How Much Do Bricklayers Make Per Brick?

Ever wondered how much do bricklayers make per brick in the UK? You are not alone. Many people ask this before hiring a bricklayer or choosing this career. Bricklayers build walls, houses, and other structures using bricks and mortar. They read plans, measure spaces, and lay bricks neatly. They also repair old walls and keep buildings strong and level. Because this work needs skill and care, good bricklayers often earn better pay.

 In 2026, bricklayers earn money in different ways. Some charge per brick. Others prefer hourly or daily pay. Earnings change with experience, speed and job type. So, rates can feel confusing at first. On average, bricklayers in the UK earn about £30,000 a year. Most take home between £25,500 and £32,300. That works out at around £14 per hour. However, skilled bricklayers often earn more, especially on price work.

In this article, we explore bricklayer pay in simple detail. You will learn how bricklayers earn money in 2026 and why rates can differ so much. We also explain hourly, daily and price work pay, plus what affects earnings. By the end, you will have a clear idea of what bricklayers earn and what to expect from this job.

Now, let’s break things down clearly. We will look at hourly, daily, and per-brick pay, so you know what to expect.

Bricklayer Costs Explained

Bricklayers charge in different ways, and each method fits a different job. At first, it can feel confusing. But with time, it becomes clear. An hourly rate works best for small jobs. For example, repairs or short tasks often use this option. It feels fair when the work time is unsure.

Day rate suits medium jobs. Also, bricklayers use it when a full day of work is needed. It gives peace of mind because you know the cost. Per-brick rate works best for big builds. In fact, faster bricklayers earn more this way. On average, a skilled bricklayer can lay about 500 bricks per day. So, the right method depends on the job. Small jobs suit hourly pay. Big builds suit per-brick rates. Choosing well saves money and avoids stress.

What Bricklayers Charge in 2026

Bricklayer pay can feel tricky, but let’s make it simple. Rates depend on how they charge:

• Hourly rate: £32.50–£37.50 per hour. Works well for small jobs or repairs.
• Day rate: £240–£320 for a full day. Also, it helps you plan your budget easily.
• Per 1,000 bricks: Rates differ by brick type—common, engineering, and facing bricks.
• Extra charges: In addition, some jobs cost more. For example:
  • Weekends or evenings: Bricklayers may add 10–20% extra.
  • Emergencies: Urgent work often has higher rates.
  • Remote locations: Travel and time can increase costs.
  • Small jobs: Very short tasks sometimes have a minimum charge to cover setup.

So, overall, knowing these numbers helps you understand costs before starting a project.

Pay by Experience: How Bricklayer Earnings Grow

Bricklayer pay changes with experience. As you learn, your earnings grow.

• Apprentice Bricklayer: About £11,000 a year or £60 a day. This is a starting point, but you still, you gain valuable skills.
• Newly Qualified Bricklayer: Around £18 per hour or £145 a day. Also, confidence and speed help you earn more.
• Experienced Bricklayer: Makes £32.50–£37.50 per hour or £260–£320 a day. In fact, skilled workers often get the best pay.
• Foreman/Site Supervisor: About £22 per hour or £41,000 a year. Managing a team brings more responsibility and also higher pay.
• Business Owner: Can charge £304–£320 per day. Running your own business gives freedom and of course, more profit potential.

Rate boosters: In addition, qualifications like NVQ Level 2/3, heritage skills, and site tickets can increase your earnings.

So overall, pay grows with skill, experience, and extra qualifications. The more you learn, the more you can earn.

Employed vs Self-Employed Bricklayers

Bricklayers can work in two main ways, and each has pros and cons. It helps to know the difference.

• Employed Bricklayers: They get steady hours, holiday pay, and support from their employer. Also, they don’t worry much about finding work or paying for tools.
  
• Self-Employed Bricklayers: They set their own prices and manage their own schedule. However, they pay for tools, a van, insurance and travel.

Income examples: For instance, a self-employed bricklayer laying 500 bricks a day at £0.50 per brick could earn £250 daily. At the same time, costs like materials and travel lower the actual take-home pay.

So overall, employed work gives stability, while also self-employment offers freedom and higher potential earnings if managed well.

Bricklayer Pay by Location

Where you work can change how much you earn. To begin with, location plays a big role in bricklaying.

• Central London: Pays the highest rates, often £35–£40 per hour for experienced bricklayers. Even so, rent and living costs are very high, so expenses can take a big part of your earnings.
• Birmingham: Has steady demand and reliable pay, around £28–£32 per hour. Meanwhile, there are often plenty of construction projects, so work is easier to find.
• Manchester: Offers strong work pipelines thanks to regeneration and housing projects. As a result, skilled bricklayers can get consistent jobs and sometimes bonus pay for faster work.
• Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland: Pay varies by city. For example, Glasgow and Edinburgh can offer higher rates than smaller towns. Therefore, your earnings may change depending on where you choose to work.

Overall, location affects your pay, living costs, and availability of work. Choosing the right area can help you earn more and work more consistently.

Understanding Different Brick Types and Pay

Not every brick is the same, and the type of material you use can change how much you charge. A “per brick” rate often fluctuates based on how difficult the material is to handle.

