How Much Do Brick Layers Make?

How much do brick layers make in the UK? Bricklaying is a good job for people who like to work with their hands. It also pays well. Most brick layers earn between £31,000 and £36,000 a year.

If you work on busy sites, you can make £240 to £320 a day. So, if you work most weeks, you can earn more than £55,000 a year. That is a great income for a job that keeps you active and outdoors. Your pay depends on where you work, who you work for, and how fast you work. The quicker and neater you are, the more you can earn. Many brick layers say they love seeing their work come to life. It feels good to build something that lasts for years. Bricklaying is a job that rewards skill, effort, and pride in your work.

In this article, we explore how much bricklayers earn in the UK. You’ll learn about starting pay, average salaries, and what experienced brick layers can make. We’ll also look at how location, skills, and experience can change your income. By the end, you’ll understand what to expect if you want to start a career in bricklaying.

What Does a Brick Layer Do Each Day?

If you wonder how much do brick layers make, it helps to know what they do each day. A brick layer’s day is full of active, hands-on work. They start by checking the plans and getting ready to build strong walls and houses that people will live in.

They mix and spread mortar, then lay each brick with care. Every brick must be level and straight, so focus matters a lot. It feels good to see the wall grow taller as the day goes on. Brick layers work outdoors most of the time, often with other trades like joiners or plumbers. The site feels lively, and teamwork keeps things running smoothly.

Each day, they aim to meet both speed and quality goals. It’s hard work, but it’s also rewarding to build something real that lasts for years.

How Much Do Brick Layers Make?

Bricklaying is a well-paid trade in the UK. Most brick layers earn between £31,000 and £36,000 a year. Here’s a simple look at how pay can vary:

• Typical pay range: Most earn between £31,000 and £36,000 a year.
• Starter to experienced pay: Jobs often offer £25,000 to £45,000, depending on skill and experience.
• Higher pay in cities: Brick layers in London or on special projects often earn more.
• More skill, more pay: As you learn faster and work better, your income grows too.

Bricklaying is not always easy, but it gives a real sense of pride. You can see your work take shape every day, and your effort truly pays off.

Are Brick Layers Paid Hourly, Daily, or Per Job?

Brick layers can get paid in different ways. It depends on where they work and who they work for. Some like steady pay, while others enjoy the chance to earn more by working faster.

• Employed jobs:
  Many brick layers work full-time for a company. They often earn a yearly salary of about £14 to £15 an hour. This type of pay is steady and safe because you know what you will earn each week. You also get extra benefits like holiday pay and sick leave, which makes it a good option for people who like security.

• Site or subcontract work:
  Many brick layers prefer to work on building sites or as subcontractors. They usually get paid a day rate. The rate can be between £240 and £320 a day, depending on skill and location. This type of work can pay more, especially if you work most weeks and finish jobs on time. However, you may not always have work every day, so income can change.

• Private or small jobs:
  Some brick layers take small private jobs for homeowners or local builders. They may get paid for each 1,000 bricks they lay or for the full project. If you work fast and do a neat job, you can earn more this way. It also gives more freedom, as you can choose your own jobs.

Each pay type has its own pros and cons. Some people prefer the steady pay of a salary, while others like the freedom and higher earning chance of day or project work. Either way, the harder you work and the better your skills, the more you can earn.

How Much Do New Brick Layers Start On?

When you start as a bricklayer, your pay depends on your skills and experience. Everyone begins small, but the pay can grow fast as you learn more.

• Apprentice level:

If you are just starting or doing an apprenticeship, you can earn between £11,000 and £16,000 a year. It may not seem much, but you are learning while you earn. You get real site experience and learn skills that will help you for life.

• Newly qualified:

After you finish training and start full-time work, your pay goes up. You can earn between £22,000 and £28,000 a year. It feels good to see your hard work start to pay off.

• More experience:

When you can work faster and keep your work neat, your pay can reach £30,000 or more.

Starting as a brick layer takes time and effort. But with each job, you learn more, earn more, and feel proud of what you build.

How Much Can Experienced Brick Layers Earn?

When you’ve been bricklaying for a few years, your hard work really starts to pay off. With more skill and speed, your income can rise quickly. You also gain confidence and respect from others on site, which makes the job even more rewarding.

After a few years of experience, most brick layers earn between £35,000 and £40,000 a year. That’s a solid income for a job that keeps you active and lets you see the results of your effort every day. It feels good to know that your work is valued and trusted.

If you become highly skilled or work on special projects, your pay can go even higher. Many experienced brick layers earn £45,000 or more each year. These jobs often come with more responsibility but they also bring a great sense of pride and achievement. There are also extra ways to earn more. Many brick layers take on overtime or weekend work to boost their income. A few extra days can make a big difference and help you reach your personal goals faster.

