Salary for a Bricklayer: How Experience, Skills, and Location Affect Pay in the UK

Have you ever seen a brand-new house being built? It is a truly amazing process to watch. Bricklayers build these walls and structures. Thus, they play a key role in construction. Perhaps you are wondering how much money a bricklayer can earn. Possibly; it’s a great question to ask about any job you might consider. The simple answer is that the pay gets much better with experience. We will explore exactly how the salary for a bricklayer grows over time.

Most employed bricklayers earn £31,000 to £36,000 a year, while top self-employed bricklayers can make £240 to £320 a day. Keep reading to learn more about this job and get tips for starting as a bricklayer!

What Does a Bricklayer Do?

A bricklayer’s job is more complex than just sticking bricks together. They build strong walls, new houses, and other structures using bricks and blocks. They must carefully follow special plans and drawings for every job. It is essential that their work is perfectly straight and also perfectly level.

Bricklayers also need to make sure their work connects well with other trades, like roofers. They must always follow the strict site safety rules without exception. Finally, bricklayers must finish their work on time. Meeting deadlines keeps the whole project on track. 

How Experience Affects the Salary for a Bricklayer

Experience is one of the biggest factors in a bricklayer’s pay. Two bricklayers on the same site can earn very different amounts. Imagine one person has just started, and the other has worked for ten years. The experienced worker will certainly be earning more money each day. In the UK, employed bricklayers usually earn £31,000 to £36,000 a year. This is considered the average for a steady and reliable worker.

However, the very best bricklayers can reach £40,000 or even more annually. They can also earn £240 to £320 every day if they work for themselves. These high earners are usually very fast, incredibly tidy, and totally trusted. Experience leads to both speed and a strong, reliable reputation. A good reputation is very important because it means better money for your hard work.

How Much Do New Bricklayers Earn?

The more time you spend working on construction sites, the better you become. You naturally become faster at laying bricks, and you also get much more accurate. Being fast and accurate gives bricklayers a big advantage. As a result, they can earn more through piecework or higher daily rates. Additionally, experienced bricklayers are often chosen first for the best-paying sites. Therefore, experience on the job directly increases your earning potential.

To learn more about bricklayer salaries, day rates, and how experience affects pay across the UK, check out our full guide: Average Wage for a Bricklayer UK: Salaries & Rates.

How Much Do Experienced Bricklayers Make in the UK?

After several years of consistent work on different sites, pay increases significantly. It is very realistic for them to earn between £35,000 and £40,000 a year. Very experienced bricklayers might also be specialists in certain types of work. They can easily reach £45,000 or more if they are employed by a company. If they work for themselves, they can charge strong day rates or do ‘price work’ for even more. Their deep knowledge and skill are always reflected in their higher earnings.

Do Skilled Bricklayers Earn Higher Hourly Rates?

The simple answer here is a definite yes; skilled bricklayers earn more per hour. £14 to £15 per hour is a common average across the country. However, the most skilled workers can easily justify a higher wage. They can produce a much higher amount of quality work in the same timeframe. This is why you see excellent, reliable bricklayers getting £240 to £320 every day. Their efficiency and trustworthiness make them highly valued by companies.

How Does Experience Impact Self-Employed Bricklayer Pay?

Many experienced bricklayers decide to work for themselves, becoming self-employed. They can quote a price for every 1,000 bricks they are asked to lay. These skilled workers can actually lay the high number of bricks required each day. They might charge between £0.70 and £1.00 for every single brick. Laying 400 to 600 bricks a day means they can earn £300 to £350 daily. Over a steady year, this can total an impressive £55,000 to £70,000 before paying expenses. This shows the huge earning potential for those who master the trade.

Do Location and Experience Work Together to Affect Pay?

Location absolutely plays a huge role in how much a bricklayer is paid. For example, London and the South East of England usually pay 10% to 30% more. When you combine experience with working in a high-paying area, pay goes up a lot. This combination often places you right at the very top of the pay range.

