Bricklayer Jobs: Everything You Need to Know

Bricklayers are the people who build and repair the places we live, learn, and work in. Homes, schools, offices — they’re all built one brick at a time. Most full-time bricklayers work about 40 to 44 hours a week. A beginner can earn around £25,000 a year, while experienced bricklayers often make £45,000 or more. Some even go self-employed and earn higher daily rates.

If you’re curious about bricklayer jobs or want a hands-on career, this guide covers everything you need to know –

• What the job’s really like,
• How to train,
• What you can earn,
• How to find work, etc. 

What Is a Bricklayer?

A bricklayer builds and repairs walls, foundations, chimneys, and arches using bricks, blocks, and mortar. In short, they make sure buildings stay strong and safe.

You might work on new houses, big commercial sites, or even historic restoration projects. Some bricklayers also do decorative work — patterns, arches, or fancy details on older buildings. It’s a career for people who like working with their hands, being outdoors, and creating something solid that lasts. When you see a wall or building you helped build, there’s real pride in that.

What Do Bricklayers Do Every Day?

While a bricklayer’s job is physically active, it’s highly technical and requires real precision. No two days are the same, but the core daily tasks involve:

• Reading Plans: Every project starts with the plans. You’ll study drawings and blueprints to understand the layout and design. This helps you see where walls, openings, and features go. Without this step, mistakes can happen later. It sets the stage for all the work to come.

• Setting Out: After reading the plans, you measure the work area carefully. The first row of bricks or blocks is crucial because it guides the rest of the wall. If it isn’t straight or level, the whole structure can be off. Taking time here saves effort later. Precision at the start makes everything else easier.

• Mixing Mortar: Mortar holds the bricks together, so it needs to be the right mix. You may mix it by hand or machine, depending on the job. Spreading it evenly ensures the bricks stick properly. A poor mix can weaken the wall or cause cracks. Consistency and care are key at this stage.

• Laying Courses: Once the mortar is ready, you place bricks or blocks row by row. You keep checking that each row is straight and level using a spirit level, laser, or careful measuring. It can be repetitive, but staying focused is important — mistakes now are harder to fix later.

• Shaping Materials: Sometimes bricks or blocks need to be cut or shaped to fit corners or angles. To form the bricks, you can use chisels, hammers, or power equipment. Errors can weaken the wall; therefore, accuracy is critical. So, taking your time and being meticulous allows each piece to fit perfectly, making the wall solid and clean.

• Finishing and Fixing: Other days are spent on finishing touches or fixing existing work. For example, you might repoint ancient mortar joints, replace damaged bricks, or add decorative elements. By thoroughly replicating the previous work, you demonstrate ability and competence. Remember that a neat surface is as crucial as a solid wall.

• Workplace Safety: Safety always comes first. Wearing protective clothes, using tools appropriately, and keeping the workplace clean all contribute to a healthier work environment. Staying active is crucial when working at heights or with heavy materials. Good safety routines eventually become second nature.

• The Work Environment: Bricklaying is physical work, mostly outdoors. You’ll be active in all kinds of weather, and you’ll often move between different sites, which keeps each day varied and interesting.

Because the job is on-site, it can be hard work and outdoors in all weather. You will also move between different building sites.

Do You Need Qualifications to Be a Bricklayer?

Here’s the good news: you don’t need a long list of qualifications to start.

There’s no single required certificate. However, most employers prefer candidates with training in bricklaying or on-site experience. You’ll also need a CSCS card to get onto most construction sites. This card proves you’ve passed a health and safety test and that you understand basic site rules.

To get your CSCS card, you’ll need to pass a recognised health and safety course. The Wise Campus offers a practical option — the Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment — which covers everything you need to work safely on-site and take the next step toward becoming a qualified bricklayer.

If you want to study, you can look for:

• Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying – great for beginners.
• Level 3 Diploma in Bricklaying – for advanced skills.
• T Level in On-Site Construction – A newer qualification that combines classroom lessons with hands-on site experience.

