How Much Does Bricklayers Get Paid in the UK in Real Terms

Bricklaying looks simple from the outside. But the pay often surprises people. Lots of new workers or clients ask this before working in bricklaying or hiring help. So, how much does bricklayers get paid in the UK, and is the money worth the hard work? The truth is, pay changes fast. For example, skill, experience, and the type of work make a big difference. Some bricklayers get a fixed wage. At the same time, others earn more by charging per day or per brick.

In fact, apprentices earn about £11,063 a year. Then, newly qualified bricklayers can make around £31,942, and experienced workers earn close to £40,102. Also, self-employed bricklayers can earn between £56,052 and £59,002 before costs. Hourly pay is from £6.30 to £40, while day rates can reach £320. Similarly, per-brick rates range from £650 to £5,000 per 1,000 bricks. On a normal day, a bricklayer lays about 500 bricks. Overall, pay rises with experience, location, and type of work. Finally, having an NVQ Level 2 or 3 and a CSCS card gives access to higher-paid jobs, especially in London and on big projects.

Now, let’s jump straight into how much do bricklayers make UK and what affects their pay.

What Do Bricklayers Do on a Typical Job?

The main duties bricklayers carry out each day:

1. Site Prep & Setup: Read the building plans, measure the area, and lay the first rows to correctly start the structure.
2. Brick & Block Laying: Spread mortar and carefully put bricks or blocks in place to build walls, chimneys, arches, or other structures.
3. Measuring & Checking: Use spirit levels, laser tools, or plumb lines to make sure walls are straight and level.
4. Cutting & Shaping: Cut or shape bricks to fit corners, openings, or special designs using simple tools or power tools.
5. Finishing & Repairs: Fix old walls, repair mortar joints, seal foundations, and keep buildings strong and durable.
6. Material Management: Mix mortar and keep enough bricks, blocks, and tools ready for smooth work.

What Factors Affect How Much Bricklayers Get Paid?

Before looking at the numbers, it’s important to understand what affects a bricklayer’s earnings. Here are the main factors:

1. Location – Pay changes depending on where you work. Bricklayers in London and the South East earn more because demand is higher and projects are larger.
2. Experience and work quality – Bricklayers who are skilled and do neat work earn more. Those who work fast and carefully often get higher pay.
3. Type of project – Not all jobs pay the same. Big commercial or specialist projects usually pay better than small home jobs. Hard or complex work comes with extra pay.
4. Special skills – Extra skills can increase what you earn. Working on restoration jobs or eco-friendly projects makes you more valuable, so clients pay more for your work.

How Much Does Bricklayers Get Paid in the UK on Average?

Bricklayers in the UK earn different amounts depending on their experience and the type of work they do. For example, apprentices usually earn around £11,063 a year. Next, newly qualified bricklayers can make about £31,942, while experienced workers earn close to £40,102. At the same time, self-employed bricklayers can earn between £56,052 and £59,002 before costs are deducted. Also, hourly pay ranges from £6.30 to £40, and day rates can reach £320. Some bricklayers get paid per brick, with rates from £650 to £5,000 per 1,000 bricks. On a normal day, a skilled bricklayer can lay around 500 bricks.

Pay also changes depending on where you work and the kind of job you do. Bricklayers in London and the South East usually earn more than in other areas. Similarly, big commercial or specialist jobs often pay better than small home projects. As construction work grows in the UK, skilled bricklayers are in high demand. As a result, pay stays good, and experience, speed, and skill all make a real difference in what a bricklayer earns.

How Much Does a Bricklayer Earn at Each Career Stage?

How Much Does an Apprentice Bricklayer Get Paid?

Apprentices earn around £11,063 a year. Hourly pay is about £6.30, and daily rates can reach £50. They usually do basic work, such as garden walls and small extensions, while learning the trade from experienced bricklayers. This helps them get ready for bigger jobs later.

How Much Can a Newly Qualified Bricklayer Make?

Newly qualified bricklayers make about £31,942 a year. They can handle bigger jobs and work more independently. Pay rises quickly because they can do more difficult work and deliver better-quality results, which clients are willing to pay more for.

