Bricklayer Salary UK: Pay, Day Rates and Progression
UK bricklayer pay varies hugely between employed and self-employed work. Here are realistic figures for 2026: salaries, day rates by region, and how progression actually works on site.
By Tony Musso on
Bricklayer pay in the UK in 2026 splits sharply between employed and self-employed work - and the gap has widened with the post-Covid housebuilding shortage. This guide gives realistic numbers for both, broken down by experience, region, and contract type. It also covers apprentice pay, progression to chargehand and gang leader, and the qualifications that materially change your day rate.
Headline answer
| Status | Typical pay (experienced) |
|---|---|
| Employed bricklayer (PAYE) | £32,000 - £42,000 a year |
| Self-employed bricklayer (CIS) | £180 - £280 a day |
| Self-employed in London / South East on price work | £250 - £400+ a day |
| Apprentice bricklayer | £8,000 - £18,000 a year depending on year and age |
| Gang leader / ganger | £350 - £600+ a day price work |
An experienced bricklayer working a full year on price work in the South East regularly grosses £75,000 to £110,000 before expenses. That is achievable but it carries genuine downsides - no pension, no holiday pay, no sick pay, weather risk, and physical wear.
Employed bricklayer pay (PAYE)
Employed bricklayers usually work for a local builder, a small contractor or a developer's in-house trades team. Pay is more predictable but lower:
| Experience | Typical annual salary |
|---|---|
| Newly qualified Level 2 | £24,000 - £28,000 |
| 3 to 5 years experience | £28,000 - £34,000 |
| Experienced bricklayer | £32,000 - £42,000 |
| Chargehand | £36,000 - £48,000 |
PAYE comes with paid holiday (28 days statutory), sick pay, pension auto-enrolment and often a van. For someone with a family who values predictability, the after-tax difference vs CIS is smaller than it looks.
Self-employed bricklayer day rates (CIS)
Most experienced UK bricklayers work as self-employed subcontractors under CIS (Construction Industry Scheme). Day rates in 2026:
| Region | Typical day rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| London | £220 - £320 | Price work often pays more |
| South East | £200 - £280 | Strong demand from housebuilders |
| Midlands | £170 - £230 | Housebuilders dominate |
| North West / Yorkshire | £160 - £220 | |
| Scotland | £160 - £210 | |
| Wales | £150 - £200 | |
| Northern Ireland | £130 - £180 |
These are bricklayer-only rates. Working as a "two and one" gang (two layers, one labourer) on price work typically beats day rate by 20 to 40 percent in busy seasons.
Price work explained
Price work pays per 1,000 bricks (commonly £600 to £1,000 per 1,000 in 2026 depending on region and complexity) or per square metre laid. A good two-and-one gang can lay 1,200 to 2,000 bricks a day. Done well, this is how bricklayers earn the headline £400+ a day figures - but the rate is exposed to weather, design changes, and the developer's quality standards.
Apprentice pay
| Year | Typical weekly pay | Annual equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (under 19) | £160 - £240 | £8,300 - £12,500 |
| Year 1 (over 19, first year only) | £160 - £240 | £8,300 - £12,500 |
| Year 2 | £220 - £300 | £11,500 - £15,500 |
| Year 3 | £280 - £360 | £14,500 - £18,700 |
Apprenticeship pay is set in line with the National Minimum Wage apprentice rate but most reputable employers pay materially above the minimum to keep apprentices on site. Full qualifications and the route are covered in our bricklayer qualifications guide.
Regional and seasonal variation
Outside of London and the South East, the biggest swing in pay comes from seasonality. Winter slows housebuilding significantly. A self-employed bricklayer who plans for 220 working days a year (not 250) and saves through summer is typically more financially stable than one who chases peak rates.
Progression from labourer to gang leader
Realistic ladder:
- Labourer / hod carrier - £130 - £180 a day; route in if you missed apprenticeship age.
- Apprentice - 2 to 3 years, paid throughout.
- Bricklayer (Level 2) - £180 - £250 a day CIS.
- Skilled bricklayer with CSCS Gold - £200 - £280 a day.
- Chargehand / lead bricklayer - runs a small team; PAYE £36,000+ or day rate uplift.
- Ganger / gang leader - runs the gang on price work, takes a share of the price; £350 - £600+ a day.
- Subcontractor / business owner - employs gangs, takes margin on labour and materials.
Qualifications that move the day rate materially: NVQ Level 3, CSCS Gold card, SSSTS or SMSTS supervisor training.
Total reward considerations
When comparing offers, factor in:
- Van and fuel - worth £5,000 to £8,000 a year.
- Travel time pay - some employers pay; price work usually does not.
- Pension - employed roles include auto-enrolment; CIS workers must self-fund a SIPP.
- Sick and weather days - CIS workers get neither.
What to do next
- Decide whether you value predictability (PAYE) or upside (CIS, price work).
- If you are starting from zero, read the bricklayer qualifications guide for the apprenticeship and CSCS route.
- If you are already qualified, push for NVQ Level 3 and a CSCS Gold card - both increase your day rate.
- Use a TonyKnows career assessment to compare bricklaying to other skilled UK trades.
Related reading
See how Career Compass works (one-off report)
Frequently asked questions
How much does a bricklayer earn in the UK?
An experienced employed bricklayer earns £32,000 to £42,000 a year. Self-employed bricklayers on CIS day rates earn £180 to £280 a day in most regions, rising to £400 and above for price work in London and the South East.
Are bricklayers paid more in London?
Yes. London and the South East typically pay £220 to £320 a day on CIS, compared to £160 to £220 in the North and Scotland. Price work in London regularly pushes a skilled gang above £400 a day each in peak season.
Do self-employed bricklayers earn more than employed ones?
Gross income is usually higher self-employed. After paid holiday, sick pay, pension and van, the after-tax difference is smaller than it looks. A self-employed bricklayer working 220 days a year on £220 a day grosses around £48,000 before expenses.
How much do apprentice bricklayers earn?
Apprentice bricklayers typically earn £160 to £360 a week depending on year, age and employer. Most reputable employers pay above the statutory apprentice minimum to keep apprentices on site.
What is the highest paid bricklaying role in the UK?
Gang leaders running price work in London and the South East regularly earn £350 to £600 a day in peak season. Subcontractors who employ their own gangs and take margin on labour and materials can earn significantly more, but carry business and weather risk.
Related reading
Not sure this is the right career for you? A good career test narrows the field before you commit to the training.