How Much Does a Bricklayer Earn in the UK? Salary Guide 2026

Bricklaying is the process of building walls and structures with bricks and mortar. Bricklayers work on homes, buildings, walls and other structures. But what kind of salary comes with all this hard work? How much does a bricklayer earn in the UK? The National Careers Service lists £25,000 for starters and £45,000 for experienced bricklayers.

However, pay can differ based on experience and location. Your job type and specialist skills can also affect your earnings. Self-employed bricklayers may earn more from private jobs. However, they must cover tools, travel, insurance and other costs. This year, apprentices can earn at least £8 per hour. Workers aged 21+ can earn at least £12.71 per hour.

This guide covers bricklayer salaries, hourly rates, day rates and other earnings.

How Much Does a Bricklayer Earn in the UK?

A bricklayer can earn £25,000 to £45,000 a year, according to the National Careers Service. This gives a useful benchmark for UK bricklayer salary figures. However, Checkatrade estimates earnings from £11,063 for apprentices to £59,002 for company owners. Able Skills also provides salary estimates across different career stages.

Apprentices may earn about £11,063 a year. Newly qualified bricklayers may earn around £31,942. Employed bricklayers can earn about £40,102. Sole traders may earn around £56,052. Company owners may earn about £59,002.

How Does Bricklayer Pay Rise With Experience?

Bricklayer pay often increases as workers gain skills and responsibility. A newly qualified bricklayer salary can reach around £31,942. Able Skills gives a similar estimate of £32,000. An experienced bricklayer salary can reach about £40,102 for employed workers. Able Skills estimates around £40,000.

1. Newly qualified: Around £31,942 per year.
2. Developing skills: Workers gain speed, accuracy and confidence.
3. Experienced worker: Around £40,102 per year.
4. Difficult projects: Skilled workers can handle more complex brickwork.
5. Greater responsibility: Workers may read plans and manage tasks.
6. Better finishes: High-quality work can help workers earn more.

How Much Does an Apprentice Bricklayer Earn?

An apprentice bricklayer can earn around £11,000 a year at the start. Checkatrade reports £11,063, while Able Skills gives around £11,000. These figures show average pay, not the legal minimum. From April, eligible apprentices can earn at least £8 per hour. Apprentices under 19 can get this rate. It also applies to apprentices aged 19 or over in their first year. 

After the first year, apprentices aged 19 or over can receive the age-related minimum wage. Pay can also rise with experience and employer rates. For example, one 2026 Level 2 bricklaying vacancy offers £16,640 a year. Therefore, apprentice pay varies by age, employer, hours and apprenticeship year.

How Much Does a Bricklayer Earn Per Hour?

The bricklayer hourly rate UK changes with experience and work type. Checkatrade lists £18.19 per hour for newly qualified workers. Employed bricklayers can earn around £19.28 per hour. Sole traders may charge about £38 per hour. Limited company owners may charge around £40 per hour.

Self-employed workers do not keep all the money they charge. They also pay for tools, fuel, insurance and travel. Location and the type of job can change the rate too. Experience can also affect a bricklayer's pay per hour. So, bricklaying wages can vary from one job to another.

What Is the Average Bricklayer Day Rate?

The bricklayer day rate UK changes with experience and work type. Checkatrade lists £145.52 per day for newly qualified bricklayers. Employed bricklayers earn around £154.24 per day. Sole traders may charge about £304 per day. Limited company owners may charge around £320 per day.

Able Skills gives the same figures for these workers. It also lists at least £60.40 per day for apprentices. A day rate does not mean a fixed yearly income. Bad weather or fewer jobs can reduce working days. Travel and job delays can also affect earnings. Self-employed workers often charge more than employees. Their rates cover the work they do for customers.

What Costs Reduce a Bricklayer's Take-Home Pay?

A bricklayer's total earnings do not show their final income. Self-employed workers have several costs to pay. These costs can lower the amount of money they take home. Checkatrade estimates around £7,006 in costs for sole traders. Limited company owners may spend around £10,325.

1. Tools: Bricklayers need tools for daily work.
2. Vehicle and fuel: Travel to jobs adds regular costs.
3. Insurance: Workers may need cover for their work.
4. Training: Courses and new skills can cost money.
5. Advertising: Finding new customers may require paid adverts.
6. Tax and National Insurance: HMRC also takes tax and National Insurance from self-employed profits.

How Much Can a Self-Employed Bricklayer Earn?

