The UK construction industry continues to grow rapidly, with demand for skilled bricklayers reaching unprecedented levels. As of 2025, skilled bricklayers in the United Kingdom are among the top earners in the construction sector, with wages ranging from £25 to £30 per hour depending on experience, location, and employer benefits.
For full-time employment, this translates to annual earnings between £48,000 and £62,000 for a standard 40-hour workweek, excluding overtime, bonuses, and other incentives.
The most attractive aspect for foreign workers is that many of these high-paying bricklayer jobs in the UK come with visa sponsorship, allowing skilled workers from outside the UK to legally live and work while also paving the way for permanent residency opportunities.
This is especially crucial since the UK Home Office has included several construction roles, including bricklayers, on the Skilled Worker Visa Shortage Occupation List.
By 2025, data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics shows that the construction industry will need at least 50,000 additional skilled workers to meet growing housing and infrastructure demands.
With such demand, wages have significantly increased, and employers are offering relocation packages, accommodation support, and visa assistance to attract talent from countries like India, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa, and Eastern Europe.
In this article, we will explore what high-paying bricklayer jobs entail, the various job types, how to find these opportunities, and the general requirements. We will also look at salaries, application procedures, and the top companies offering employment with visa sponsorship.
What are the High-Paying Bricklayer Jobs in the UK?
High-paying bricklayer jobs in the UK refer to construction roles specializing in building walls, houses, commercial properties, and large infrastructure projects while earning competitive wages that often exceed the national average.
With construction contracts booming in cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow, employers are prepared to pay £25–£30 per hour for experienced bricklayers to ensure projects meet deadlines and quality standards.
The term “high-paying” here is based on hourly and annual earnings. For instance, a skilled bricklayer working 45 hours per week at £28 per hour can expect to earn £65,520 per year, excluding weekend overtime, which often pays higher rates such as £35 per hour.
Such figures place bricklayer jobs among the most financially rewarding roles in the UK’s construction industry.
Residential Bricklaying Jobs
Residential projects are in high demand due to the UK’s goal of building at least 300,000 new homes per year to tackle the housing crisis. Bricklayers in residential construction typically work on building walls, foundations, and decorative brick features for houses, apartments, and housing estates.
The pay here can reach £27 per hour, with experienced workers securing supervisory roles at £30 per hour or more.
Commercial Bricklaying Jobs
Commercial projects include the construction of shopping centers, schools, hospitals, and office complexes. These roles often offer higher pay because of the complexity and scale of work involved.
A bricklayer in commercial construction can earn £29–£30 per hour, especially if the project requires specialized brick patterns, stone masonry, or advanced skills like restoration work.
Infrastructure and Public Sector Bricklaying Jobs
The UK government has allocated billions for infrastructure upgrades, including railways, highways, and public housing schemes. Bricklayers in infrastructure projects earn some of the highest wages, averaging £30 per hour with overtime bonuses pushing annual salaries beyond £70,000.
Restoration and Heritage Bricklaying Jobs
Britain has thousands of historic buildings requiring careful restoration. Heritage bricklayers skilled in traditional techniques such as lime mortar brickwork often command premium wages of £28–£32 per hour because of the delicate nature of these projects.
Types of High-Paying Bricklayer Jobs in the UK
Bricklaying in the UK covers a wide range of roles depending on project type, skill specialization, and industry demand. By 2025, the demand for different types of bricklayers will continue to rise because the construction sector faces ongoing labor shortages.
Full-Time Permanent Bricklayer Jobs
Many UK construction firms hire bricklayers on permanent contracts, especially for large housing developments and commercial projects lasting several years.
These roles offer consistent income, health benefits, pension contributions, and in some cases, employer-sponsored visas for foreign workers. Annual salaries for permanent roles typically range from £50,000 to £60,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
Contract Bricklayer Jobs
Contract roles pay on a per-project basis, offering higher hourly wages because they lack long-term job security. Skilled bricklayers on contracts often earn £28–£32 per hour, with the potential for extra income if they handle multiple projects throughout the year.
Self-Employed Bricklayer Jobs
The UK has a thriving market for self-employed bricklayers who negotiate their own rates. Many experienced professionals charge £200–£250 per day, which amounts to £50,000–£65,000 annually if they maintain steady work schedules.