How Much Do Employed Bricklayers Earn Per Year?

Employed bricklayers take home around £40,102 a year. These jobs give security and steady work. Daily tasks often include residential builds, commercial sites, and regular construction projects, helping them get more experience and work faster.

How Much Does a Self-Employed Bricklayer Earn?

Self-employed bricklayers can earn £56,052 a year before costs. After paying for tools, vehicles, and insurance, take-home pay is about £37,589. Many choose this path to earn more, choose their own jobs, and have a flexible schedule.

How Much Do Ltd Bricklaying Company Owners Earn?

Owners of Ltd bricklaying companies earn around £59,002 a year. After costs, take-home pay is about £38,830. Running a business brings extra responsibility, but it also gives higher pay, bigger jobs, and more freedom.

How Much Does Bricklayers Get Paid Per Hour in the UK?

Hourly pay changes depending on a bricklayer’s experience and role. For example, apprentices earn about £6.30 per hour, newly qualified bricklayers make around £18.19, and employed bricklayers earn roughly £19.28. At the same time, self-employed sole traders can earn £38.00, and owners of Ltd bricklaying companies can make up to £40.00 per hour. So, the more experience and responsibility you have, the more you can earn.

Hourly pay works well for small jobs or quick projects. But on bigger or longer projects, many bricklayers choose day rates or pay-per-brick instead. The reason is simple: this method brings higher pay and more predictable income.

How Much Does a Bricklayer Get Paid Per Day?

Daily pay for bricklayers changes with experience and role. For example, apprentices earn about £50.40 per day, newly qualified bricklayers make around £145.52, and employed bricklayers earn roughly £154.24. At the same time, self-employed sole traders can earn £304.00, while owners of Ltd bricklaying companies can make up to £320.00 per day. So, more experience and responsibility mean higher daily pay.

Day rates also depend on having a full diary of work. Also, big commercial sites usually pay more than small home jobs. Plus, tricky or complex work often comes with extra pay, while simple tasks pay less. Overall, picking the right jobs can make a big difference to your daily income.

How Much Do Bricklayers Get Paid Per Brick in the UK?

How much a bricklayer earns per brick depends on the type of bricks and the job. For example, for 1,000 bricks, common bricks usually earn £650–£1,500, engineering bricks £650–£1,790, and clay facing bricks can bring in £2,260–£5,000. Because some bricks are harder to lay, they pay more. Also, per-brick pay works best when the site is easy to reach and progress can be seen clearly.

How Much Do Bricklayers Make Per Brick on Private Jobs?

On private jobs, bricklayers often work from quotes instead of fixed rates. As a result, the price can change depending on the site, how easy it is to get to and how much prep work is needed. Also, tricky sites or smaller jobs often pay more per brick because they take extra time. This way, bricklayers get paid fairly and can earn more for their effort.

How Many Bricks Can a Bricklayer Lay in a Day?

A bricklayer can usually lay around 500 bricks a day. For example, work goes faster when the materials are ready, the site is easy to reach and the bricklayer has experience. But tough conditions like bad weather, uneven surfaces, or tricky designs can slow them down. Because daily pay often depends on how much they can lay, working faster can earn more, while slower work can reduce income.

Bricklayers can work faster when a helper brings bricks and mixes the mortar. At the same time, using tools like power mixers and scaffolding makes the job easier and quicker. In addition, keeping the site tidy and organised helps them work safely and efficiently. On well-planned projects, experienced bricklayers can even lay 600–700 bricks a day. This usually happens when the design is simple and the site is easy to reach.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Bricklayer UK?

Skill helps, but it does not guarantee good pay for bricklaying. First, UK sites expect proof before letting you work. That’s the reason having qualifications matters. They show that you know the job and follow safety rules. As a result, you can move from low-paid work to better jobs. Now, let’s look at what really matters.

Do You Need an NVQ to Earn More as a Bricklayer?

To start with, an NVQ helps you earn more. NVQ Level 2 shows that you can do bricklaying work properly. For this reason, most sites accept this level for paid work. Next, NVQ Level 3 shows higher skills and more experience. It also means you can do harder work with confidence.

