Bricklaying is one of the UK’s best-paid skilled trades, with a persistent national shortage pushing earnings well above average. Whether employed or self-employed, a qualified bricklayer can earn significantly more than the UK median salary. Here is what bricklayers earn in 2026.
For a broader comparison across trades and professions, see our Salary by Profession hub.
Employed Bricklayer Salaries (2026)
| Experience level | Typical annual salary |
|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | £12,000–£16,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 2) | £16,000–£22,000 |
| Newly qualified (NVQ Level 2) | £28,000–£33,000 |
| Experienced bricklayer | £33,000–£42,000 |
| Senior / gang leader | £40,000–£48,000 |
| Site manager (bricklaying background) | £45,000–£60,000 |
Employed bricklayers typically work for house builders, construction contractors, or specialist masonry firms. Most are paid hourly — between £16 and £22/hour for qualified bricklayers.
Self-Employed Bricklayer Day Rates (2026)
Self-employment is the dominant working arrangement in bricklaying. Most experienced bricklayers work as subcontractors or sole traders.
| Region | Typical day rate | Typical annual gross (45 weeks, 5-day) |
|---|---|---|
| London and South East | £300–£400 | £67,500–£90,000 |
| Midlands / North West | £220–£280 | £49,500–£63,000 |
| Yorkshire / North East | £200–£260 | £45,000–£58,500 |
| Scotland | £220–£280 | £49,500–£63,000 |
| National average | £230–£300 | £51,750–£67,500 |
Self-employed bricklayers must account for: periods without work (weather, gaps between contracts), tools and equipment, van and fuel, public liability insurance, and accountancy fees. Net annual earnings after these costs and tax are typically 30–40% below gross.
Take-Home Pay on Bricklayer Salaries (2026/27)
Employed bricklayer
| Gross salary | Income tax | National Insurance | Take-home (annual) | Take-home (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £28,000 | £3,086 | £1,234 | £23,680 | £1,973 |
| £35,000 | £4,486 | £1,754 | £28,760 | £2,397 |
| £40,000 | £5,486 | £1,954 | £32,560 | £2,713 |
Self-employed bricklayer (sole trader)
| Gross earnings | Income tax | Class 4 NI | Take-home (annual) | Take-home (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £40,000 | £5,486 | £2,054 | £32,460 | £2,705 |
| £50,000 | £7,486 | £2,454 | £40,060 | £3,338 |
| £60,000 | £9,886 | £2,654 | £47,460 | £3,955 |
Self-employed figures above are before business expenses, which reduce taxable profit. See our self-employed tax guide for how to calculate actual take-home pay.
Regional Variation
London and the South East consistently command the highest bricklayer rates — driven by the concentration of major housebuilding programmes, commercial construction, and premium residential development. Regional demand fluctuates with housebuilding starts; when government targets increase construction output, rates rise across all regions.
Career Progression
| Stage | Route | Salary / earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | Apprenticeship (2 years) | £12,000–£22,000 |
| Qualified bricklayer | NVQ Level 2 | £28,000–£42,000 |
| Self-employed subcontractor | Sole trader / limited company | £45,000–£70,000+ |
| Gang leader / foreman | Site management | £40,000–£55,000 |
| Site manager | Management route | £50,000–£70,000+ |
| Estimator / surveyor | Office-based | £45,000–£65,000 |
See our plasterer salary guide, scaffolder salary guide, and average salary UK guide.
Bricklayer vs Other Trades: Salary Comparison
| Trade | Employed salary range | Self-employed (typical annual gross) |
|---|---|---|
| Bricklayer | £32,000–£42,000 | £45,000–£70,000+ |
| Plasterer | £28,000–£38,000 | £40,000–£60,000+ |
| Scaffolder | £30,000–£42,000 | £45,000–£65,000+ |
| Electrician | £32,000–£45,000 | £45,000–£75,000+ |
| Plumber | £30,000–£45,000 | £45,000–£80,000+ |
| Roofer | £27,000–£38,000 | £38,000–£60,000+ |
Bricklayers typically earn more than plasterers and roofers but slightly less than plumbers and electricians. The shortage of qualified bricklayers has pushed rates up consistently over the past decade, and with the government’s housebuilding targets of 1.5 million new homes by 2029, demand is expected to remain strong.
Bricklayer Apprenticeships
The Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard in Bricklaying typically takes 2 years. Apprentices are employed from day one and earn while they train — no student debt.
| Year | Minimum wage (from April 2026) | Typical actual pay |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (under 19 or first year) | £7.55/hour (apprentice rate) | £10–£14/hour |
| Year 2 (19+ and in second year) | National Living Wage applies | £12–£16/hour |
Most employers pay above the apprentice minimum. A Year 2 bricklayer apprentice working 40 hours/week at £13/hour earns approximately £27,000/year.
After qualification, most apprentices move quickly to employed or self-employed work and can expect significant earnings growth within 2–3 years of qualifying.
CIS: Construction Industry Scheme
Most self-employed bricklayers work under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). Under CIS:
- Contractors deduct 20% (or 30% for unregistered subcontractors) from payments and pass it to HMRC as an advance against the subcontractor’s tax bill
- Subcontractors file a Self Assessment tax return and receive a refund if the CIS deductions exceeded the actual tax due
- Net pay under CIS is not the same as take-home pay — refunds are common
If you are a self-employed bricklayer working under CIS, registering with HMRC as a subcontractor and keeping clear records of your income and expenses is essential. See our self-employment guide for more.