How Much Do Bricklayers Make Per Brick

How much do bricklayers make per brick? It’s easier to understand when you see the numbers. In the UK, many still work on price per 1,000 bricks, which shows exactly what your effort is worth. Right now, trade guides say laying 1,000 bricks can earn around £650–£1,500, roughly £0.65–£1.50 per brick.

To give more context, self-employed bricklayers usually earn £240–£320 a day, so these figures help check if a quote is fair. It’s hard work, but seeing the pay stack up brick by brick makes it all feel worthwhile!

In this article, we explore bricklayer pay in the UK. You’ll learn typical rates, how earnings change with experience, region, and job type, and whether working for yourself can bring higher pay. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what to expect if you’re thinking about this line of work.

How Much Do Bricklayers Make Per Brick

Take the local rate for 1,000 bricks and divide by 1,000. Most jobs pay £0.65 to £1.50 per brick. Here is an easy breakdown:

• Example: £1 per brick × 500 bricks/day = about £500 a day before costs.

• Costs: You may need to pay for materials, tools, or transport.

• Hard jobs: Corners, arches, or scaffolding take more time. This can lower the per-brick rate.

• Day rates: Self-employed bricklayers usually earn £240–£320 a day. This helps check if a quote is fair.

Watching your work turn into money brick by brick feels really good. It shows your hard work pays off!

What Is the Price of Work in Bricklaying?

Price work is when bricklayers get paid for the work they do, not the time they spend. For example, payment can be per 1,000 bricks, per square metre, or per block.

This system works well for long, straight walls with easy access. You can keep a good rhythm, and the money adds up nicely. On the other hand, short or tricky sections, or bad weather, can slow you down and make the price work less efficiently.

Many contractors choose either a day rate or a per-1,000-bricks price, depending on the job. Seeing your effort turn into real earnings can feel satisfying—it’s like watching your work build up brick by brick!

What Is the Average Pay Per Brick in the UK?

If you’re curious about how much bricklayers earn per brick, here’s a clear look. On most domestic jobs, the pay usually sits around £0.80–£1.20 per brick.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Lower end: Simple jobs or regions with lower living costs.

• Mid-range: Typical domestic work usually falls in the £0.80–£1.20 range.

• Higher end: Premium homes or specialist builds can pay more.

• Reference guides: Public guides and Q&A boards often suggest £600–£1,500 per 1,000 bricks as a labour benchmark.

It’s worth remembering that every job is different. Watching the money grow brick by brick can feel really rewarding and make all the hard work worthwhile!

Do Bricklayers Get Paid More for Complex Brickwork?

Yes! Bricklayers often earn more when the work is difficult or needs extra skill. Harder jobs take more time and effort, so the pay is higher.

Some examples of complex brickwork that can increase pay are:

• Arches and decorative patterns – these need careful measuring and shaping.
  

• Special or cut bricks – using unusual bricks takes more skill and precision.
  

• Awkward or tight spaces – working in hard-to-reach areas is slower.
  

• Small sections or frequent stops – jobs that are not continuous can take longer.
  

• Uneven or tricky surfaces – walls that are not straight or level need more adjustment.

Because these jobs take more time, contractors may pay more per brick, use a day rate, or charge per square metre. Trade guides show that site conditions and complexity are the main things that affect bricklaying costs.

Even though complex brickwork can be challenging, it can also be very satisfying. You get paid more for your skill, and you can see a beautiful wall or pattern come together.

How Many Bricks Can a Bricklayer Lay in a Day?

If you wonder how many bricks a bricklayer can lay, it depends on experience, wall type, and the site. On a simple wall with everything close by, a bricklayer can usually lay around 500 bricks a day.

• Beginners: About 200–250 bricks a day. They are still learning the skills and speed.

• Experienced pros: Can lay more than 500 bricks in good conditions with long, straight walls.

Some things can slow work down:

• Bad weather, like rain, wind, or cold.

• Hard-to-reach areas or materials not nearby.

• Complex walls with arches, corners, or patterns.