Here’s the main point. Employers trust qualified bricklayers more. In the same way, clients feel safe hiring them. As a result, qualified workers get more jobs. Over time, this leads to better daily pay and a steady income.

Do Bricklayers Need a CSCS Card to Get Better Pay?

A CSCS card plays a big role in pay. It shows that you understand site safety and basic rules. That is why many large sites will not let you work without it.

Now, let’s look at the card types. A Red card is for learners and trainees. After that, a Blue card is for skilled bricklayers with NVQ Level 2. Finally, a Gold card is for experienced bricklayers with NVQ Level 3 or supervisors.

Most importantly, Blue and Gold cards help you get work on bigger sites. That’s why these sites usually offer higher pay and steady work. In simple terms, the right CSCS card helps you earn more and work with confidence.

Can Bricklayers Earn Good Money Without a CSCS Card?

Yes, some bricklayers work without a CSCS card on small local jobs, private repairs, or quick fixes. But the truth is, most people don’t realise that these jobs pay less and often have irregular hours. At the same time, sites that don’t require a card usually avoid larger projects due to safety rules. This means you can earn some money, but it rarely matches the pay of full-time site work or better-paid contracts.

Here’s something many don’t know: without a CSCS card, you miss out on more than just pay. For example, large commercial sites, long-term contracts and higher-paying jobs almost always require one. Because of this, bricklayers without a card often stay on small jobs, which slows skill growth and limits earning potential. In short, skipping a CSCS card may seem easy at first, but it quietly blocks access to better pay, steady work, and career opportunities that most beginners never see.

How Can Bricklayers Increase Their Pay Over Time?

Here are some simple ways to boost your earnings:

1. Work faster and finish neatly – The quicker and cleaner you lay bricks, the more jobs you can do. Better speed and tidier work often mean higher pay.
2. Learn extra skills like repointing – Doing more than basic bricklaying makes you more valuable. Skills like repointing, fixing old walls, or decorative brickwork can get you better-paid work.
3. Go self-employed – Being your own boss lets you pick better jobs and set your own rates. It comes with extra responsibility, but you can earn much more.
4. Get NVQs while working – Level 2 or Level 3 NVQs prove your skill. This increases pay and provides access to larger sites, higher-paying projects, and long-term growth.

Final Thoughts – Is Bricklaying Pay Worth It?

So, how much does bricklayers get paid? Apprentices usually start around £11k a year. Next, newly qualified bricklayers earn about £31k. Then, experienced workers can make £40k or more. Self-employed bricklayers and business owners can reach £56k–£59k before costs. The main point is that your pay grows fast when you learn new skills, get NVQs, and have a CSCS card. In fact, the more skills and experience you have, the bigger and better-paid projects you can work on.

Bricklaying is good for people who like hands-on work and take pride in doing a tidy job. Also, it suits those who enjoy seeing results quickly. Plus, skilled bricklayers are always in demand. Big building sites, specialist projects, and long-term jobs need trained and reliable workers. So, with the right skills and effort, bricklaying gives steady work, higher pay and real career growth. Overall, it is hard work, but the money and opportunities make it worth every brick you lay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much do bricklayers get paid in the UK?

1. Bricklayers usually earn between £30k and £40k a year. Experienced or self-employed workers can make up to £56k–£59k before costs.

Can bricklayers make £100k?

1. Yes, but only if you run your own business, take big projects, or work extra hours with high skill.

Is a bricklayer a well-paid job?

1. It can be. Skilled bricklayers with qualifications and experience earn good money, especially in London or on large building sites.

Do bricklayers get paid per brick?

1. Sometimes. Rates range from £650 to £5,000 for 1,000 bricks, depending on the type of bricks and the difficulty of the job.

Can you lay 1,000 bricks a day?

1. It’s possible for experienced bricklayers on simple sites. Most lay about 500 a day. With helpers and easy conditions, some can do 600–700 bricks.

How much does a 17-year-old apprentice get paid?

1. Around £11,000 a year, which is about £6–£7 per hour. Pay can change depending on experience and location.

How much does McDonald’s pay a 16-year-old?

1. Usually around £7–£9 per hour, depending on where you work and how many hours you do.