Bricklayer Salary UK: How Much Does a Bricklayer Make a Year ?

Thinking about becoming a bricklayer? One of the first things you probably want to know is simple: how much does a bricklayer make a year ?

A bricklayer’s pay depends on experience, location, and whether you’re employed or self-employed. For the UK, most will earn £31,800 to £36,000 a year in 2025, with starters at £25,000 and experienced workers up to £45,000. In London, on day-rate work or self-employed, earnings can rise to £40,000 to £60,000 a year.

So, what does this mean for you? First, there’s room to grow. Second, bricklaying can be a solid, rewarding career. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know — apprenticeships, London pay, day work, self-employment, and simple ways to increase your earnings.

What Does a Bricklayer Do?

The work of a bricklayer is practical and physically demanding. They build and repair walls, houses, and other structures using bricks and blocks. The work is guided by drawings, plans, and strict site standards. Attention to detail is vital, as is knowing the right techniques to make sure walls are straight, strong, and long-lasting.

Most bricklayers work 40 to 44 hours a week, often outside in all kinds of weather. They may move between multiple sites in a week, depending on the project. A day can start early and involve heavy lifting, mixing mortar, and careful bricklaying.

It’s not just physical work. Bricklayers also need to plan, measure, and problem-solve on-site. They check their work, read plans accurately, and sometimes supervise apprentices or assistants. If you enjoy seeing tangible results and working with your hands, it can be a rewarding career.

How Much Does a Bricklayer Make a Year in the UK?

So, on average, how much does a bricklayer make a year in the UK? The simple answer is that the average lies between £31,800 and £36,000. The job board reports an average of £31,800, while Glassdoor puts it at £36,043.

These numbers give a realistic picture of what most employed bricklayers earn. The National Careers Service quotes a broader range: £25,000 for starters, up to £45,000 for experienced bricklayers. This range is important because it guides training providers and apprenticeship schemes.

Keep in mind, pay can vary with your location, experience, and work type. Want the full breakdown? Visit How Much Does a Bricklayer Earn in the UK? to learn more about bricklayer pay across the UK.  

Do Bricklayers Earn More with Experience?

Of course, salary matters! Experience matters. Starter bricklayers typically earn around £25,000 to £30,000 a year. These are people who are still learning the trade, gaining site experience, and improving their speed and accuracy.

Once you have several years of experience, the salary can jump to £40,000 to £45,000. Experienced bricklayers are faster, more efficient, and can handle more complex projects. They can also command higher pay if they specialise in structural or decorative brickwork.

Trade guides suggest using £40,000 as a benchmark when negotiating pay for an experienced bricklayer in 2025. If you work consistently and efficiently, you can build a strong reputation that leads to higher-paying projects.

How Much Do Apprentice Bricklayers Earn?

Starting out as an apprentice? Apprentice bricklayers earn less than fully qualified workers, which makes sense while you’re learning the trade. In 2025, the typical apprentice salary is around £16,388 per year, with most earning between £12,886 and £20,842. The UK legal minimum wage for apprentices from April 2025 is £7.55 per hour. Some employers may pay more depending on the sector, location, and your progress in the apprenticeship.

An apprenticeship gives you practical experience and a clear route to higher pay. Once qualified, your earnings can increase sharply.

Do Bricklayers Get Paid More in London?

Yes. Location has a big impact on pay. London bricklayers earn more than the UK average because the cost of living is higher and demand for construction work is strong.

In 2025, the typical employed London bricklayer earns around £38,245 per year (about £18/hour). Top earners report salaries over £47,000, with some survey data showing wages exceeding £50,000. If you’re moving to London for work, expect salaries 6 to 30% higher than the UK average. The exact increase depends on your experience, the type of work, and the company or site you’re on.

What’s the Average Hourly Rate for Bricklayers?

Many people want to know the hourly rate for bricklayers. In 2025, the UK average is £14.35/hour. This is for standard employed work. If you take a day rate or “price work”, rates can be much higher. Skilled, fast bricklayers can earn £32.50–£37.50/hour, or £240–£320/day. This is common for high-standard projects, tight deadlines, or specialised jobs. For those who like flexibility, day-rate work can be a way to earn more while gaining diverse experience.

Do Self-Employed Bricklayers Earn More?

Many bricklayers choose to work for themselves. Being self-employed or running a small business can significantly increase earnings. In 2025, the realistic figures are:

• £56,000/year for self-employed sole traders.
• £59,000 to £60,000/year for limited company owners.

These figures are before costs. Tools, vans, fuel, insurance, and unpaid days all reduce take-home pay. But self-employment also offers control over projects, rates, and hours.

What Factors Affect a Bricklayer’s Salary?

Reasons that influence a bricklayer’s salary

Your pay might vary significantly depending on a number of factors. Here is what matters most:

1. Location: Where You Work

This is simple: Money follows the high cost of living. If you work in or around London and the South East, you generally get paid more. Why? Because rent and life expenses are so high there. In other, quieter parts of the UK, the bills are lower, and so the pay rates for the job are often lower too.

But the location is just the start; the most important factor might be who signs your pay cheque.

2. Job Type: Being an Employee vs. Working for Yourself

The next big difference is how you get paid:

• As an Employee: You get a steady wage every week or month. You also get easy benefits like paid time off and sick leave. The trade-off is that your pay limit is capped by your boss.
• Working for Yourself (Self-Employed): You can charge a much higher day rate and potentially earn the most money, often over £50,000. But, you have to pay for everything yourself: your van, your tools, your insurance, and your own taxes. If you don’t work, you don’t get paid.

