How Much Do Bricklayers Earn in the UK?

If you’ve ever looked at a house, wall, or building and thought, “I’d love to build something like that,” you’ve already got the right mindset for a bricklayer. Bricklaying is one of those jobs that builds the world around us — quite literally. From homes to schools and office buildings, nothing stands without solid brickwork. But let’s be honest — when people think about learning a trade, the first question they ask is money: how much do bricklayers earn in the UK?

Well, the good news is that bricklaying pays well, especially once you’re qualified and confident. It’s a skilled trade that’s always in demand, and with experience, your earnings can rise fast. Let’s break down what bricklayers make across the UK, how experience, location, and type of work affect pay, and why getting qualified through a CPD-accredited Bricklayer Course is one of the smartest moves you can make.

What Does a Bricklayer Do?

A bricklayer’s job sounds simple — laying bricks and blocks — but there’s a lot more to it. You’re not just stacking bricks; you’re building structures that have to last for decades. Every line, joint, and level has to be perfect.

Here’s what a typical day looks like for a bricklayer:

• Building and repairing walls, houses, and other structures using bricks, blocks, or stone.
• Following plans and drawings from architects and builders to get everything in the right place.
• Mixing mortar to hold the bricks together.
• Checking levels and alignment to make sure walls are straight and stable.
• Working safely on site, often outdoors and in all kinds of weather.
• Cleaning up and maintaining tools at the end of the day.

Most bricklayers work full time, Monday to Friday, on construction or housing sites. Some do private extensions or home improvements, while others work on large commercial projects. The work can be physical, but it’s also creative — you actually get to see what you’ve built at the end of each day.

How Much Do Bricklayers Earn in the UK?

Now for the part everyone wants to know. The average bricklayer salary in the UK is around £31,800 a year, according to Jobted UK.

But that’s just the average. The real range depends on your experience, skill, and where you work:

• Starters: Around £22,500 to £25,000 a year
• Average working bricklayers: Around £31,000 to £40,000
• Experienced or London-based bricklayers: £45,000 to £50,000+

So if you’re just starting out, you’ll earn a decent wage, but once you’ve got a few years of solid work under your belt, your pay can rise quickly.

Bricklaying is one of those trades where effort and speed matter — the more you can do accurately, the better your income. And once you’re confident, you can even move into self-employment, which opens the door to much higher earnings.

Do Bricklayers Get Paid Hourly or Annually?

This depends on how you work. If you’re employed by a construction company, you’ll usually see an annual salary listed in your contract. But if you’re self-employed or subcontracting, you’ll often get paid by the hour or by the day.

The average hourly rate for a UK bricklayer is around £14.35 per hour, according to Payscale. That works out roughly to that £31,000 annual average if you’re working full time. Self-employed bricklayers often earn a bit more per hour to cover their own tools, transport, and insurance. So before you accept a job, check what the rate includes. If it sounds higher, make sure it covers your costs too.

How Much Do Apprentice Bricklayers Earn?

Everyone starts somewhere, and bricklaying apprenticeships are one of the most popular ways to get into the trade.

When you start as an apprentice, your pay is lower — usually between £11,000 and £11,063 a year, depending on your training provider and employer. It’s not huge, but remember, you’re learning while you earn. You spend some days in college and the rest on-site gaining real experience. Once you’re fully qualified and working full time, your wage can jump to around £31,900 a year, which is a massive step up.

That’s why an apprenticeship is a smart route — you build skills, confidence, and experience while avoiding big student debt.

If you’d like a full breakdown of pay rates, experience levels, and regional differences, check out this detailed guide on how much a bricklayer earns in the UK. It’s packed with insights to help you plan your career path wisely.

Does Experience Affect a Bricklayer’s Pay?

Definitely. Like most trades, your earnings rise with experience. The more skilled you are, the faster and better you can work — and that’s what employers and clients pay for. Here’s how pay usually climbs:

• Newly qualified: £22,000–£25,000
• Mid-level (2–5 years): £32,000–£40,000
• Highly experienced (5–10+ years): £45,000–£50,000+

Once you have a few years on site, you might be trusted to lead small teams, handle tricky jobs, or manage quality control. These extra responsibilities often come with higher pay or bonuses. Experienced bricklayers are gold on site — they keep projects on track and make sure the quality stays high.

Do Bricklayers in London Earn More?

Yes, location matters a lot.

In London, bricklayers earn around £38,245 on average, with most jobs ranging from £30,980 to £47,213. Some high-end jobs on major construction projects even pay around £51,700 a year, especially if you’ve got strong experience or take on overtime and bonuses.

Of course, London living costs are higher too, but even so, the pay difference can be worth it if you live close enough to commute.

How Much Do Self-Employed Bricklayers Earn?

This is where things get exciting. If you’re confident in your skills and can keep your schedule full, self-employment can be very profitable. The going day rate for a self-employed bricklayer is between £240 and £320 per day. Let’s do the maths:

If you work 5 days a week for 48 weeks a year, that’s between £57,600 and £76,800 before expenses. That’s a strong income, but you have to remember — being self-employed means you cover:

• Your tools and van
• Public liability insurance
• Fuel and travel costs
• Unpaid holidays or sick days

Still, many bricklayers prefer working for themselves because of the freedom and higher earning potential. Once you have loyal clients or contracts, you can earn far above the average.

What Factors Affect Bricklayer Wages?