It is hard work, but it feels good to see a wall grow brick by brick. Working fast and smart can also help earn more money.

Does Location Affect Pay Per Brick?

Yes! Where you work can make a big difference to how much bricklayers earn per brick. Rates usually follow local demand and living costs.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• London and big cities: Pay tends to be higher than the national average.
• Other regions: Smaller towns or areas with lower living costs usually pay less per brick.
• Day and per-brick rates: Both generally go up in high-demand areas.
• Salary example: London bricklayers often earn between £38,000–£50,000 a year, depending on experience.

Location can really affect your earnings, so choosing jobs carefully matters. Working in a high-paying area can feel rewarding—both for your wallet and your pride in the work you do!

Do Self-Employed Bricklayers Earn More Per Brick?

Often, yes! Self-employed bricklayers can control how much they earn. They set their own price-per-brick or day rate. This can help them make more than employed bricklayers.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Self-employed: Around £300/day on average. In good years, this can go over £56,000 gross.
• Employed bricklayers: Usually earn £25,000–£45,000 per year.
• Things that affect pay: Weather, job availability, and costs for materials or tools.
• Flexibility: Self-employed workers can pick jobs that pay more or match their skills.

Being your own boss feels good. Seeing your work turn into money, brick by brick, is very satisfying. And sometimes, it can lead to a higher paycheck than working for someone else.

If you want a deeper dive into bricklayer pay, experience, and how location affects earnings, check out the blog “Salary for a Bricklayer: How Experience, Skills, and Location Affect Pay in the UK” on Open Learning Academy. It’s full of useful tips for anyone thinking about self-employment in bricklaying.

What Factors Change the Rate Per Brick?

Several things can change how much bricklayers earn per brick. These factors help explain why some jobs pay more than others.

Here are the main points:

• Scope & complexity: Arches, soldiers, returns, and special bricks take more skill and time.
• Access & logistics: How easy it is to get materials to the wall, use scaffolding or mix and point can affect speed.
• Wall type & measurement: Single-skin walls are quicker than cavity walls. Some jobs switch to per square metre pricing.
• Volume & continuity: Long, straight runs usually earn better rates than lots of short sections.
• Region & timing: Jobs in London or the South East often pay more. Peak seasons can also push rates higher.

Public cost guides highlight these factors when quoting per 1,000 bricks or per square metre. Understanding these points can help bricklayers and clients agree on fair pay. Plus, it feels good to see that your hard work and skill are valued!

Final Thoughts on Bricklayer Pay Per Brick

Bricklaying is a hands-on trade where your skill, speed and effort directly shape your earnings. Once you know how much bricklayers make per brick, it becomes easier to judge fair rates, plan your workload and see how each brick you lay adds to your income. With the right training and technique, your confidence grows — and so does your earning potential.

If you want to learn the craft properly, the Bricklaying Course – Open Learning Academy is a great place to start. It teaches you the real skills you need and prepares you for real site work.

FAQ

How much do UK bricklayers earn per brick?

Skilled bricklayers usually earn £0.50 to £1 per brick on price work. Employed workers make about £25,000–£45,000 a year. Self-employed bricklayers can earn more, sometimes over £56,000 a year when work is busy.

How much do bricklayers charge per brick?

Prices change by area, but most guides say bricklayers charge £650–£1,500 for 1,000 common bricks. For Class A or Class B engineering bricks, the price is usually £650–£1,790 per 1,000 bricks.

Can a bricklayer lay 1,000 bricks a day?

Most skilled bricklayers lay 300–500 bricks a day. This is about 40–60 bricks an hour. A very fast bricklayer may lay more, but 1,000 bricks in one day is rare and only possible in perfect conditions.

Is bricklaying a difficult skill to master?

Bricklaying is hard work. It needs strength, careful attention, and good technique. The basics are easy to learn, but becoming very skilled takes years. It can be tough, but many people find it rewarding.

What are bricklayers paid per brick?

Bricklayers often charge per brick or per day. Depending on the job, the price is usually $1.70 to $4.00 per brick.