All of these are available at local colleges or training centres.

Can You Become a Bricklayer with No Experience?

Absolutely. Many people start with no experience at all.

You could begin as a labourer or hod carrier, helping skilled bricklayers mix mortar, move materials, and keep the site tidy. Over time, you’ll pick up the basics and learn directly from the team. Or, you can join a Bricklayer Apprenticeship (Level 2). This means you’ll be employed and earning while you train; usually four days on site and one day at college.

Once you finish, you’ll have an NVQ Level 2 qualification and can apply for a Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card. From there, you can move into bigger projects, specialise in restoration work, or even start your own business one day.

Bricklaying is one of those careers where hard work really pays off. You don’t have to be perfect right away; all you need is to be dependable, eager to learn, and willing to get your hands dirty.

How to Get Bricklayer Training or an Apprenticeship

There are a few simple routes to get started:

College Courses

You can join a Level 2 or Level 3 bricklaying course at your local college. These courses teach you how to mix mortar, lay bricks, read plans, and work safely.

Apprenticeships

The Bricklayer Level 2 Apprenticeship (ST0095) is a popular option. It takes about two years and lets you earn while you learn. You’ll work with real bricklayers and study part-time at college. Apprenticeships are listed on the Find an Apprenticeship website (GOV.UK).

Employer Training

Some companies train new workers directly on-site. You’ll start as a helper and work your way up with support from experienced staff. If you’re not sure where to begin, check the National Careers Service or the government sites for local training providers. They list approved courses and apprenticeships near you.

How Much Do Bricklayer Jobs Pay in the UK?

Although bricklayer jobs pay well, earnings depend on experience and location. For example, beginners usually earn around £20,000 to £25,000 a year, while skilled or self-employed bricklayers can make over £50,000. Thus, it’s become a practical trade with strong demand and plenty of room to grow.

Bricklayer Jobs in the UK: Pay Overview

Pay also varies across the UK. Bricklayers in London usually earn the most, while those in Wales or the North earn slightly less. Still, the trade offers reliable work wherever you are.

Bricklayer Jobs in the UK: Pay by Region

So, if you’re after higher pay, London and the South East are great options. But if you prefer lower living costs, the Midlands or Wales still offer fair wages and steady jobs.
Either way, bricklaying is a practical career with strong demand and long-term potential. 

So, if you’re after higher pay, London and the South East are great options. But if you prefer lower living costs, the Midlands or Wales still offer fair wages and steady jobs. Either way, bricklaying offers solid prospects — and Wise Campus’s guide, How Much Does a Bricklayer Earn?, explains where demand and pay are highest across the UK.

Where Can You Work as a Bricklayer?

Bricklaying is a trade with options. You may work in:

• Housebuilding: new homes, extensions, or garden walls.
• Commercial construction: schools, offices, or hospitals.
• Repair and maintenance: fixing old brickwork or repointing walls.
• Heritage restoration: using traditional methods to preserve old buildings.
• Self-employed work: local jobs for homeowners or small businesses.

Each type of work feels a little different. Housebuilding is fast-paced and structured, while restoration work is slower and more detailed. Many bricklayers move between them to keep things interesting. You can also choose between being part of a big team on a large site or working for yourself, where you call the shots.

What Skills Help You Succeed in Bricklaying?

Formal training teaches you the basics, but real success in a bricklayer job comes from skill, focus, and a strong work attitude.

• Accuracy and Set-Out: The ability to read plans and build straight, level masonry is essential.
• Hand–Eye Coordination: Dexterity is key for handling tools and precisely laying mortar.
• Physical Fitness and Stamina: The work is demanding, involving lifting and bending all day, so you must be physically ready.
• Teamwork: You will often work closely with a gang of bricklayers and other tradespeople, so being a positive team player is essential.
• Site Safety: Staying focused on health and safety, especially when working at height, keeps you and your colleagues safe.

