Bricklayer Salary 2026: Age Bands, Statutory Rates and Take-Home Pay

Understanding Bricklayer Salary in 2026: Age Bands and Eligibility

If you are looking into a bricklayer salary in the UK, it is essential to understand how age bands affect the minimum wage you are entitled to, and how actual advertised salaries compare with statutory rates. Bricklaying is a skilled trade with a wide pay range, from apprentice rates to six-figure incomes for self-employed specialists. This guide explains the 2026 minimum wage rates, typical earnings for employed and self-employed bricklayers, and what you can expect to take home.

Statutory Minimum Wage Rates for Bricklayers

From April 2026, the UK government sets the following hourly minimum wages, as confirmed by GOV.UK guidance:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour
• National Minimum Wage (18–20): £10.85 per hour
• National Minimum Wage (under 18): £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour (for apprentices under 19, or aged 19+ in their first year)

These rates apply to all workers, including bricklayers. However, the apprentice rate is not a blanket entitlement. As the GOV.UK guidance explains, an apprentice aged 19 or over who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship must be paid the minimum wage for their age. For example, a 20-year-old bricklayer apprentice in their second year is entitled to £10.85 per hour, not £8.00. This is a common point of confusion, so always check your contract and age.

For bricklayers working under the CIJC Working Rule Agreement, the craft rate from July 2026 is £16.40 per hour, which is above the statutory minimum. However, not all employers follow the CIJC agreement; many use the statutory rates as a floor.

Typical Employed Bricklayer Salaries

The ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) for SOC 5313 (Bricklayers) reports a median full-time gross salary of £33,030 in the 2025 provisional release. This figure covers PAYE employees only and is dragged down by apprentices and improvers in the bottom quartile. Actual salaries vary significantly by experience, location, and specialism.

According to detailed analysis from, typical employed bricklayer pay ranges are:

• Apprentice (Year 1, CIJC minimum): £16,812 per year (£8.29/hr)
• Apprentice (Year 2–3, CIJC): £17,846–£26,628 per year, depending on NVQ achievement
• NVQ Level 2 Bricklayer (Builder grade): £30,000–£37,000 regionally; £37,000–£44,000 in London
• NVQ Level 3 Senior Bricklayer: £37,000–£44,000 regionally; £44,000–£52,000 in London
• Foreman / Site Supervisor: £52,000–£65,000 regionally; £62,000–£75,000 in London

These figures are typical market data from recruiter postings and the CIJC agreement. Individual employers may vary by £2,000–£4,000 depending on the type of work (new-build housing, commercial, heritage). Overtime and travel allowances are common.

Interestingly, Salary Scout data for London shows a median bricklayer salary of just £24,404 (2025/26), well below the UK median of £32,480. This may reflect a higher proportion of lower-paid workers in the London sample, or differences in data collection. The mean in London is £26,137, suggesting a small number of high earners pull the average up.

Self-Employed Bricklayer Earnings

Many bricklayers work on a self-employed basis, especially on larger construction sites. Day rates are common, and earnings can be substantially higher than employed salaries, but you must cover your own tax, National Insurance, and expenses.

reports typical day rates:

• General bricklayer (new-build, commercial): £180–£280 per day regionally; £250–£400 in London
• Senior / gang leader (NVQ Level 3): £230–£320 per day regionally; £300–£450 in London

Assuming 200–220 chargeable days per year, a general bricklayer might net £40,000–£60,000, while a senior specialist could net £50,000–£75,000. Heritage specialists and Ltd company directors can achieve £85,000 or more.

Take-Home Pay Examples

Understanding what you actually take home after tax and National Insurance is crucial. Based on calculations for the 2025/26 tax year:

• NVQ Level 2 bricklayer on £35,000 (PAYE, 5% pension): take-home £27,460 per year
• NVQ Level 3 senior bricklayer in London on £50,000 (PAYE, 5% pension): take-home £37,720 per year
• Self-employed general bricklayer with £55,000 profit: take-home £43,211 after tax and Class 4 NIC
• Self-employed heritage specialist with £85,000 profit: take-home £60,611
• Ltd company director taking £35k salary + £50k dividends: take-home £65,831 (after corporation tax already paid)

These examples show the importance of employment status and tax planning. Self-employed bricklayers can retain more of their gross earnings, but they bear the risk of inconsistent work and must manage their own pension and insurance.

Regional Variations

Bricklayer pay is not uniform across the UK. London and the South East generally offer higher hourly rates, but the cost of living is also higher. The ASHE median for bricklayers in the South East is £39,171, 21% above the UK median, while London’s median is lowest at £24,404. This paradox may be due to the mix of workers in the London data; many high-earning self-employed bricklayers are not captured in PAYE surveys.

Key Considerations for Job Seekers

• Age and apprenticeship status directly affect your minimum wage entitlement. Always check the current rates on UK Minimum Wage.
• Employed vs self-employed changes your take-home pay significantly. Self-employed bricklayers need to budget for tax, NIC, and expenses.
• Specialisms such as heritage conservation or stonemasonry crossover can command higher rates.
• Qualifications like NVQ Level 2 or 3, and site supervisor tickets (SSSTS, SMSTS), boost earning potential.

For more detailed pay data, visit our pay data page or explore topics on construction wages. You can also read our blog for guides on negotiating pay and understanding your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the minimum wage for a bricklayer apprentice aged 19? A: If the apprentice is aged 19 or over and has completed the first year of their apprenticeship, they are entitled to the National Minimum Wage for their age: £10.85 per hour if aged 18–20, or £12.71 if aged 21 or over. If they are under 19 or in their first year, the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour applies. Always check the current statutory rates on GOV.UK.

Q: How much does a qualified bricklayer earn per hour in 2026? A: Employed bricklayers typically earn between £16 and £28 per hour depending on experience and location. For example, an NVQ Level 2 bricklayer in the regions might earn £16–£20 per hour, while a senior bricklayer in London can earn £24–£28 per hour. Self-employed bricklayers often charge day rates equivalent to £20–£50 per hour, but must cover their own expenses and taxes.

Q: Why is the median bricklayer salary in London lower than the UK median? A: According to Salary Scout data based on ONS ASHE, the London median bricklayer salary of £24,404 is 24.9% below the UK median of £32,480. This may be due to a higher proportion of lower-paid workers, such as apprentices or those in less specialised roles, being included in the London sample. The mean salary in London is £26,137, indicating a smaller group of high earners pulls the average up. Regional variations in contract types and data collection methods may also play a role.