A new bricklayer working in a quiet area will likely earn the least money. An experienced bricklayer working on price work in London will earn the most. Therefore, moving to a busy city can be a clever way to increase your salary. Always consider where the biggest construction projects are happening.

Where You Live Changes the salary for a bricklayer: A Quick Table

Based on info for experienced bricklayers

What Qualifications Help Increase the Salary for a Bricklayer?

You will need certain qualifications to legally work on most construction sites. A relevant NVQ or City & Guilds qualification is very helpful. You must also have a valid CSCS card to show you are site-compliant and safe. Getting extra ‘tickets’ can also help you earn more money immediately.

These extra tickets might include SSSTS for site supervision or PASMA for scaffolding. They help you get onto better-paid sites or take on more responsibility. Having these qualifications and proven experience makes rate negotiation stronger. Employers will always pay more for a skilled worker who is fully qualified.

Can Bricklayers Earn More by Supervising or Training Others?

Highly experienced bricklayers can certainly take on bigger roles on-site. They can move into positions like gang leader, site foreman, or supervisor. In these jobs, you are paid for your own work and for managing a team. This means your overall pay band will instantly go up quite a bit.

Also, experienced bricklayers can take on an apprentice or a labourer. This helps them lay more bricks per day on lucrative ‘piece work’ projects. They get extra help, which allows them to earn more money more quickly. Supervising and teaching others is a great next step for a skilled bricklayer.

Final Thoughts: How Experience Can Boost a Bricklayer’s Salary

Bricklaying pay clearly rises with experience. New bricklayers earn £22k to £28k per year. Average earners make £31k to £36k. Experienced bricklayers can reach £35k to £40k per year. The top end, for skilled and reliable bricklayers, is £45k+ or £250 to £320 per day. Keep your CSCS card valid, stay reliable, and target better-paying sites or regions. Therefore, that’s the fastest way to see your salary jump.

Experience isn’t just about laying bricks — it’s about building your career, reputation, and income. Focus on speed, quality, and qualifications, and the pay will follow.

Boost Your Pay and Skills:

Experience builds your income, but training builds confidence. Level up with the Bricklaying Training Course and start earning more today.

FAQ

What does a bricklayer earn in the UK?

Most employed bricklayers earn around £31,000 to £36,000 a year, while experienced bricklayers can reach £45,000+ or £250–£320/day.

Can bricklayers make 100k?

It’s possible for self-employed bricklayers doing high-volume or specialist work, but most do not reach £100k a year.

Do bricklayers make good money?

Yes, skilled and experienced bricklayers can earn a good wage, especially with extra qualifications or in high-demand areas.

How much do bricklayers get paid per 1000 bricks?

Self-employed bricklayers usually earn £700–£1,000 per 1,000 bricks, depending on speed and location.

Is brick masonry a dying trade?

No, bricklaying is still in demand, especially for new builds, renovations, and heritage projects.

What jobs pay $4,000 a month in the UK?

Skilled trades like bricklaying, plumbing, and electrical work can reach around £3,500–£4,500 a month, depending on experience.

Can a bricklayer lay 1000 bricks a day?

Yes, very experienced bricklayers can lay 400–600 bricks a day, and in rare cases, with a fast pace, up to 1,000 bricks.

What jobs pay 300k a year in the UK?

High-level roles like surgeons, senior executives, and specialist consultants can earn £300k+; bricklaying generally does not reach this level.

How much should I pay a bricklayer per day?

Day rates for skilled bricklayers usually range from £240 to £320, depending on experience and location.

What jobs pay 250k a year in the UK?

Senior management, specialist doctors, and certain legal or finance roles can pay £250k+; bricklaying is below this range.

Do bricklayers get paid per brick?

Some self-employed bricklayers do, often for £0.70–£1 per brick, depending on speed, skill, and project type.

Is bricklaying a difficult skill to master?

Yes, it takes practice to be fast, accurate, and consistent, but experience and training make it easier over time.