Bricklaying has the potential to be a lucrative career, with many in the industry earning over the UK national average salary. Below, we’ll take a look at the various pricing methods used in the industry, different wage brackets and how experience can impact earnings. 

For many people, bricklaying will be one of the first trades that spring to mind when we talk about working in the construction industry. 

The skill set forms a vital stage in just about any construction project, and because of that, the profession is always likely to be in high demand. 

So, what does that mean for the sector’s earning potential?

How much a bricklayer can earn depends on a variety of things, including location, experience, complexity of projects and whether a bricklayer is working for themselves or an employer. 

Another thing that can influence a bricklayer’s take-home pay is how they choose to price their projects. Generally, the most common methods used by bricklayers are pricing per brick, using a day rate, or quoting for an overall job. 

Price-per-brick costing for bricklayers

When bricklayers talk about pricing a project per brick, they will typically be referring to a cost per 1,000 bricks laid. The price-per-brick method might be advantageous for simpler projects, when it’s easier to accurately predict a workload.

The average cost of laying 1,000 common machine-made bricks can range from £650 - £1500. This figure will likely increase if the job involves more complex materials, such as handmade or clay facing bricks. 

Bricklayer day rates

For larger, more complex projects, bricklayers may decide to price their services by day rate or for the entire job. This can offer more flexibility than price-per-brick, and can often be favoured by clients as it gives them a clearer understanding of price.  

Using data gathered from jobs completed via its platform, Checkatrade has also shared the average day rates of bricklayers depending on their level of experience: 

  • Apprentice bricklayer day rate: At least £60.40 (based on a full 8-hour day on UK minimum wage)
  • Newly qualified bricklayer day rate: £145.52
  • Employed bricklayer day rate: £154.24
  • Bricklaying sole trader day rate: £304
  • Bricklaying limited company owner day rate: £320 

Average bricklayer earnings

How does the above translate into the annual salary of a bricklayer? According to myjobquote, the average yearly earnings for a bricklayer at different stages in their career are as follows: 

  • Apprentice bricklayer annual salary: £11,000
  • Newly qualified bricklayer annual salary: £32,000
  • Experienced bricklayer annual salary: £40,000
  • Self-employed bricklaying sole trader annual salary: £56,000
  • Bricklaying limited company owner annual salary: £60,000

Bricklaying is a profession that offers potential earnings above the UK average, and with the ambitious construction plans for the UK, it presents an enticing career path for those thinking about a switch. If you’re interested in learning more about pursuing training as a bricklayer, you can find more information about all of our courses here.