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SOC 5311 Skilled construction and building trades

Steel erectors Salary

Median salary £34,782 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £35,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For steel erectors, £35,824 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -8.0% versus the national average.

About this role

Bricklayers and masons build and repair walls, partitions, arches and other structures using bricks, blocks, stone and mortar. They read construction drawings, set out work to line and level, and ensure structural integrity and aesthetic quality.

Key responsibilities

  • Laying bricks and blocks to line and level
  • Mixing and applying mortar to correct consistency
  • Setting out work from drawings and specifications
  • Building arches, decorative features and specialist brickwork
  • Maintaining clean and safe working areas

Qualifications and entry routes

NVQ Level 2/3 in Bricklaying via apprenticeship or college training. CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card is required for site work. Guild of Bricklayers membership provides professional recognition.

Career outlook

Persistent skills shortage. House building targets sustain strong demand. Heritage bricklaying and stone masonry are specialist niches commanding premium rates.

Key skills

Bricklaying technique Setting out and levelling Drawing interpretation Physical fitness Weather awareness

Common industries

  • House building
  • Commercial construction
  • Heritage restoration
  • Groundworks
  • Self-build

Data coverage

SOC code 5311
Data source ONS ASHE
Years available 2015–2025

Median Salary

£34,782

Mean Salary

£37,491

Jobs (000s)

N/A

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P10: --P25: --Median: £35kP75: --P90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Mid Level

£34,782

3-7 years

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Nominal growth: +28.6%Real growth: -6.8%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£34,782

Full-time Only

£35,824

Full-time premium: +£1,042

Steel erectors salary: common questions

How much do steel erectors earn in the UK?
Steel erectors earn a median of £35,824 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).
Is £35,824 a good salary in the UK?
For steel erectors, £35,824 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -8.0% versus the national average.
Have steel erectors salaries kept up with inflation?
Since 2015, median steel erectors pay has risen from £27,207 to £35,824 — +32% in cash terms, or -5.0% after CPIH inflation. That is behind inflation over the period.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).