High‑Paying Bricklayer Jobs in the UK 2026 (£25–£30/Hour with Visa Sponsorship)

Right now, 2026 is shaping up as one of the best years in recent memory to pursue a career as a bricklayer in the UK — especially for international workers willing to go through the visa sponsorship process and bring serious skills to the table.

The UK construction industry is experiencing a prolonged shortage of skilled tradespeople, especially masons and bricklayers, with demand driven by housing shortages, major infrastructure projects, and government investment into training and workforce development.

This guide breaks it all down: the realities of pay, what employers are offering with sponsorship packages, the types of jobs available, how visa sponsorship works, and practical steps you can take to maximise earnings and secure work in the UK as a bricklayer in 2026.

We’re not sugar‑coating it — this takes grit, paperwork, and preparation — but if you hit it right, you can be working in one of the highest‑paying trades in the UK.

Why Bricklayers Are in Demand in the UK

Over the last decade, the UK has faced serious challenges in its construction workforce. Brexit and the pandemic shrank the EU labour pool that had traditionally supported UK construction, and now a wave of retirements is thinning local talent. Bricklayers are in particularly short supply, threatening national housing targets and slowing projects down across the country.

Government and industry groups have acknowledged the shortage and have allocated funds and training initiatives to bring more workers into the trade. At the same time, ongoing housing shortages — with millions of homes needed by the end of this decade — plus billions in infrastructure investment mean construction firms *have to* recruit skilled bricklayers to get work done.

For you, this means opportunity: employers who once hired only locally are now open to recruiting internationally with visa sponsorship, paying strong rates to fill the gaps and keep projects moving.

Understanding Hourly Rates for Bricklayers in the UK

When you’re reading job offers and pay scales, it’s important to understand what typical rates look like in 2026:

• Standard Skilled Bricklayer Roles: Most experienced bricklayers working on housing and general construction can expect rates in the region of **£25–£30 per hour**, depending on location and skill set.
• Specialised and High‑Demand Roles: Certain contracts — such as heritage restoration, industrial sites, or commercial façades — can push rates even higher, sometimes exceeding £30 per hour for the most technically demanding assignments.
• Overtime and Bonus Pay: It’s common for construction employers to pay premium rates for overtime, weekend shifts, and night work. Add that in and experienced bricklayers can earn significantly more than the base rate set out in contracts.

All told, a skilled bricklayer earning £25–£30 per hour and working a full schedule — including overtime — can see annual earnings that rival many office jobs, with some professionals surpassing £60,000 per year in total compensation. Even more experienced masons who take on supervisory duties or specialise in niche masonry techniques can exceed that figure.

What Visa Sponsorship Means for You

To work legally in the UK as a non‑citizen, most international applicants use the Skilled Worker Visa route. Employers who want to hire you must be approved sponsors with the UK Home Office and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — effectively a job offer that qualifies you to apply for the visa.

With the ongoing construction labour shortage, many UK firms are offering visa sponsorship directly to bricklayers. These sponsorship packages often cover the main immigration paperwork and may include relocation assistance, orientation support, and integration help once you arrive in the UK.

Visa sponsorship isn’t automatic — you have to meet eligibility criteria (such as the job meeting certain skill and salary thresholds) and pass an English language requirement — but large construction companies advertise sponsored positions specifically because they need workers and are prepared to comply with sponsorship rules.

How Much You Can Actually Earn as a Sponsored Bricklayer

Let’s break down what your earning potential looks like with visa sponsorship in 2026:

• Entry‑Level Skilled Bricklayer – Around **£25–£28 per hour**. You’ll work on general construction projects, housing builds, and mixed use sites. This equates to roughly **£45,000–£52,000 per year** before overtime and bonuses.
• Experienced Bricklayer – Around **£28–£30 per hour**. These roles involve more complex tasks, greater responsibility on site, and require proven experience. Annual earnings here may sit between **£52,000–£60,000+**, especially with overtime.
• Specialist Bricklayer – **£30+ per hour**. Heritage restoration, industrial masonry, commercial façades, and supervisory positions fall into this bracket. Annual income can stretch toward **£60,000–£70,000+** when overtime and weekend premiums are factored in.

Keep in mind: location matters. Jobs in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and other major cities tend to pay more due to higher living costs and demand. Some employers also offer travel allowances, relocation packages, and other benefits that can add thousands to your total compensation package.

Top Types of Bricklayer Jobs in the UK

Bricklaying isn’t a single type of job — different projects require different skill sets and pay accordingly. Here are common bricklayer roles that UK employers are currently hiring for:

Residential Bricklayer

Work on new housing developments, apartment complexes, and renovation builds. These positions are steady, with a clear path for experience growth and often predictable hours. Pay rates typically start at around £25 per hour and climb with experience.

Commercial Bricklayer

Commercial builds like offices, retail spaces, and industrial units often involve larger teams, stricter deadlines, and more advanced masonry work. These roles tend to pay at the higher end of the scale — often £27–£32 per hour — and are common sponsors for international workers.

