Bricklaying Average Salary

When we talk about the bricklaying average salary, things stay simple. Bricklaying pays well in the UK. Many people like this job because the work feels real and the money feels fair. Most bricklayers earn about £32k–£36k each year. New workers earn around £25k. Skilled workers earn up to £45k. These numbers help you see how your pay grows with experience.

If you work for yourself, you can earn even more. Many self-employed bricklayers make £240–£320 a day. This feels good because you choose your jobs and your hours. Also, bricklayers in London earn more than the UK average. Bricklaying gives steady work, clear progress, and strong pay. It suits people who enjoy hands-on work and want a reliable income.

In this article, we break down how much bricklayers earn. You’ll see how pay changes with experience, why some regions offer higher wages, what self-employed workers can expect, and how much apprentices start on. By the end, you’ll have a clear, simple picture of the earning potential in this hands-on trade.

What Does a Bricklayer Do?

A bricklayer builds walls, houses, and other structures. You follow plans and make sure everything stays straight and level. It feels great to see a wall grow brick by brick.

Here are the main tasks of a bricklayer:

• Lay bricks and blocks according to plans.
• Keep walls straight, plumb, and level.
• Mix and apply mortar to join bricks.
• Plan the work and tie it in with other trades.
• Follow site safety rules at all times.
• Maintain high-quality standards in every job.

Bricklaying is hard work, but it feels rewarding to see real progress every day. It suits people who enjoy hands-on work and focus on detail.

What Is the Bricklaying Average Salary in the UK?

Bricklaying is a hands-on job. The pay is good and grows as you get more skilled. Many people enjoy seeing walls and buildings grow while earning money.

Here is a simple breakdown:

• Starter bricklayers earn about £25,000 per year. It is fair for beginners.
• Experienced bricklayers can earn up to £45,000 per year. Skill and hard work pay off.
• The average in England is around £36,000, according to Glassdoor. This shows what most bricklayers earn.
• Self-employed bricklayers often earn £240–£320 per day. This gives more freedom and higher pay.
• London usually pays more than other parts of the UK.

The bricklaying average salary shows this trade is worth learning. You get steady work, clear progress, and money that grows with your skill. It is a job you can enjoy.

If you want a deeper look at how much bricklayers earn, the “How Much Do Bricklayers Make?” The blog from Open Learning Academy explains everything in a clear, simple way. It covers pay scales, day rates, and what affects earnings — perfect if you’re thinking about joining the trade.

How Much Do Bricklayers Earn Per Hour or Day?

Here is a clear and simple look at how much bricklayers earn. The pay depends on skill, location, and the type of work you choose.

• Employed bricklayers earn about £14.31 per hour, based on Payscale. This gives a steady income and helps you grow your skills.
• Self-employed bricklayers earn £240–£320 per day. Many people like this because they choose their own hours and take jobs that suit them.
• Day rates change with travel, weather, and job size. Bigger jobs often pay more. Remote areas may pay less, but busy cities pay more.
• London usually offers higher pay because the cost of living is higher and demand stays strong.

Overall, bricklaying gives good pay for hands-on work. You see progress each day, you feel proud of your results, and you earn well along the way.

Do Apprentice Bricklayers Earn Less?

Yes, apprentice bricklayers earn less, and this is completely normal. You are still learning, so the pay begins at a lower level. But the training, support, and real-site experience make the journey feel worth it. From 1 April 2025, the Apprentice Minimum Wage is £7.55 per hour. This gives new learners a fair start while they learn basic skills like mixing mortar, laying bricks, and keeping the site tidy and safe.

If you are 21 or older and not in your first year, you must earn £12.21 per hour or more. This higher rate feels good because your skills improve, your confidence grows, and employers trust you with harder tasks. Many companies even pay more than the minimum, because they want apprentices who work hard and stay long-term.

As an apprentice, you also get to earn while you learn. This means no large student debt, and you gain real experience that makes you job-ready. You learn from skilled workers who guide you step by step, and your pay rises as your speed and quality improve.

Even though the starting pay is low, you build strong skills and a solid future. Most apprentices move into steady full-time work after finishing their training. Many also reach better pay quite quickly, especially on busy sites that need skilled bricklayers.

How Much Do Experienced Bricklayers Earn?

