How Much Do Bricklayers Make a Year in the UK?: A Guide for Young UK Builders

How much do bricklayers make a year? If you like building things with your hands, this job pays well and plays a big role in construction. Bricklaying is all about skill and precision. You lay bricks in straight lines, mix the right amount of mortar, and make sure everything is solid and tidy.

A typical employed bricklayer in the UK earns around the low-to-mid £30,000 per year. If you’re just starting, you’ll earn less while you learn the job. But as you gain experience, your pay can grow quickly. In contrast, self-employed bricklayers who work fast can earn £55,000 to £70,000 in a busy year. Keep in mind, this is before paying for tools, transport, and other costs. Big cities like London pay more, so many bricklayers choose to work there.

Let’s dig deep to learn more details!

What Does a Bricklayer Do?

A bricklayer’s job is definitely not just about stacking bricks; it requires great precision. Therefore, it’s a respected job that needs both strong hands and focus. 

• Bricklayers build and repair walls, houses, and building façades.
• They must work carefully by following detailed architectural drawings.
• They expertly mix and lay mortar, which is the ‘glue’ that holds the bricks together.
• Keeping brick courses—rows of bricks—perfectly level and plumb (straight up and down) is essential.
• They must carefully coordinate their work with other tradespeople, such as carpenters and roofers.
• It is vital that they strictly follow all site safety and quality standards every single day.

How Much Do Bricklayers Make a Year in the UK?

Bricklayer pay can change a lot depending on different factors. Most employed bricklayers in the UK earn between £32,000 and £36,000 a year. Even popular job sites like Glassdoor show the average is a bit higher, around £36,100. 

Government guidance also gives a clear range for people working in this trade.

• A starter bricklayer can expect to earn around £25,000 annually.
• A fully experienced bricklayer can earn up to £45,000 a year.

Therefore, gaining experience helps your salary rise significantly over time.

Do New Bricklayers Earn Less Than Experienced Ones?

Yes, new bricklayers definitely earn less than the experienced professionals. When you are just starting, you should expect an entry-level wage of around £25 as you learn the ropes. Your earnings will steadily rise into the mid £30s after a few successful, strong years spent working on site. Top experienced bricklayers can earn over £40,000 a year in employed roles. Also, the National Careers Service confirms pay rises as your skills, speed, and reliability grow.

How Much Do Self-Employed Bricklayers Make a Year?

Becoming your own boss opens the door to much higher annual earnings. Self-employed bricklayers earn a daily rate instead of a yearly salary. These day rates commonly run between $240 and $320 per day. If a self-employed bricklayer works five days a week for 48 weeks of the year, the total can add up very quickly.

That income ranges roughly from £57,600 to £76,800 before they pay tax, tools, their van, and time off for holidays. Many sources say about £300 per day, which is roughly £72,000 a year. This makes self-employment very attractive for skilled, fast bricklayers.

If these numbers interest you, you can learn more about starting your bricklaying career in our ‘How Much Do Bricklayers Make UK?’ blog!

Do Bricklayers in London Earn More Annually?

The answer is usually a clear yes; bricklayers in London and the South East of England generally earn more. People earn more in London because it costs more to live there. This is called ‘London weighting. Average figures for employed bricklayers in the capital are often around £38 per year. Some reliable sources even show that the best-paid bricklayers in London can earn figures well above that level. Higher pay usually depends on the employer and the type of complex, high-value project.

What Affects a Bricklayer’s Yearly Salary?

Many factors affect a bricklayer’s yearly pay, so understanding them helps plan your career.

• Region: Working in London or the South East typically pays higher wages.
• Experience and Speed: Experienced bricklayers who work fast earn higher rates.
• Pay Model: Earnings can vary a lot depending on how you are paid. You might work on a day rate, a set salary, or a fee-for-service basis, like getting paid per 1,000 bricks.
• Job Type: Different projects pay different rates. A new-build estate, a large commercial building, or a luxury home all offer varying pay.
• Full Weeks: Self-employed bricklayers need to keep full weeks of work to earn well.
• Qualifications and Reputation: Having a CSCS card and NVQ shows your skills and can help you earn more.

How Do Hourly and Daily Rates Add Up Over a Year?

