How Much Do Bricklayers Get Paid UK? Full Pay Guide

How much do bricklayers get paid UK? This is what new bricklayers often ask when exploring the trade. On average, a bricklayer's salary in the UK is £25,000 to £45,000 a year. Skilled self-employed bricklayers can earn even more, around £56,000–£60,000+ before tax, showing that experience and working for yourself can increase earnings.

Most bricklayers charge for their time. The usual hourly rate is £32.50–£37.50, and the day rate is £240–£320. Some jobs pay per brick, usually £0.50–£1 per brick. A skilled bricklayer can lay about 500 bricks in a day, helping them earn more quickly.

Pay often depends on experience, location, job type, and special skills. Choosing the right work and improving your skills can make a big difference. With effort and good opportunities, bricklaying can be a well-paid and lasting career in the UK.

Now let's take a closer look at bricklayer pay and salary in the UK.

What Is the Average Bricklayer Salary in the UK?

The bricklayer's salary in the UK can change for a few reasons. Experience, job type, and work style all affect pay. Still, trade data shows a clear pay range across the industry. Most bricklayers in the UK earn between £25,000 and £45,000 a year. As workers gain more experience, their income usually grows.

First, look at newly qualified workers. A newly qualified bricklayer earns around £32,000 per year. At this stage, many start taking small jobs on their own. With each job, they build speed and confidence. As their skills improve, they can earn more.

Next, consider experienced bricklayers. These workers complete jobs faster and handle larger projects. As a result, many earn £40,000 or more each year. Large housing projects and busy construction sites often pay higher rates.

Now think about self-employment. Many bricklayers choose this path to increase their income. A self-employed sole trader can earn about £56,052 per year. In the same way, some bricklaying business owners earn £59,000 to £60,000+ before tax.

However, running a business also brings costs. Bricklayers must pay for tools, fuel, insurance, and accountant fees. These costs reduce the final take-home income.

The table below shows a simple overview of typical bricklayer pay levels in the UK.

What Is the Bricklayer Hourly Rate and Day Rate in the UK?

Knowing the bricklayer's hourly rate and day rate in the UK helps both workers and clients plan better. In 2026, most bricklayers charge £32.50–£37.50 per hour and £240–£320 per day. The exact pay depends on the job and the project's size.

Hourly rates are best for smaller jobs. This includes repairs, home maintenance, or work where it is hard to know how long it will take. Paying by the hour gives flexibility when the job is small or uncertain.

Day rates work better for bigger jobs. These include house extensions, medium construction projects, and contractor site work. Paying per day gives bricklayers a steady income and makes it easier to plan larger projects.

Some things can make rates higher. Weekend or evening work, emergency call-outs, and jobs in remote areas usually cost more. Even small jobs often have a minimum charge to cover costs. While most bricklayers use hourly or day rates, some earn by per-brick payment. This method rewards skill and speed and can help experienced bricklayers earn more.

Do Bricklayers Get Paid Per Brick in the UK?

Some bricklayers earn money through the bricklayer per brick rate in the UK instead of by the hour or day. This way of working pays for each brick they lay. It works best for walls, decorative features or big projects where counting bricks is easier than keeping track of time.

Typical rates for 1,000 bricks are:

Common bricks: £650 – £1,500
Engineering bricks: £650 – £1,790
Facing bricks: £2,260 – £5,000

How much you earn depends on the brick. Facing bricks cost more because they need careful handling and exact work. At the same time, decorative or tricky walls take longer to build, which increases the labour cost. Other things, like brick type, site conditions, and access, can also change the price.

A skilled bricklayer can lay around 500 bricks a day. At a rate of £0.50–£1 per brick, daily pay can change a lot depending on speed and project size. Laying 500 bricks at £0.75 per brick would earn £375 in one day.

This pay method rewards fast and skilled bricklayers. However, income can be less steady than hourly or daily rates because it depends on the job.

How Much Do Bricklayers Get Paid UK by Experience Level?

A bricklayer's pay goes up as they gain skills and experience. At the start, an apprentice bricklayer's wage in the UK is about £11,063 per year, with a day rate of £50–£60. Apprentices spend time learning safety, using tools, and practising basic bricklaying. This stage builds a strong foundation for their career.

When they qualify, a newly qualified bricklayer can earn £31,942–£32,000 per year, with an hourly rate of around £18. They can work alone on smaller jobs. Each project helps them gain confidence and improve speed which increases their pay.

An experienced bricklayer can earn £40,000+ per year, with hourly rates of £32.50–£37.50. They finish jobs faster and handle bigger projects. This efficiency lets them earn much more than beginners.

At the top, a site foreman or supervisor earns about £41,000 per year, managing teams and keeping work on track. Bricklaying business owners can earn £56,000–£60,000+ annually, with day rates of £304–£320. Running a business adds responsibility but it also brings higher income.

Employed vs Self-Employed Bricklayer Salary UK

An employed bricklayer usually earns around £30,000–£40,000 per year. They also get a steady income, holiday pay, and support from their employer, while having fewer business responsibilities. This lets them focus on the job and build their skills.

A self-employed bricklayer can make more money. Typical pay is £300 per day, which can reach £56,000+ per year before tax. Hourly rates are usually about £38. At the same time, self-employed workers pay for everything themselves, including tools, fuel, vehicle upkeep, insurance, marketing, accountant fees, PPE, and training.

Business costs reduce take-home pay. Sole traders usually spend about £7,000 a year, while Ltd company owners may spend around £10,000. After costs, estimated earnings are roughly £37,589 for sole traders and £38,830 for Ltd company owners.