Whether you work for yourself or a company, your skill level is what truly makes a boss or client hire you.

3. Experience and Skill: Getting Faster and Better

The more you’ve laid bricks, the more you’re worth.

• Beginners: Start at the lower end, as they are still learning how to be fast and neat.
• Experienced Bricklayers: Can lay bricks quickly and perfectly. This saves the construction site time and money, so they can demand much higher wages, often in the £40,000 to £45,000 range. Your speed and quality are your best assets.

To prove that skill, though, you often need the right paperwork and certifications.

4. Training and Cards: Having the Right Proof

You need the right paperwork to get the best jobs. The CSCS card is often your entry ticket for large work sites. Having formal qualifications, like an NVQ, or special skills, like fixing old buildings or making fancy brick patterns, proves you are reliable and qualified. This proof lets you ask for and get better pay on premium jobs.

Of course, all the skills in the world don’t help if there are no jobs available.

5. Market Demand: Is Construction Busy?

When there are lots of new houses or big projects being built, the construction market is busy. This means companies are desperate for good bricklayers, and they will pay higher wages to hire them. If the economy slows down and construction stops, work gets harder to find, and pay rates can drop.

And finally, even when the market is busy, the specific job you’re doing changes your price.

6. Project Type: The Simple vs. The Difficult

The job itself matters. Building a basic garden wall will pay less than working on a complex, high-rise office building or restoring a historic church. The more difficult, technical, or unique the brickwork is, the more the tradesperson is allowed to charge for their expert time.

In short, where you work, how you work, your experience, training, and the type of project all affect your pay. So focus on improving your skills and choosing the right jobs, and your earnings will grow steadily.

Can Bricklayers Increase Their Income?

Bricklayers can boost earnings in several ways:

• Take higher day-rate projects: Price work pays more than standard employment.
• Specialise: Skills like heritage brickwork, decorative bricklaying, or site supervision increase your value.
• Stay qualified: Keep your CSCS card valid to work on better-paid sites.
• Work efficiently: Faster and accurate work builds a reputation and repeat clients.
• Build a business: Owning a small bricklaying company can push earnings to £60k+ before costs.

Skilled bricklayers who combine experience with strong client relationships can quote up to £300/day on premium projects.

Is Bricklaying a Good Career in the UK?

Let’s put it in perspective. In 2025, the UK median full-time salary is £39,039. Bricklayers earning £31k–£36k are close to this, and many experienced or self-employed bricklayers surpass it.

There’s a clear career path: start as an apprentice, move to an employed bricklayer, gain experience, then consider self-employment. With steady work in housing, refurbishments, or extensions, you can maintain a reliable income in most regions. Bricklaying combines physical work, skill, and practical problem-solving. For people who enjoy working outdoors and seeing results, it’s a satisfying career with good earning potential.

Realistic Income Examples

Here are some realistic examples that demonstrate income in 2025:

• Starter bricklayer in the North: £25,500/year
• Experienced bricklayer in the Midlands: £42,000/year
• London employed bricklayer: £38,245/year
• Self-employed bricklayer: £56,000/year before costs
• High-skilled heritage specialist (London): £60,000/year

These figures show that experience, location, and type of work can make a real difference.

Tips for Career Progression

1. Start with an apprenticeship: Gain experience and NVQ qualifications.
2. Focus on speed and accuracy: Being reliable and productive increases pay.
3. Learn specialist skills: Heritage or decorative brickwork adds value.
4. Consider self-employment: Higher earning potential, but comes with costs and responsibility.
5. Keep up with CSCS and training: Some sites only hire fully certified workers.
6. Stay flexible: Move between regions or take piecework when demand is high.

By taking these measures, you can continually increase your income and build a successful career.

Summary: How Much Does a Bricklayer Make a Year?

To wrap it up: most bricklayers earn £31,800 to £36,000 a year. Starters make around £25,000, and experienced workers reach £45,000. In London, pay averages £38,000, with some topping £47,000 per year. On the contrary, self-employed bricklayers can earn up to £60,000 before costs.

Therefore, it’s a clear indication that bricklaying pays well in the UK. You can move from apprentice to skilled worker and earn more through day work or self-employment. If you like hands-on work and seeing results, bricklaying offers good pay and real satisfaction.

Are you prepared to begin? Join the Bricklaying Training Course at Open Learning Academy and build the skills to earn and succeed.

FAQ

How much do bricklayers get paid in the UK?

Most will earn £31,800–£36,000 a year in 2025. Starters make around £25,000, and experienced bricklayers make up to £45,000.

Can bricklayers make 100k?

It’s rare. Only self-employed business owners or specialist bricklayers on high-end projects can reach that level.

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

It depends on the job, but bricklayers often get paid by day or project, not per brick.

What GCSEs do you need to be a bricklayer?

You usually need Maths and English, but no specific GCSEs are required to start an apprenticeship.

Can a bricklayer lay 1,000 bricks a day?

Skilled bricklayers can, but it depends on project type, conditions, and experience.

Do bricklayers get good money?

Yes. Pay is around the UK average, with the chance to earn more in London or through self-employment.

How much is a bricklayer per day?

Typical day rates are £150–£250, but skilled or specialist work can reach £300/day.

Will AI replace bricklayers?

Not soon. Bricklaying needs hands-on skills, problem-solving, and adaptability that machines can’t fully do yet.

Is bricklaying a tough job?

Yes. It is physically demanding and often outdoors, but it is rewarding for those who enjoy practical work.