Experienced bricklayers earn more because they bring strong skills to every job. They work fast, solve problems easily, and deliver neat, solid work. This makes their pay feel well deserved.

Here is a simple breakdown:

• Employed bricklayers often reach the top end of £25k–£45k per year.
• Years of training and practice help them earn this higher pay.
• Self-employed bricklayers usually make £240–£320 per day.
• Clients pay more for workers who finish jobs quickly and to a high standard.

Overall, skilled bricklayers enjoy better pay, steady work, and the proud feeling that comes from doing quality work every day.

How Much Do Self-Employed Bricklayers Make?

Self-employed bricklayers often earn strong money because they choose their own jobs and set their own day rates. This freedom feels good, and it lets you build a work style that fits your life.

If you earn £280 a day, work 5 days each week, and work 48 weeks a year, you make about £67,200 before tax and costs. However, you must still pay for your van, tools, insurance, fuel, and holidays. These things can take a chunk of your income, so planning is important.

Many guides say that £300 a day is common for skilled bricklayers. This can give you £56,000 or more in a stable year. When you keep regular clients and stay busy, the money feels strong and steady. Self-employment also gives you more control. You choose when to work, which jobs to take and how far you want to travel. This can feel exciting but also demanding, because you must manage your own schedule and keep your business running well.

Still, for many bricklayers, the higher pay and freedom make self-employment a very rewarding choice.

What Affects the Average Salary for Bricklayers?

Many things can change how much a bricklayer earns. The pay is not the same for everyone, and small details can make a big difference.

Here are the main things that affect salary:

• Region: London and the South East often pay more because the work is fast and living costs are high.
• Speed and quality: Fast, neat work brings better pay and more jobs.
• Type of pay: Day rates, piecework, and salary all pay differently. Price work can pay more, but needs strong speed.
• Job type: New builds, extensions, garden walls, and heritage work all pay different rates.
• Work continuity: Regular work gives a stronger yearly income than quiet months.
• Labourer support: A labourer helps you work faster, which can increase daily earnings.

With the right mix of skill, steady work, and smart choices, a bricklayer’s income can grow quickly.

Is Bricklaying a Well-Paid Job in the UK?

Bricklaying can be a well-paid job in the UK, especially once you have some experience. Many mid-career bricklayers even match or beat the UK full-time median pay of £39,039 (Apr 2025). And honestly, that feels good — knowing your hard work with your hands truly pays off.

Also, London and strong self-employed contracts often push earnings even higher. So yes, the money can feel rewarding, not just the work itself.

Here’s why bricklaying often pays well:

• Strong demand: New homes and buildings always need skilled bricklayers.
• Good earning growth: Pay rises fast once you gain experience.
• Self-employment options: Many bricklayers earn more by choosing day rates.
• London boost: Work in London often comes with higher pay.
• Steady work: If you build a good reputation, you get trusted, repeat jobs.
• Skill-based value: Your skill shows in every wall you build — and clients pay for that quality.

If you like practical work, building real things, and earning solid money, bricklaying can feel like a career that treats you well.

Final Thoughts on Bricklaying Average Salary

At the end of the day, bricklaying feels like one of those jobs that truly pays you back. You work with your hands, you see real progress every day and your earnings grow as your skills grow. It gives you stability, independence, and a career you can actually feel proud of.

And if you’re thinking, “I want to learn this properly”, the Bricklaying Training Course from Open Learning Academy is a great place to start. It teaches everything step by step in a friendly, simple way. You build confidence, learn real-site techniques, and get ready for solid work in a trade that always stays in demand.

FAQ

How much do bricklayers get paid in the UK?

Apprentice bricklayers earn around £11,063 a year. Pay rises as they gain skills and experience.

Can bricklayers make £100k?

Yes, some can. Very skilled self-employed bricklayers or those working on big projects can reach £100k in a strong year.

Can a bricklayer lay 1,000 bricks a day?

Most skilled bricklayers lay 300 to 500 bricks a day. This is the normal speed for experienced workers.

Are bricklayers on good money?

Yes, many bricklayers earn good money. Pay rises with experience, and self-employed workers often earn even more.

What is the Six Brick method?

The Six Brick method is a simple learning activity. Children use six coloured bricks to learn through play. They explore shapes, colours, numbers, and patterns in a fun, hands-on way.