You also need patience. Building something properly takes time, and good bricklayers care about getting it right. It’s a craft — part skill, part rhythm, part pride.

Are Bricklayer Jobs in Demand Right Now?

The answer is an emphatic yes! 

The UK construction industry is short on skilled bricklayers. CITB’s Construction Workforce Outlook (2025–2029) says the industry needs about 47,860 more workers each year to meet demand. That means skilled bricklayers have strong job security and good leverage to earn higher pay.

New houses, road work, and repairs are creating more jobs for skilled bricklayers. So if you’re looking for a career that’s both practical and stable, this is a strong bet. You’ll find steady work almost anywhere in the UK. And once you have experience, you can use your skills anywhere: on building sites, repair projects, or even overseas.

How to Find Bricklayer Jobs Near You

Once you’re ready to work, here’s where to look:

• DWP Find a Job: The official government site with live job listings.
• Find an Apprenticeship: If you’re training or changing careers.
• National Careers Service: Advice, courses, and job links.
• Major job boards: Indeed, Totaljobs, Reed, and Checkatrade often post trade jobs.
• Local builders: Sometimes the best work comes from asking around.

And don’t forget your CSCS card — most sites won’t let you start without it.

If you plan to go self-employed, a few before-and-after photos of your work can really help you win new clients. A tidy wall or well-done garden project says more than words ever could. Networking matters too. Therefore, talk to other trades, suppliers, or site managers; word travels fast when you’re good at what you do.

Final Thoughts: Is Bricklaying a Good Career Choice?

From scratch, we can say, a bricklayer job is an excellent choice. It offers clear entry paths and steady job demand. On top of that, pay is good, especially once you gain experience or go self-employed. You also get to work on a variety of projects, from new builds to historic restorations. You build things that last long! 

Your Next Steps to Becoming a Bricklayer:

• Book Training: Apply for a college course or a Level 2 Apprenticeship.
• Get Your CSCS Card: Obtain your initial Green Card for site access.
• Build Your Portfolio: Start documenting any projects or work you do.
• Apply Locally: Use all the resources available to secure your first role as an apprentice or labourer. 

Lay the foundation for your future. Book your Bricklaying Training on Wise Campus today, gain real hands-on experience, and start building a career that lasts! 

FAQs About Bricklayer Jobs

1. What is the job of a bricklayer?
A bricklayer builds and repairs walls and structures using bricks, blocks, and mortar.

2. How much money do bricklayers earn?
Beginners earn £20,000 to £25,000, average bricklayers earn £30,000 to £45,000, and experienced or self-employed ones can earn £50,000 or more.

3. What jobs pay $4,000 a month in the UK?
Skilled trades, nursing, IT support, and mid-level management roles.

4. What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the UK?
Top executives, surgeons, investment bankers, and successful business owners.

5. What jobs pay £100 an hour?
Specialist consultants, surgeons, solicitors, and some self-employed contractors.

6. Is £25k a good salary in the UK?
It is average for entry-level roles and enough for basic living, but low for London.

7. Can bricklayers make £100k a year?
Yes, experienced self-employed bricklayers or those on large projects can reach this.

8. Can a bricklayer lay 1,000 bricks a day?
Skilled bricklayers can, depending on project size, tools, and complexity.

9. Is bricklaying hard?
Yes, it is physically demanding and requires skill and precision.

10. Will AI replace bricklayers?
Not fully, because hands-on skills and problem-solving cannot be automated.

11. Is 40 too old to become a bricklayer?
No, many start later; fitness, skill, and dedication matter more than age.

12. What is the 3-4-5 method of bricklaying?
A technique using a 3:4:5 ratio to make perfect right angles on corners.

13. What GCSEs do you need for bricklaying?
None are required, but maths and practical subjects help.

14. What are the three rules of bricklaying?
Keep walls straight and level, use correct mortar, and follow plans accurately.

15. Is bricklaying a skilled job?
Yes, it requires knowledge, precision, and experience.