A self-employed bricklayer can earn more than an employed worker. Checkatrade puts sole trader earnings at £56,052 a year. A limited company owner may earn about £59,002. These figures show total earnings before other costs.

The estimated take-home pay is £37,589 for sole traders. It can reach about £38,830 for company owners. This shows the gap between total earnings and personal pay. A self-employed bricklayer's salary can also change each year. Bricklayers can set their own prices and take private jobs. They can also grow a small bricklaying business with regular customers.

Do Bricklayers Earn More in London and the South East?

Bricklayers in London and Southeast England may earn more. Checkatrade says these areas can offer higher pay. Local demand can raise the bricklayer salary in London. However, living costs can also be higher in these areas.

Location can affect bricklayer salary UK across the country. Busy areas may have more building work and better pay. Travel can also affect which jobs workers take. 

How Much Can Bricklayers Charge Per 1,000 Bricks?

A bricklayer per 1,000 bricks can charge around £650 to £1,790. Checkatrade gives this range for brickwork jobs. Travis Perkins gives different prices for different brick types. Common bricks cost around £650 to £1,500 per 1,000 bricks. Engineering bricks range from £650 to £1,790. Clay facing bricks can cost £2,260 to £5,000.

These figures show job prices, not yearly pay. The final price can change with materials and labour. Easy jobs may cost less, while harder jobs can cost more. So, bricklaying rates UK and bricklayer rates UK can vary from one job to another.

How Many Bricks Can a Bricklayer Lay Per Day?

A skilled bricklayer can lay around 500 bricks per day in good conditions. However, daily output can change from one job to another. Easy walls usually take less time than complex brickwork. Several things can affect how many bricks a bricklayer can lay per day:

1. Brick type: Some bricks take longer to lay.
2. Wall design: Curves and corners can slow the work.
3. Site access: Easy access helps bricklayers work faster.
4. Weather: Rain, cold or strong heat can reduce work speed.
5. Preparation: Good site preparation helps work move faster.
6. Work quality: Safe and accurate work matters more than speed.

How Do You Become a Qualified Bricklayer?

You can learn bricklaying through college, an apprenticeship or workplace training. A bricklaying apprenticeship lets you learn while earning. The Level 2 bricklayer apprenticeship usually takes 24 months. It also has a three-month assessment period.

The course covers new homes and older buildings. It includes work on garden walls and large buildings. Bricklaying training gives you practical skills on real sites. College courses can also teach basic bricklaying skills. These routes can help you understand how to become a bricklayer.

What Qualifications and Skills Does a Bricklayer Need?

Bricklayers need good hand skills and basic construction knowledge. They also need care, focus and good teamwork. Bricklayer skills include time management, checking work and following plans. Good bricklaying qualifications can also help workers find better jobs.

A Level 2 qualification or approved apprenticeship can support career entry. A CSCS card is not required by law. However, many large builders require one for site access. Bricklaying certification can also show your training and skills. Good work, safe habits and strong skills can help bricklayers take on better-paid jobs.

Is Bricklaying a Good Career in the UK?

Bricklaying can offer a clear career path in the UK. You can start as an apprentice and become a skilled worker. You can also work for a company or start your own business. The National Careers Service lists pay from £25,000 to £45,000. Construction also needs more skilled workers. CITB says the industry faces a growing skills gap. 

It has also added support for new apprentices in homebuilding trades, including bricklaying. However, the job can involve hard physical work and outdoor conditions. Some jobs may also need travel. Overall, bricklaying offers useful skills, career growth and business options. It can suit people who enjoy practical work and want to build a trade.

Final Thoughts

So, how much does a bricklayer earn in the UK? Most bricklayers can earn between £25,000 and £45,000 yearly. However, experience, location and work type can change these figures. Self-employed bricklayers may earn more, but business costs reduce their income. Apprentices can also build their skills while earning. Therefore, bricklaying offers a clear career path with good earning potential. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can bricklayers make £100k a year?

1. Yes, bricklayers make £100,000 in a year. 

2. How much should I pay a bricklayer per day?

1. A bricklayer may charge around £145 to £320 per day.

3. Is bricklaying a dead-end job?

1. Bricklaying offers career growth through experience, training and self-employment opportunities.

4. How much does a bricklayer charge to lay 1,000 bricks?

1. A bricklayer may charge around £650 to £1,790 per 1,000 bricks.

5. Is 40 too old to become a bricklayer?

1. People can start bricklaying at 40 with proper training and practical experience.