What is the average construction worker salary in the UK (2021)?

What is the average construction worker salary in the UK (2021)?

Despite Brexit and Covid-19 induced uncertainty affecting some parts of the economy, construction remains resilient and indeed is one of the highest paying industries in the UK, with the average salary being £44,000 per year (22% above the national average).

The construction sector is vast, with approximately 2.4 million jobs in circulation. This mass of jobs provides many opportunities, with something for everyone. Whether you wish to be more hands on, or behind the scenes. Degree or no degree, vast experience or none, there is a job for you within construction.


Find out the average salary of construction jobs in the UK in 2021:

Project manager (construction)

Project managers oversee the planning and delivery of construction projects. They ensure that work is completed on time and within budget. They organise logistics, delegate work and keep track of spending.

Average salary: £44,000

See project manager roles

Commercial manager (construction)

A Commercial Manager within the construction industry is a professional responsible for financial management of projects, recognizing business opportunities and putting together bids to win new business as well as negotiating and agreeing contracts which can be worth millions of pounds.

Average salary: £57,000

See commercial manager roles

Site manager (construction / buildings manager)

A site manager, sometimes known as a construction or buildings manager, is generally responsible for the completion of a building or structural project. You'll be working with a team of tradesmen to make sure a project is completed effectively, safely and on time.

Average salary: £52,000

See site manager roles

Technical coordinator

Technical coordinators handle technical aspects of a project. Depending on the area of construction they work in, they could be handling enquiries, helping to produce and interpret technical diagrams, plans and paperwork, drawing up delivery schedules, and dealing with project administration.

Average salary: £47,000

See technical coordinator roles

Building surveyor

Building surveyors are responsible for assessing the quality of buildings, from houses to public and commercial properties. They examine the condition of buildings and advise on ways to improve them.

Average salary: £52,500

See building surveyor roles

Site engineer 

Site engineers have similar jobs to construction (site) managers on a construction project. They manage parts of a construction project (also known as packages), providing technical advice, supervising staff on site and ensuring that their packages are completed on time and within budget.

Average salary: £57,000

See site engineer roles

Electrical engineer

Electrical engineers design, develop and maintain electrical systems for buildings, transport systems and power distribution networks. 

Average salary: £39,000

See electrical engineer roles

Employers agent

In construction, under a design and build Contract an Employer's Agent (EA) is appointed by the Client (employer) to represent them and their interests pre and post Contract. This role can be fulfilled by the architect, project manager or cost consultant.

Average salary: £57,500

See employers agent roles

Quantity surveyor

A Quantity Surveyor (QS) is a construction industry professional with expert knowledge on construction costs and contracts. Qualified professional quantity surveyors are known as Chartered Surveyors (Members and Fellows of RICS) in the UK.

Average salary: £57,000

See quantity surveyor roles

Surveyor Manager

A survey manager is responsible for overseeing a site and directing crews on survey plans associated with engineering and construction projects. Additional duties include preparing proposals, contracts and reports; consulting with clients; preparing right-of-way plans; performing field work; and drawing/drafting maps.

Average salary: £47,400

See surveyor manager roles

General foreman / site supervisor

A general foreman, sometimes also known as a site supervisor or construction works manager, is responsible for general management, organisational and operational control of a construction site.

Average salary: £52,500

See general foreman roles

Construction estimator

Estimators calculate how much construction projects will cost, taking into account labour, material and equipment requirements. They will negotiate with suppliers and gain quotes from subcontractors and use this information to compile detailed cost proposals for a client

Average salary: £30,400

See construction estimator roles

Multi Trader

Working as part of the Construction sector, Multi Traders may be employed within numerous vacancies and recruitment agencies can be used to find work or to make handy person hires.

Average salary: £30,500

See multi trader roles

Plasterer / Renderer

Plasterers smooth or create a decorative finish on internal walls and ceilings. They also apply render and finishes to external walls. Most new builds and many renovation projects require a plasterer, to give a room a fresh feel, repair damage or bring a space back to life.

Average salary: £31,700

See plaster/renderer roles


What is the average UK Construction Worker salary per region?

London & South East - £57,477

North East - £38,918

North West - £40,133

Yorkshire & Midlands - £39,314


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