Apprenticeship and Trainee Bricklayer Jobs
Apprenticeships combine training with paid work experience. Although initial pay rates for trainees start at £14–£18 per hour, wages increase significantly after gaining NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 certifications, eventually reaching £25–£30 per hour for fully qualified roles.
How to Find High-Paying Bricklayer Jobs in the UK
Locating high-paying bricklayer jobs in the UK requires a strategic approach, especially for international workers seeking visa sponsorship. By 2025, many construction companies advertise directly on recruitment websites, government platforms, and trade-specific portals.
Using UK Job Portals
Websites like Indeed, Totaljobs, and Reed consistently feature bricklayer vacancies offering £25–£30 per hour plus visa sponsorship options. Many of these listings specifically mention “Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship available,” making it easier for overseas candidates to apply.
Recruitment Agencies Specializing in Construction
Specialist agencies such as Hays Construction and Randstad UK have dedicated teams sourcing bricklayers for projects across the country. These agencies often assist with work visas, relocation support, and connecting workers with employers paying above-market rates.
Direct Applications to Construction Companies
Many top construction companies like Balfour Beatty, Kier Group, and Laing O’Rourke hire bricklayers directly through their careers pages. By applying directly, candidates can negotiate salaries, relocation allowances, and visa sponsorship terms.
Networking and Trade Associations
Joining trade unions like the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) or attending industry events significantly increases job prospects. Many employers prefer candidates recommended through professional networks, offering salaries in the £28–£30 per hour range for verified skilled workers.
General Requirements for High-Paying Bricklayer Jobs in the UK
To secure high-paying bricklayer jobs in the UK, candidates must meet specific requirements. Employers prioritize skilled and experienced bricklayers, especially for roles offering visa sponsorship.
Meeting these criteria ensures eligibility for top-paying positions and demonstrates competence in professional construction environments.
Experience and Skill Level
Most high-paying bricklayer positions require a minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in the construction sector. Candidates should be adept at reading technical drawings, mixing mortars, laying bricks accurately, and handling various types of bricks, blocks, and stones.
Expertise in residential, commercial, or heritage projects significantly boosts your employability and salary potential.
Educational Qualifications
While formal university degrees are not mandatory, most employers expect applicants to have completed NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Bricklaying or equivalent vocational training.
These qualifications ensure candidates understand construction standards, safety protocols, and modern bricklaying techniques, which are essential for complex UK projects.
Health and Safety Compliance
All bricklayers must adhere to UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations. Employers often require certifications in CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) cards and first aid training. Compliance with safety standards is mandatory and directly influences the ability to work on high-paying sites.
Visa Eligibility
For overseas applicants, securing a Skilled Worker Visa is essential. To qualify, the employer must be a Home Office licensed sponsor, and the job offer must meet the minimum salary threshold of £26,200 per year (£25/hour) for bricklayers.
Visa approval also requires proof of English proficiency and compliance with immigration rules, which the hiring company typically facilitates.
Physical Fitness and Work Stamina
High-paying bricklayer jobs are physically demanding. Candidates must demonstrate endurance, precision, and the ability to work long hours, often outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Employers value workers who can maintain productivity and accuracy under challenging conditions, as this directly impacts project timelines and costs.
Meeting these requirements not only increases your chances of landing a top-paying bricklayer job but also positions you for potential career growth, including supervisory and site management roles earning £35–£40 per hour after several years of experience.
Application Guide for High-Paying Bricklayer Jobs in the UK
Applying for a high-paying bricklayer job in the UK involves a structured approach to ensure your profile meets employer expectations, particularly for visa sponsorship.
Step 1: Prepare a Strong CV
Your CV should highlight relevant work experience, certifications, and specific skills in bricklaying. Mention all NVQ qualifications, previous project experience, and any specialization in heritage or commercial projects.
Include measurable outcomes, such as projects completed ahead of schedule or large-scale construction sites managed, to make your application stand out.
Step 2: Obtain References and Recommendations
UK employers prefer candidates with strong references from previous supervisors or companies. Providing at least two professional references strengthens your application and demonstrates reliability, skill competence, and professional conduct.