Infrastructure and Government Projects

Large infrastructure builds (think new transport hubs, hospitals, urban regeneration) are big employers of bricklayers. These contracts frequently come with sponsorship packages, higher base pay, and overtime. Because these projects are government‑backed or funded by large developers, they tend to be stable and long‑term.

Restoration and Heritage Masonry

This is a niche but high‑paying area. Working on historic building restoration requires precision, knowledge of traditional techniques, and care that exceeds standard construction. Specialists here can command rates over £30 per hour, particularly on complex jobs.

Qualifications and Skills That Boost Your Value

If you want the best jobs with the highest pay and fastest route to sponsorship, you have to bring more than a basic skill set. Employers look for:

• Proven Experience – Typically at least 2–3 years of practical bricklaying experience, though some companies accept immigrant workers with overseas validation of skills.
• Technical Knowledge – Understanding building regulations, reading blueprints, and working with diverse materials (engineered bricks, clay, concrete blocks) is a big advantage.
• Safety Certifications – The UK construction industry is strict about safety. Holding a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card — or being willing to obtain one — shows employers you take safety seriously.
• English Proficiency – To work on UK sites and communicate effectively, you’ll need to meet a basic English language threshold for your visa application.

Some employers even sponsor CSCS training costs or help you get certifications once you’re under contract, because having certified workers speeds up project timelines and reduces compliance hurdles.

Typical Benefits Included in Sponsorship Packages

Working with a sponsor employer isn’t just about the pay rate — several perks often come with the package:

• Relocation Assistance – Employers may help cover travel or initial housing support when you arrive in the UK.
• Visa Documentation Support – The company handles the Certificate of Sponsorship and often guides you through the visa application steps.
• Pension Contributions – Most employers enrol workers into pension schemes with monthly contributions.
• Holiday Pay – You receive paid holiday days per year as per UK employment standards.
• Overtime and Shift Premiums – Extra earnings for night, weekend, or extended shifts.

These benefits can add several thousand pounds to your total compensation each year and make the overseas move much smoother.

Where the Best Bricklayer Jobs Are in the UK

Certain UK regions consistently offer stronger pay and opportunity for bricklayers with visa sponsorship:

• London – Strong demand and high pay rates, but cost of living is higher.
• Birmingham – Huge housing and infrastructure projects driving demand.
• Manchester – Commercial and city‑centre developments are abundant.
• Leeds and Sheffield – Northern powerhouses with vibrant construction sectors.
• Glasgow and Edinburgh – Scotland’s major cities with good pay scales.
• South West England – While pay can vary, rural perks like accommodation allowances sometimes appear.

Target these cities and surrounding areas for the largest volume of sponsored bricklayer positions and more competitive pay.

How Visa Sponsorship Works: Step‑by‑Step

Ready to go international? Here’s how the typical sponsorship process unfolds:

1. Find a Sponsoring Employer – Construction companies that are UK Home Office approved sponsors advertise roles that explicitly include sponsorship.
2. Secure a Job Offer – Apply and interview for the bricklayer position. If successful, the employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
3. Prepare Your Documents – You’ll need a valid passport, proof of experience, a clean criminal record check in many cases, and evidence that you meet the English language requirement.
4. Submit Your Visa Application – With your CoS and documents, you apply for the Skilled Worker Visa through the UK Home Office system.
5. Await Decision and Travel – Processing can take a few weeks. Once approved, you can make travel arrangements and begin work in the UK.

Some employers also offer help with job placement, travel logistics, and initial settling‑in support to make the whole process easier.

Practical Tips to Win a High‑Paying Bricklayer Job

If you want to stand out and get hired quickly, use these strategies:

• Get Your CV in Order – Highlight your experience, projects you’ve completed, tools you’re proficient with, and any supervisory roles you’ve held.
• Get Certified – CSCS and other safety or trade certifications make you much more attractive to employers.
• Apply Widely – Don’t limit yourself to one company or city — apply to multiple sponsored roles.
• Be Prepared to Negotiate – If you’ve got solid experience, ask for rates at the top of the advertised bands or overtime guarantees.
• Brush Up on English – The better your communication skills, the smoother the interview and job site experience.

Conclusion: The Big Picture for Bricklayers in 2026

If you’re a bricklayer looking to move abroad and make good money, the UK in 2026 offers one of the most compelling opportunities you’ll find anywhere. With rates of £25–£30 per hour and visa sponsorship packages available from serious construction employers, you can not only earn a strong income but build a long‑term career with potential paths to permanent residence.

This work is not a ticket to instant luxury — it demands strength, skill, and resilience on often challenging sites — but for those who come prepared, it’s a pathway to steady income, international experience, and real career growth. Bricklayers are the backbone of construction and, in the UK right now, that backbone is getting paid for it.

Bring your tools, polish your skills, get your documentation ready, and let’s build your future brick by brick.