Not all bricklaying jobs pay the same. Your pay depends on several things, including:

• Location: London and the South East pay the highest.
• Experience: The faster and more accurate you are, the more you earn.
• Type of work: New build projects usually pay differently than small repairs or refurb jobs.
• Pay structure: Some bricklayers are paid per day, while others get “price work” — a set rate for each 1,000 bricks.
• Construction market: When the demand for builders rises, wages go up. 2025 has already seen steady wage inflation across UK construction.

If you keep your skills sharp and stay flexible, you can take advantage of those rising rates.

Can Bricklayers Increase Their Income?

Absolutely — there are plenty of ways to grow your income as a bricklayer.

1. Take on higher-paying day-rate work. Aim for the top end of the year range (£240–£320/day).
2. Specialise. Heritage restoration, decorative brickwork, and structural jobs often pay more.
3. Move into supervision. Once you have years of experience, you can train as a site supervisor or foreman.
4. Run your own business. With the right qualifications and insurance, you can start a small building company or work directly with homeowners.
5. Train others. Once you’ve mastered your craft, you can teach bricklaying — either privately or in a college setting.

Every extra skill you gain adds value to your work. That’s why a CPD-accredited Bricklayer Course is such a smart step. It gives you formal proof of your skills and shows clients and employers that you’re serious about your trade.

Is Bricklaying a Good Career in the UK?

Yes — and it’s one of the few careers where your skills will always be needed. Think about it: houses, schools, hospitals — none of these exist without bricklayers. Even with all the technology and machinery out there, brickwork still needs human hands.

Let’s compare the numbers. The UK median salary is about £39,039. Most employed bricklayers sit around £31,000–£40,000, so they’re close to that national middle. But when you include self-employed earnings, the potential goes much higher — even past £70,000 for busy tradespeople. And it’s not just about money. Bricklaying gives you:

• A hands-on job where you can see your results daily
• Strong job security (construction is always active)
• The chance to work outdoors and stay active
• The option to go self-employed or start your own business

For people who like physical work, problem-solving, and pride in their craft, it’s one of the best trades around.

How to Start a Career as a Bricklayer

If you’re thinking about becoming a bricklayer, the path is clear and practical. You don’t need a university degree — just the right training and attitude. Here’s how most people start:

1. Take a Bricklaying Course. Start with a CPD-accredited course that covers all the basics — from tools and safety to building techniques.
2. Get hands-on experience. Some courses include practical training or work placements.
3. Build your portfolio. Take photos of your projects and note the techniques you’ve mastered.
4. Apply for site jobs or apprenticeships. Even as a helper, you’ll learn fast on real sites.
5. Keep training. The more qualifications and safety certificates you have, the more valuable you become.

At the Open Learning Academy, our Bricklayer Course is CPD-accredited, which means your certificate holds real weight. It proves you’ve trained properly and understand UK standards. That’s a big plus when you’re applying for jobs or looking for clients.

What’s the Future for Bricklayers in the UK?

The construction industry keeps growing, especially with housing and infrastructure projects all over the country. Skilled trades are in short supply, which means bricklayers will stay in demand for years to come. With ongoing housing targets and renovation projects, there’s no shortage of work. Many builders even struggle to find qualified bricklayers, which keeps pay rates healthy. So, if you’re looking for a reliable career with long-term potential, this is it. The combination of strong pay, solid demand, and self-employment opportunities makes bricklaying a smart choice.

FAQ: Bricklayer Pay and Career Questions

Can a bricklayer lay 1000 bricks a day?

Experienced bricklayers can lay around 600–1000 bricks daily under good conditions, though weather, complexity, and teamwork affect output.

Can bricklayers make 100k?

Yes. Skilled or self-employed bricklayers, especially those managing crews or working on high-value projects, can earn £100k+ annually.

How much do bricklayers get paid per 1000 bricks?

Rates vary, typically £350–£500 per 1000 bricks, depending on region, project type, and skill level.

How much for a bricklayer per day?

Bricklayers usually earn £150–£250 daily in the UK, influenced by experience, demand, and job complexity.

Is bricklaying a difficult skill to master?

Yes. It requires physical strength, precision, endurance, and experience to achieve consistent quality and speed.

How easy is it to lay bricks?

Basic bricklaying can be learned quickly, but mastering alignment, consistency, and speed takes significant practice.

Is bricklaying good money?

Yes. It offers solid pay and steady work, particularly for skilled tradespeople or contractors managing multiple projects.

Will AI replace bricklayers?

Unlikely soon. Robots can assist with repetitive tasks, but human skill and adaptability remain essential for most projects.

What GCSE do you need for bricklaying?

Usually GCSEs in Maths and English (grades 3–9) help, plus practical training through apprenticeships or college courses.

Final Thoughts: Building a Career That Pays

Bricklaying is more than just stacking bricks. It’s about shaping the spaces people live and work in. It’s a trade that combines skill, strength, and pride — and it pays fairly for those who commit to it.

While the average UK bricklayer earns around £31,800 a year, your income can grow well beyond that with time, speed, and experience. Move to London or go self-employed, and you can easily double it. If you’re serious about starting or improving your career, now’s the perfect time. Get qualified with a CPD-accredited Bricklayer Course at the Open Learning Academy and gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed.

Brick by brick, you’ll build not just walls — but a career that stands strong for life.