Step 3: Highlight Visa Sponsorship Needs Clearly
When applying from overseas, explicitly state your need for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. Employers must know early in the process to assess eligibility and prepare the necessary documentation. Applications that clearly outline this requirement tend to receive faster consideration.
Step 4: Prepare for Interviews
High-paying bricklayer positions may require interviews or practical assessments. Be prepared to discuss bricklaying techniques, project experience, safety compliance, and problem-solving skills on-site. Employers often test your ability to work under pressure while maintaining quality and precision.
Step 5: Follow-Up and Documentation
After submitting your application, timely follow-ups show professionalism. Once selected, you must submit documentation for visa processing, including proof of qualifications, identity documents, and English language proficiency certificates.
Employers with experience in visa sponsorship often guide candidates through this process efficiently. Following these steps ensures a seamless application experience and increases the likelihood of securing top-paying bricklayer positions in the UK.
Top Companies Hiring Bricklayers in the UK
Several UK construction companies actively recruit skilled bricklayers and provide visa sponsorship to international workers. These companies often handle large-scale residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, making them attractive employers for bricklayers seeking £25–£30 per hour or higher.
Balfour Beatty
Balfour Beatty is one of the largest construction firms in the UK, specializing in infrastructure, housing, and commercial projects. Skilled bricklayers can earn £28–£30 per hour, and the company frequently sponsors skilled workers from overseas to meet project demands.
Balfour Beatty also offers comprehensive benefits, including housing allowances, pension contributions, and professional development programs.
Kier Group
Kier Group is renowned for large-scale housing developments and commercial projects. They hire experienced bricklayers and provide relocation support alongside visa sponsorship. Salaries range between £25 and £29 per hour, with additional overtime and performance bonuses.
Laing O’Rourke
Laing O’Rourke handles high-profile construction projects such as airports, hospitals, and government buildings. The firm actively recruits skilled bricklayers with specializations in commercial and heritage projects. Wages typically reach £28–£32 per hour, reflecting the complexity and scale of their projects.
Morgan Sindall
Morgan Sindall is a major player in residential and public sector construction. Bricklayers employed here can earn up to £30 per hour, and international applicants benefit from robust visa sponsorship programs, training, and career advancement opportunities.
These top companies not only provide high salaries but also professional stability, benefits, and opportunities for advancement, making them the preferred choice for skilled bricklayers seeking lucrative roles in the UK.
Steps to Secure High-Paying Bricklayer Jobs in the UK
Securing a high-paying bricklayer position requires a combination of strategic planning, skill validation, and targeted job searching. By following a structured process, candidates can increase their chances of landing competitive roles with visa sponsorship.
Step 1: Evaluate Your Qualifications
Assess your skills, certifications, and experience to ensure they align with UK employer requirements. Completing NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Bricklaying or an equivalent vocational qualification is crucial. Highlight any specialization in heritage work, commercial projects, or advanced masonry techniques.
Step 2: Research the Market
Identify regions and companies offering high-paying roles. London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow often offer the highest salaries due to project complexity and living costs. Researching the market helps you target employers who provide £25–£30 per hour rates with visa sponsorship.
Step 3: Apply Strategically
Submit applications through reputable channels, including job portals, recruitment agencies, and company websites. Write your CV to each role, emphasizing skills relevant to the specific project or company. Clearly state your visa requirements to avoid delays.
Step 4: Prepare for Assessment and Interview
Expect interviews and practical assessments to verify your bricklaying expertise. Employers may test your ability to follow technical drawings, work under pressure, and maintain quality standards. Practicing these skills beforehand can significantly improve your performance.
Step 5: Finalize Visa and Relocation
Once offered a job, work closely with the employer to complete visa applications, medical checks, and relocation logistics. Many companies provide support with housing, travel expenses, and integration into the UK workforce.
Step 6: Start Work and Grow Professionally
Upon arrival, focus on demonstrating professionalism, reliability, and skill mastery. High-performing bricklayers often progress to supervisory roles earning £35–£40 per hour, with additional perks like bonus schemes, pension contributions, and long-term contract opportunities.
By following these steps, candidates maximize their chances of securing high-paying bricklayer jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship, ensuring both financial rewards and career growth.