Bricklaying rewards those who put in the effort. The more you learn and improve, the more you earn — and that makes every brick worth it.

To learn more about earning potential and training paths, visit the Open Learning Academy blog. Read their post How Much Do Bricklayers Earn in the UK for a full pay guide. It’s a great read for anyone who wants to grow and earn more in this trade.

Do Self-Employed Brick Layers Make More?

Many brick layers decide to work for themselves after getting some experience. It gives them more freedom and often more money, too.

Higher pay:
Self-employed brick layers can earn between £240 and £320 a day. If they work five days a week for 48 weeks, they can make around £57,600 to £76,800 a year before costs. That is more than most employed jobs.

Extra costs:
Working for yourself means you must pay for your own tools, van, fuel and insurance. You also don’t get paid for holidays or sick days. So, you need to plan your money carefully.

More freedom:
Being self-employed lets you choose your own jobs and set your own hours. You can work more when you want extra pay or take time off when you need rest.

The income can go up and down, but many brick layers enjoy the freedom and control. With hard work and good planning, being self-employed can be both rewarding and successful.

What Affects How Much Money Brick Layers Make?

Not all brick layers earn the same pay. Many things can change how much you make. It depends on where you work, how you work, and who you work for.

• Location:
  Where you work makes a big difference. In London or the South East, bricklayers usually earn more money. In small towns or villages, the pay is often lower.

• Speed and quality:
  If you work fast and keep your brickwork neat, you can earn more. Good work makes people trust you and they will pay you better rates.

• Type of work:
  Some jobs pay more than others. New houses or high-end homes often pay more because the work needs to look perfect.

• Tickets and CSCS card:
  If you have the right cards and training, you can get better jobs. Site-ready brick layers can work on big projects that pay more.

• Reliability:
  Turning up on time and finishing your work is very important. Contractors like brick layers who are reliable and often call them back for more jobs.

The more skill, care, and effort you give, the more you can earn. Hard work and pride in your job always pay off in the end.

Can Brick Layers Boost Their Pay with Extra Skills?

Yes, they can. Brick layers can earn more money by learning new skills. It’s not only about working hard. It’s also about working smart and adding more value. To begin with, you can learn decorative brickwork. When you build walls with nice patterns, people notice your work. They often pay more for beautiful designs. Next, you can take jobs like house extensions or garden walls. These small projects help you earn more between big jobs. They also make your work more interesting and fun.

In addition, try to learn how to price your own jobs. When you can give fair quotes, you earn well and keep your customers happy. Moreover, if you train an apprentice or work with a helper, you can finish jobs faster. This means more work done and more pay each week. Also, you can learn basic plastering or pointing. When you can do these jobs yourself, you don’t need to hire others. That saves money and increases your profit.

Finally, with time and experience, you can become a site supervisor or foreman. These roles pay more and offer steady, reliable work. So, always try to learn and grow. The more skills you have, the more money you can make in this trade.

Is Bricklaying Good Money as a Trade?

Yes, bricklaying can be good money. In fact, it pays around the same as many full-time UK jobs and can even pay more. That’s why many people choose it as a career. It’s a great trade for people who enjoy seeing real results at the end of the day. When you stand back and look at the wall or house you built, it feels amazing. You can see the effort you put in, and that’s a reward in itself.

Of course, bricklaying means working outdoors most of the time. So, you need to enjoy being outside — even when the weather isn’t perfect. But many brick layers love the fresh air and the active lifestyle. Another big plus is the self-employed route. When you work for yourself, you can earn a strong day rate if you stay busy. With good skills and steady work, your income can grow fast.

So, overall, bricklaying is a trade that offers both good money and great satisfaction. It’s perfect for people who like to build, move, and make a difference every single day.

Final Thoughts on Brick Layer Earnings

Bricklaying is a great job for people who like hands-on work. It lets you build something real and earn good money. In the UK, bricklayers can make a strong income. The more you learn and work, the more you can earn. It feels good to see your hard work turn into something that lasts for years.

If you want to start this career, you need the right training. The Bricklaying Training Course from Open Learning Academy is a good place to begin. This course teaches you how to lay bricks, read plans, and work safely on site. You will also learn skills that help you find real jobs in construction.

Start your journey today. Join the Bricklaying Training Course and build a future you can be proud of.

FAQ

Do bricklayers earn good money?

Yes, bricklayers earn good money. Skilled and self-employed bricklayers often make more than the UK average pay.

Is brick masonry a dying trade?

No, brick masonry is not a dying trade. The demand for brick masons is growing and offers steady work.

How long does it take to lay 500 bricks?

A skilled bricklayer can lay about 500 bricks in one day. The time may change if the job is harder.

Is bricklaying hard?

Yes, bricklaying is hard work. It needs strength, skill, and focus to do the job well.

How much is a bricklayer per day?

Most bricklayers charge between £240 and £320 per day for their work.