Being self-employed can earn more but comes with more responsibility. Next, we will look at how location can change a bricklayer salary UK.

Which UK Cities Pay Bricklayers the Most?

Where you work can really change your pay. Looking at the bricklayer salary UK by location shows which cities pay the most.

London and the South East usually pay the highest. This is because of high demand for construction, big building projects, and the high cost of living. A newly qualified bricklayer in Central London can earn £37,000+ per year, while a self-employed bricklayer may earn £50,000+.

Birmingham also pays well, thanks to new housing developments and steady demand for bricklayers.

Manchester has a busy construction sector with regeneration and housing projects keeping jobs steady. Pay is lower than in London but still good, making it a solid choice for workers.

Here are example salaries by city:

Manchester trainee bricklayer: £24,000+
Manchester newly qualified: £30,000+
Birmingham newly qualified: £33,000+
Central London newly qualified: £37,000+

What Types of Bricklaying Jobs Pay the Most?

Different bricklaying jobs pay differently depending on the project and the skills needed. Knowing bricklayer salary UK by location and job type helps you see where you can earn the most.

Domestic Projects

Examples: garden walls, chimneys, house extensions
Pay is usually lower because work is slower and the space is smaller

New Build Housing

Pay is higher because the work is repetitive and faster
Big housing projects let bricklayers do more work quickly, which increases earnings

Commercial Construction

Higher pay comes from strict building rules, bigger budgets, and tricky project work
Jobs include offices, schools, and big apartment blocks

Heritage Restoration

The highest paying type of work
Needs specialist skills like lime mortar techniques, fixing historic walls, and expert craftsmanship
Work takes longer but pays more because few bricklayers can do it

After looking at job types, the next way to earn more is by learning specialist skills, which can increase a bricklayer's pay even further.

What Skills Can Increase a Bricklayer's Salary?

Learning specialist skills can help you increase your bricklayer salary in the UK and earn more on every job. Knowing the right skills makes a real difference.

Heritage Restoration Masonry

Fix and restore old buildings carefully
Use lime mortars and traditional methods that few bricklayers can do

Eco-Friendly Bricklaying

Work with low-carbon materials and eco-friendly methods
Build greener homes and projects that often pay more

Custom Brickwork

Make arches, patterns, and custom designs
Turn normal walls into special, high-value features

These skills make you stand out because fewer bricklayers can do this work, letting you charge higher rates. Focusing on these skills can increase pay and open doors to more interesting and better-paid jobs.

How Can Bricklayers Earn More Money?

Bricklayers can make more money by planning their work and working smarter. Knowing how to earn more money helps increase pay quickly.

Set Minimum Job Charges

Don't let small jobs eat into your profits.
This ensures every job pays for your time and costs.

Plan Your Work Well

Mix big jobs with smaller ones to keep a steady income.
Keeping work flowing stops gaps and keeps money coming in.

Build a Good Reputation

Ask clients for reviews, referrals and online testimonials.
A strong reputation brings more clients and better-paying jobs.

Offer Extra Services

Do work like repointing, lintel installation, building steps, and emergency repairs.
Extra services help you earn more without taking entirely new projects.

Use Online Marketing

Show your work with local SEO, construction directories, and portfolio photos.
Being visible brings more clients and higher pay.

Following these steps helps bricklayers earn more money and grow their business steadily.

What Costs Do Bricklayers Need to Consider?

Running a bricklaying business comes with some important costs. Every bricklayer needs a basic tool kit with trowels, brick chisels, spirit levels, and wheelbarrows. These are used every day and are needed to do the job properly.

Other costs also matter. A cement mixer can cost around £579, and public liability insurance usually costs £100–£120 per year. A full basic tool kit can add a few hundred pounds to your start-up costs.

Costs go up if you want a bigger setup. A simple setup may cost a few hundred pounds, a mid-range setup can reach a few thousand, and a high-end setup with marketing, training, and extra equipment can cost several thousand pounds.

Tools wear out over time, so you need to maintain and replace them regularly. Knowing these costs helps bricklayers plan their money well and protect their earnings.

Conclusion on Bricklaying Pay

So, how much do bricklayers get paid UK? Bricklaying is a well-paid and steady job. Apprentices usually start at around £11,000 a year. Newly qualified bricklayers can earn about £32,000. As they gain experience, tradespeople often make £40,000 or more. Self-employed bricklayers can earn £56,000+ before tax, showing that working for yourself can boost earnings.

Day-to-day work also pays well. Hourly rates are usually £32.50–£37.50, and day rates sit between £240–£320. Skilled workers with experience, specialist skills, or a good reputation can earn even more, making bricklaying a rewarding trade.

Overall, bricklaying is in demand across the UK. With the right skills, planning, and effort, bricklayers can grow a strong career and increase their income steadily over time.

FAQs About How Much Do Bricklayers Get Paid UK

1. How much do UK bricklayers earn per brick?

Bricklayers usually earn £0.50–£1 per brick, depending on skill, brick type, and project.

2. Can bricklayers make £100k?

Yes, top self-employed or specialist bricklayers with big projects can reach £100k+ a year.

3. Can a bricklayer lay 1,000 bricks a day?

It's very rare. Most skilled bricklayers lay around 500 bricks per day.

4. Is bricklaying a high-paying job?

It pays well, especially with experience, specialist skills, or self-employment.

5. Is bricklaying a tough job?

Yes, it's physically demanding and requires skill, focus and stamina every day.

6. Who earns £250k a year in the UK?

Usually top executives, doctors, lawyers or successful business owners.

7. What jobs pay £1,000 a week?

Skilled trades, some healthcare roles, delivery drivers, and certain office jobs can reach £1,000 weekly.