Bricklayer Salary UK 2026/27: Average Pay, Day Rates and Take-Home

Bricklayer Salary UK 2026/27: What Official Statistics Show

Understanding the bricklayer salary in the UK requires looking beyond a single headline figure. Official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) provides a reliable benchmark for employed bricklayers, but it does not capture the full picture for self-employed workers, who make up a large share of the trade. This article breaks down the median pay, regional differences, day rates, and what you can expect to take home after tax and National Insurance.

What the ONS ASHE Says About Bricklayer Pay

The ONS classifies bricklayers under SOC 2020 code 5313. The latest provisional ASHE release (2025) gives a median full-time gross annual salary of £33,030. A quarter of employed bricklayers earn below £28,106, while the upper quartile is suppressed by the ONS due to small sample sizes. This median is below the UK all-occupations median of around £39,039, reflecting the fact that many bricklayers are in entry-level or improver roles. However, experienced and specialist bricklayers can earn significantly more, especially when self-employed.

It is important to distinguish between the median (the middle value) and the mean (average). ASHE also publishes a mean figure, which is often higher because a smaller number of high earners pull the average up. For bricklayers, the mean is not always disclosed, but the median is the more representative figure for a typical employee.

Regional Differences in Bricklayer Pay

Bricklayer salaries vary dramatically by region. According to ASHE data analysed by Salary Scout, the South East has the highest median at £39,171 (21% above the UK median), while London is the lowest at £24,404 (25% below). This may seem counterintuitive given London's higher cost of living, but it likely reflects a different mix of employment: London has many large commercial projects employing bricklayers on lower rates, whereas the South East has more specialist and residential work.

Other regional medians include West Midlands £34,722, Wales £33,204, Scotland £32,309, East Midlands £30,428, Yorkshire and the Humber £29,135, East of England £28,355, South West £24,892, North East £24,648, and North West £24,525. These figures are for employees only; self-employed bricklayers may earn more regardless of region.

Day Rates and Self-Employed Earnings

Many bricklayers work on a self-employed basis, often through the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). Day rates typically range from £220 to £350 according to Phoenix Gray Recruitment benchmarks. A general bricklayer charging £250 per day and working 220 chargeable days would generate a profit of £55,000. Heritage specialists working on listed buildings with lime mortar can command £350+ per day, leading to profits of £85,000 or more.

Self-employed bricklayers must account for their own tax and National Insurance. For 2026/27, the main rates are: 20% Income Tax on profits between £12,571 and £50,270, and 40% above that. Class 4 National Insurance is 6% on profits between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% above. Class 2 NI was abolished from 2024/25. CIS deductions (20% of labour payments) are reclaimed through Self Assessment.

Take-Home Pay Examples for Bricklayers

To give a clearer picture, here are illustrative take-home figures for different bricklayer scenarios using 2026/27 HMRC rates (assuming standard tax code, no student loan, and 5% pension contribution where applicable):

• Apprentice (Year 3, CIJC minimum): £20,828 gross → ~£18,516 take-home (no pension).
• NVQ Level 2 bricklayer (regional): £35,000 gross → ~£27,460 take-home (with 5% pension).
• Senior bricklayer (London): £50,000 gross → ~£37,720 take-home (with 5% pension).
• Self-employed general bricklayer: £55,000 profit → ~£43,211 take-home (after tax and NI).
• Self-employed heritage specialist: £85,000 profit → ~£60,611 take-home.
• Ltd company director: £35,000 salary + £50,000 dividends → ~£65,831 take-home (after corporation tax, salary NI, and dividend tax).

These figures are estimates and will vary based on personal circumstances, pension contributions, and whether you are inside or outside IR35.

How Bricklayer Pay Compares to National Living Wage

The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour from April 2026. For a 37.5-hour week, that equates to about £24,785 per year. A bricklayer earning the ASHE median of £33,030 is well above this, but apprentices and those in lower-paid regions may be closer to the minimum. The NLW provides a floor, but skilled bricklayers can expect to earn significantly more.

Conclusion

The bricklayer salary in the UK is not a single number. For employees, the ONS ASHE median of £33,030 is the best official benchmark, but self-employed bricklayers often earn £55,000–£85,000 or more. Regional differences are stark, with London paying the least and the South East the most. When considering a role, look beyond the gross salary to understand the employment type (PAYE vs self-employed), day rates, and regional market conditions. For more context on UK pay across all occupations, see our UK Average Salary page and explore salary data for other trades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average bricklayer salary in the UK according to official statistics? The ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2025 reports a median full-time bricklayer salary of £33,030 for employees. This figure excludes self-employed bricklayers, who often earn more. The mean (average) is slightly higher, but the median is the better guide for a typical employee.

How much does a self-employed bricklayer earn per day? Self-employed day rates typically range from £220 to £350 per day, according to recruitment benchmarks. A general bricklayer working 220 chargeable days at £250/day would generate around £55,000 profit before tax. Heritage specialists can command higher rates, often exceeding £85,000 annually.

Why is the bricklayer salary in London lower than other regions? ONS ASHE data shows London has the lowest median bricklayer salary at £24,404, 25% below the UK median. This may reflect a higher proportion of lower-paid employees on large commercial sites, fewer self-employed opportunities captured in ASHE, and a different mix of work types compared to regions like the South East where the median is £39,171.