying is not just a job; it is a reliable career with strong earning potential.

Let’s take a closer look at how a bricklayer’s salary grows from apprentice to experienced worker.

What Does a Brick Layer Do?

A brickie builds and maintains structures using bricks and blocks. Their work involves several important tasks, including:

• Build walls and structures using bricks or blocks according to the plan.
• Read blueprints to understand the design and plan the work.
• Prepare materials by mixing mortar and handling bricks safely.
• Lay bricks or blocks carefully, making sure the mortar is even and strong.
• Check alignment and level using tools like levels and plumb lines.
• Finish joints neatly and trim bricks to fit corners or obstacles.
• Repair or restore structures by replacing damaged bricks and mortar.

How Much Does an Apprentice Brick Layer Earn?

Starting out as a rick Layer in the UK, you usually earn £11,000–£16,000 a year. For example, some guides list starting pay at around £11,063. Also, if you work on-site at the minimum daily rate, you can make about £60 a day, which is roughly £15,000 a year. The good news is your pay grows quickly as you get faster and more skilled. Soon, you can reach the higher pay of a fully qualified brick layer.

What Is the Average Qualified Brick Layer Salary?

A qualified brickie in the UK usually earns around £31,800 a year. In fact, many active site workers now earn in the mid-£30,000s. For those newly qualified in 2025, advertised salaries often range between £31,900 and £40,100. As you gain experience and work on more projects, your earnings can rise even further.

Want to know more about a bricklayer’s Salary in the UK? Check out our article “How Much Does a Bricklayer Earn in the UK?“

How Does Experience Affect a Brick Layer’s Salary?

Experience has a big impact on a bricklayer’s pay. When you start, you usually earn in the low £20,000s. After a few years on site, with strong skills and good references, your salary can rise to £32,000–£40,000. For top specialists and highly skilled workers, earnings can go above £50,000. Clearly, the more skilled, reliable, and productive you are, the faster your pay grows. Experience is the key to higher wages and better opportunities in bricklaying.

How Much Do Experienced Brick Layers Earn in the UK?

Experienced brick layers usually earn around £36,000 a year, which is a solid benchmark. However, if you work on high-value projects or take on supervisory roles, your pay can rise to £40,000 or more. Clearly, experience, skill, and responsibility make a big difference. The more projects you complete successfully and the more expertise you gain, the higher your earnings become. Bricklaying rewards those who work hard and develop their skills over time.

https://www.canva.com/photos/MACdam_P2M8-construction-mason-worker-bricklayer/

Do Brick Layers Earn More in Certain Areas Like London?

Yes, location makes a big difference. In London, bricklayers earn an average of £38,245 a year, which is about 6% higher than the UK average. Typically, salaries range from £30,980 to £47,213. However, some surveys show London brickies earning as much as £46,000–£51,000. This happens because pay in London is influenced by several key factors.

Why London Brick Layers Earn Higher Salaries

• High demand for skilled brick layers drives up pay in London.
• Living in London is expensive, so pay is higher to match.
• Bigger and fancier projects often come with better pay.
• Not enough experienced workers means companies pay more to attract talent.
• Extra cash is possible through overtime, urgent calls, or special tasks.

How Much Do Self-Employed Brick Layers Make?

Self-employed brick layers in the UK usually charge £240–£320 per day. If you work 5 days a week for 48 weeks, that adds up to roughly £57,600–£76,800 a year before costs. Many trade sites report self-employed brick layers earning around £56,000–£59,000+ annually. However, you must pay for your van, tools, insurance, and any unpaid days. Shortly, self-employed work can earn more than employed positions, but costs and gaps in work affect your take-home pay.

What Skills Help Brick Layers Increase Their Pay?

Brick layers can earn more by building skills, gaining experience, and learning the right qualifications. Focusing on the right expertise can boost pay fast. Here are the main ways to boost your income:

• Work fast and deliver quality – Brickies who combine speed with high standards are in demand. This skill often leads to higher pay.
• Price jobs accurately and work independently – Estimating materials and time helps you take charge of your earnings. Employers value workers who can manage tasks alone.
• Learn extra skills – Decorative brickwork, building extensions, and supervision open the door to higher-paying jobs.
• Specialised technical skills – Heritage restoration, stonemasonry, custom or ornamental brickwork, eco-friendly construction, repointing, and passive fire protection attract premium pay.
• Formal qualifications – NVQ Level 3 in Bricklaying, CSCS Gold/Black cards, SMSTS/SSSTS, and complementary trade skills boost credibility. They give access to better-paid projects.

Can Brick Layers Earn Extra Through Overtime or Bonuses?

Yes, brick layers can earn more by taking on extra work. Working longer summer hours, weekends, or short-notice call-outs often pays at or above £300 per day. On top of that, some companies offer productivity bonuses when targets are met. These extra hours and incentives can give your overall earnings a real boost.

What Are the Highest-Paying Brick Layer Roles?

The highest-paying Brick Layer roles usually come from self-employment or running a limited company. Skilled workers in these roles can earn £300–£320 per day by managing multiple projects efficiently.

In London and the South-East, brick layers working on commercial or high-end residential projects can make £46,000–£51,000 a year. These jobs often involve larger and more complex projects that require skill and experience.

Brick layers who move into site supervision or foreman roles can increase their pay further. Combining hands-on work with management duties gives more responsibility and higher earnings.

Brick Layer Job Growth

Brick layers can do more than just earn money—they can build a long-lasting career with real growth. As you gain experience, you can take on bigger projects, lead a team, or specialise in high-demand areas like heritage restoration or commercial work.

With the right skills, you can move into higher roles and manage entire construction sites. The typical career ladder looks like this:

Apprentice → Qualified Brick Layer → Experienced Brick Layer → Site Supervisor → Foreman → Construction Business Owner

This path shows how effort and skill can lead to bigger responsibilities and higher earnings.

Final Thoughts: Brick Layer Salary Growth from Apprentice to Expert

The Brick Layer Salary in the UK rises steadily as you gain skills and experience. It starts with apprentices earning £11k–£16k. Once qualified, pay jumps to around £31k+, reflecting your growing expertise. With a few years on site, experienced brick layers can earn £36k–£40k. For those in London or working self-employed, earnings often reach £50k–£60k+. The biggest pay increase comes when you work efficiently, maintain high quality and add extra skills or qualifications. In short, effort and skill directly drive higher earnings in bricklaying.

So, want to step into the brick layer roles? You’re in the right place! Join our Bricklaying Training Course at Open Learning Academy and get the skills you need to start your career.

FAQs

How much do bricklayers get paid in the UK?

On average, employed brick layers earn £31,800–£36,000 per year, while self-employed workers can make £240–£320 per day.

Can bricklayers make £100k?

Yes, highly skilled self-employed or specialist brick layers working on premium projects can earn close to £100,000 a year.

How much do bricklayers get paid per 1,000 bricks?

Payment varies, but typically ranges from £120 to £200 per 1,000 bricks, depending on skill and project type.

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

A 16-year-old apprentice usually earns around £11,000–£15,000 per year, depending on experience and hours worked.

Do bricklayers earn good money?

Yes, brick layers can earn well, especially with experience, extra skills, or self-employment.

Can you lay 1,000 bricks a day?

Experienced brick layers can lay around 800–1,000 bricks a day, but it depends on the complexity of the project.

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

It’s a simple technique to check right angles using the 3-4-5 rule from the Pythagorean theorem, ensuring walls are square.