Bricklaying is a skilled trade essential to the construction industry, playing a crucial role in building homes, commercial properties, and infrastructure projects. Whether you're considering a career in bricklaying or hiring a bricklayer for a project, understanding their earnings is important. This article explores how much bricklayers make in the UK, factors that influence their salaries, and how the demand for bricklayers affects property development.
Average Salary of Bricklayers in the UK
The earnings of a bricklayer in the UK vary based on experience, location, and employment type. Below is an overview of how much bricklayers make in 2024:
1. Entry-Level Bricklayers (Apprentices & Beginners)
- Salary Range: £18,000 – £25,000 per year
- Hourly Rate: £10 – £13 per hour
- Typically, apprentices and newly qualified bricklayers earn lower wages while gaining experience.
- Many start with apprenticeships, which combine training with on-site work.
2. Experienced Bricklayers (3+ Years of Experience)
- Salary Range: £30,000 – £45,000 per year
- Hourly Rate: £15 – £25 per hour
- Skilled bricklayers with several years of experience can command higher wages and may take on more complex projects.
- Those working on large-scale developments or high-end properties tend to earn more.
3. Self-Employed & Specialist Bricklayers
- Earnings Potential: £40,000 – £75,000+ per year
- Self-employed bricklayers can set their own rates and take on private projects.
- Specialists in heritage restoration, decorative brickwork, or commercial construction can earn significantly more.
4. London & High-Demand Areas
- In London and the South East, bricklayers earn higher wages due to the cost of living and demand for housing.
- Some bricklayers in London can earn £50,000 – £100,000+ per year, particularly those with strong reputations and private contracts.
Factors That Affect Bricklayer Salaries
Several factors influence how much a bricklayer can earn in the UK:
1. Location
- London & South East: Higher wages due to demand and cost of living.
- Northern England & Wales: Generally lower wages compared to the South.
2. Experience & Skill Level
- Master bricklayers and those with advanced skills earn more.
- Specialist bricklayers in restoration, heritage work, or large commercial projects have higher earning potential.
3. Employment Type
- Self-employed bricklayers can earn more but face irregular work schedules and must manage their own business expenses.
- Employed bricklayers receive stable wages but may have lower earnings than self-employed professionals.
4. Industry Demand & Project Type
- Residential construction provides steady demand, but earnings depend on housing market trends.
- Commercial and infrastructure projects often pay more due to larger budgets.
How the Demand for Bricklayers Affects Property Development
The demand for skilled bricklayers directly impacts the construction industry and property development in the UK:
- Shortages of skilled bricklayers can delay property developments and increase costs.
- A strong housing market increases demand for bricklayers, pushing wages higher.
- Government-backed housebuilding initiatives and infrastructure projects create more job opportunities.
At Fraser Bond, we closely monitor construction trends and labour costs, ensuring our clients—whether developers, investors, or homebuyers—understand how market conditions affect property prices and project timelines.
Conclusion
Bricklayers in the UK earn between £18,000 and £100,000+ per year, depending on experience, location, and employment type. While entry-level bricklayers start with lower wages, experienced professionals and self-employed workers can earn significantly more, particularly in high-demand areas like London. The construction industry’s reliance on skilled bricklayers means that salaries remain competitive, and demand is expected to grow.
