UK Construction Salary Trends Report 2025 

The UK construction industry stands as a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, driving infrastructure development and providing employment to millions. As we navigate through 2025, understanding the evolving salary trends within this sector becomes paramount for both employers aiming to attract top talent and professionals seeking rewarding opportunities. The Totaljobs UK Salary Trends Report 2025 offers comprehensive insights into these dynamics, shedding light on key factors influencing the construction industry’s labour market. 

Key Findings from the Totaljobs UK Salary Trends Report 2025: 

• Worker Mobility: Approximately 31% of workers plan to seek new employment opportunities in 2025, with higher pay being the primary motivator. In fact, 72% of candidates cite salary as the most important factor when choosing a role, making salary benchmarking essential for employers to stay competitive.  

• Salary Expectations: Workers anticipate an average pay rise of 4.5%, up from 3.7% in 2023. If their expectations aren’t met, 39% are prepared to look for a new job.  

• Beyond Pay: While salary remains crucial, 66% of workers would forgo a pay rise for their most desired benefit – flexible working hours. Additionally, 74% of jobseekers are unlikely to apply for positions that don’t disclose salary information.  

Implications for the Construction Industry 

The construction sector is currently grappling with significant challenges, notably labour shortages. Recent reports indicate that around 225,000 new construction workers are needed in the UK by 2027 to meet demand. Increased investment in infrastructure, housing developments, and major projects has heightened the demand for both skilled and unskilled labour, further widening the workforce gap.  

This shortage is exacerbated by an aging workforce, early retirements, and insufficient numbers of young people entering trades, often opting for university studies instead. Despite the high earnings potential and benefits of trade professions, societal and parental biases toward university education have exacerbated the skills gap.  

Salary Trends in Construction 

In response to these labour shortages, wages in the construction sector have seen significant increases. Wages at small and medium-sized businesses in the UK have risen significantly over the past year, with an average increase of 8.2%, far outpacing the 2.2% inflation rate. The construction sector saw the highest pay rise at 18.9%.  

However, despite these increases, salary satisfaction dipped to 63% in the past year, reflecting the strain on staff amid a slowdown in hiring. Businesses need to manage workload pressures, bridge skills gaps, and support employee wellbeing in 2025 for better productivity. Positively, benefit satisfaction reached 76%, suggesting investments by businesses are improving employee experience.  

The Role of Recruitment Agencies in the Construction Sector 

Given the current landscape, partnering with a recruitment agency can offer significant advantages for both employers and job seekers in the construction industry. 

For Employers: 

• Access to a Wider Talent Pool: Recruitment agencies have extensive networks and databases, allowing them to source candidates who may not be actively seeking new roles but are open to opportunities. 

• Expertise in Salary Benchmarking: Agencies can provide valuable insights into current salary trends, ensuring that employers offer competitive packages to attract and retain top talent. 

• Efficient Hiring Process: By handling the initial stages of recruitment, agencies can streamline the hiring process, saving employers time and resources. 

For Job Seekers: 

• Access to Exclusive Opportunities: Many employers collaborate with recruitment agencies to fill positions that are not advertised publicly, giving candidates access to a broader range of opportunities. 

• Guidance and Support: Recruitment consultants can offer advice on CV preparation, interview techniques, and career progression, enhancing a candidate’s chances of securing a desirable role. 

• Negotiation Assistance: With experience in salary negotiations, recruitment consultants can advocate on behalf of candidates to secure favourable compensation packages. 

Conclusion: 

The UK construction industry in 2025 is at a pivotal juncture, facing both challenges and opportunities. Understanding salary trends and the factors influencing employee satisfaction is crucial for employers aiming to attract and retain talent. Simultaneously, job seekers can benefit from staying informed about industry developments and leveraging the expertise of recruitment agencies to navigate the evolving job market successfully. 

By aligning compensation strategies with current trends and addressing the evolving needs of the workforce, the construction sector can build a resilient and motivated workforce ready to tackle the projects of tomorrow. 

For a comprehensive understanding, access the full report here: totaljobs.com 

Explore the Atkins Search 2025 salary bandings document for Construction, Consultancy and Engineering roles across the Midlands, Yorkshire, North west and South. Packed with invaluable insights into the everchanging world of construction, our comprehensive annual report is trusted by employers and employees alike.

Note: This blog post is based on data from the Totaljobs UK Salary Trends Report 2025.