• Common Bricks: These are standard and easy to lay. Because they are often hidden behind plaster or other materials, you can lay them quickly, which is great for “price work.”
• Facing Bricks: These are the bricks you see on the outside of a house. They must look perfect. Because they require more care and “pointing” (tidying the mortar joints), you might charge a higher rate per brick to cover the extra time.
• Engineering Bricks: These are very strong and heavy. They are often used for foundations or damp-proof layers. They can be harder to cut and move, which might increase the physical effort of the job.
• Concrete Blocks: While not technically “bricks,” many bricklayers also lay blocks. These are much larger, so you lay fewer per day, but you charge a higher rate per block because of their size and weight.

Work Types That Pay Bricklayers More

Not all bricklaying jobs pay the same. First, some work gives better rates because it needs more skill or effort.

• Domestic work: Extensions, chimneys, or garden walls often pay well. Also, these jobs can feel more personal and satisfying.
• New-build projects: Fast, repetitive work lets bricklayers earn more if they work quickly.
• Commercial work: Shops, offices, and other buildings often pay higher rates because the work is more complex.
• Heritage work: Restoring old buildings or doing decorative masonry brings extra pay. It also needs special skill and care.
• Hard site conditions: Muddy or tricky sites take more time, so bricklayers get extra pay.

Overall, choosing the right type of work can really boost how much bricklayers earn.

Skills That Boost Bricklayer Pay

Some skills can help bricklayers earn more money. First of all, learning extra skills makes you more valuable on the job.

• Heritage and restoration masonry: Working on old or historic buildings often pays extra because it needs care and skill.
• Eco-friendly bricklaying methods: Using green materials or energy-saving techniques can increase your rates.
• Custom and decorative masonry: Fancy patterns or special designs are harder, so bricklayers can charge more.
• NVQ Level 2/3 qualifications and CSCS card: Also, having proper qualifications and site cards shows you are skilled and professional, which boosts pay.

Ways for Bricklayers to Earn More

Bricklayers can make more money with some smart steps. Planning and managing work helps a lot.

• Pricing: Set minimum charges and add travel costs for far jobs. This way, even small jobs pay fairly.
• Utilisation: Plan work around the weather and mix different jobs to stay busy.
• Lead generation: Use good reviews, photos of work, and an online profile to get more clients.
• Upsells: Offer extra services like repointing, installing lintels or premium finishes. Also, these can increase pay.
• Money management: Take deposits, use staged payments and track jobs with simple tools to keep money safe.

Training and Cards for Bricklayers

Learning and proper training help bricklayers earn more and work safely. First of all, gaining skills makes a big difference.

• College courses, apprenticeships, and on-site learning: These teach the basics and give hands-on experience.
• NVQ Level 2: This qualification is needed for the Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card. Also, it shows employers you are trained and skilled.
• CPD courses: Extra training in heritage work, eco-friendly methods, or decorative masonry can improve pay and open more job opportunities.

Tools and Costs for Bricklayers

Bricklayers need the right tools to work well. Good tools make the job easier and faster.

• Basic, mid-range, and high-end tools: You can start with simple tools, but better tools last longer and make work smoother.
• Mixers, PPE, van/transport, software: Plus, you need a brick mixer, safety gear, transport for materials and sometimes software to manage jobs.
• Maintenance and replacement: Tools wear out over time. So, it’s important to budget for repairs and replacements.

By keeping tools in good condition and choosing the right ones, bricklayers can save time, reduce mistakes, and earn more money.

Final Thought: How Much Do Bricklayers Make Per Brick 

Bricklaying is a skilled and rewarding job. How much a bricklayer earns per brick depends on experience, location and job type as well. From apprentices earning modestly to self-employed experts charging per brick, there are many ways to make good money. Choosing the right type of work, improving skills and using the right tools can increase earnings. Whether you want a steady income as an employed bricklayer or the freedom of self-employment, there is potential to grow. For anyone curious about this career or planning a construction project, understanding these pay rates helps you make smart choices. Our blog explains everything in simple terms, covering hourly, daily and per-brick rates, plus tips to boost pay. Explore our articles to get clear insights into the bricklaying world and learn how to make the most out of this skilled trade in 2026.

FAQs

• How much do bricklayers make per brick in the UK?
  Some bricklayers are paid by the hour or day, while others earn per brick. Skilled bricklayers can make around £0.50 to £1 per brick. Annual pay for employed bricklayers usually ranges from £25,000 to £45,000, depending on experience and location.

• Can Bricklayers Make £100k a Year?
  Experienced bricklayers in London can earn high pay. Laying up to 1,000 bricks a day and working hard, they can make around £100,000 a year with bonuses. Daily rates can reach £150–£200.

• Can You Lay 1,000 Bricks a Day?
  Most experienced bricklayers lay 300–500 bricks per day, about 40–60 bricks per hour. Skilled workers in perfect conditions can go faster.

• Do Bricklayers Make Good Money?
  Yes, bricklayers can earn well. Skilled and self-employed workers often make £40,000–£60,000 a year. Beginners earn less, and pay depends on skill, location, and demand.

• What is a Top 1% Salary in the UK?
  In 2025/26, you need to earn at least £201,000 a year to be in the top 1% of UK earners. This small group pays a large share of income tax.