It is interesting to see how smaller rates translate into a full annual salary.

• The average pay is about £14.30 an hour. Working a standard 37- to 40-hour week, this equates to roughly $28,000 per year, for illustrative purposes.
• However, the pay can vary significantly on a day-rate basis. For instance, a £280/day rate multiplied by 5 days and then by a realistic 48 weeks worked equals £67,200. And this shows that being self-employed and working efficiently can bring in more money. You must always use your own realistic estimate of the number of weeks you expect to work.

Do Specialised Bricklayers Earn Higher Annual Pay?

Yes, specialised bricklayers often earn much higher annual pay due to their unique skills. Being able to do more complex work makes you more valuable on a job site.

• Heritage or restoration work on old, listed buildings requires special, rare skills.
• Building decorative arches or very complex, unique façades commands higher rates.
• Moving into a supervisor or group-leader role means you manage others and increase your responsibility and pay.

Specialised roles usually pay better than general building work. This is especially true in areas where high-end craftsmanship is in demand.

Is Bricklaying Good as a Full-Time Career?

Bricklaying can be a well-paid full-time career. In the UK, the typical full-time salary is about £39,000 a year. Skilled bricklayers in London or self-employed often earn even more. Additionally, the average pay is close to this, making bricklaying one of the better-paid trades. Moreover, it helps you to become a proactive person for your surroundings.  

How much to bricklayers make

If you ask how much to bricklayers make, it depends on experience and location. A beginner in the UK earns around twenty-five to thirty thousand pounds a year. As skills grow, pay can rise to thirty-five to forty-five thousand pounds. For specialists in restoration or decorative work, it can reach up to sixty thousand pounds.

Earnings and opportunities

But pay is not just yearly. Many bricklayers charge by the day or per thousand bricks. If you work for yourself, this allows you more flexibility. Also, demand for bricklayers is steady. Homes, renovations, and commercial projects all need skilled bricklayers. So, with the right experience and projects, you can earn more and improve your skills.

Key Bricklayer Responsibilities

Bricklayers build and repair walls, floors, and other structures using bricks, blocks, or stones. They read plans and follow drawings carefully. Measuring, cutting, and laying materials accurately is key. They mix mortar or cement and apply it to hold bricks in place.

Bricklayers also check their work for level and alignment. They work safely on sites, using protective gear and following regulations. Sometimes they remove old brickwork or prepare surfaces for repairs. Skilful bricklayers always organise their tools and schedule their work to meet deadlines.

Final Thoughts: Understanding Bricklayer Annual Earnings in the UK

When you break it down, three things shape what you earn: your skill level, your region, and your working model. This mix decides whether you sit in the steady low-to-mid £30s or climb into the higher £40 to £60 range. As your experience grows and you pick the right sites or go self-employed, your earning potential rises fast.

Thinking about going self-employed or getting top-paying jobs? Start building your skills today and boost your earnings with our Bricklaying Training Course. 

FAQ

Can bricklayers make £100k?

Yes, but it’s rare. Only highly skilled, self-employed bricklayers doing specialist work or leading large projects might reach this level. Most earn less.

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

It depends on the job and region. A rough range is £300–£500 per 1,000 bricks, but rates vary with project type and experience.

Do bricklayers get good money?

Yes. Average employed pay is around £32k–£36k per year, and self-employed or experienced bricklayers can earn more.

Can you lay 1,000 bricks a day?

It’s extremely difficult. Most bricklayers lay 400–600 bricks per day. Only very fast, experienced workers on ideal sites might reach 1,000.

What jobs pay £300k a year in the UK?

High-level roles in finance, law, medicine, and top-level management can pay £300k+. Bricklaying doesn’t usually reach this unless extremely specialised and self-employed.

Is bricklaying hard?

Yes. It requires strength, skill, focus, and precision. It’s physically demanding but rewarding if you enjoy building things.

Can electricians make £70k a year?

Yes. Experienced electricians, especially self-employed or working in commercial/high-demand areas, can earn £70k+ per year.

What is the cost to lay 1,000 bricks?

It depends on labour and materials. Labour alone can range from £300–£500 per 1,000 bricks, plus the cost of bricks and mortar.