Top 10 pay rises in construction and property

Top 10 pay rises in construction and property

The construction industry has seen activity level out following the post-lockdown peak, yet demand is still being driven by a substantial increase in commercial industrial projects, ongoing infrastructure developments, and the low-carbon retrofitting of buildings and social housing.

In our UK Salary & Recruiting Trends 2023 guide, we received insights from almost 2,000 employers and employees in construction and property. According to our findings, 94% of respondents expect their organisation’s performance to stay or remain the same in the coming 12 months. In this same period, 82% of respondents plan on recruiting staff, showing no significant change from last year (83%). To fulfil these talent acquisition plans though, employers will be required to entice professionals in a competitive market with a lack of qualified candidates.

Skill shortages sharpen

An overwhelming majority of employers in the sector (95%) are experiencing skill shortages, rising from 92% last year. In the eyes of employers, the main drivers for these shortages are competition for talent between organisations (61%), along with fewer people entering the construction industry (53%).

While there is a demand for specialists with technical expertise, employers still recognise the value of soft skills. The most in-demand of these include communication and interpersonal skills (51%), problem solving (49%), and flexibility (43%).

Salaries rise to secure talent

A growing number of employers have increased salaries this year; 81% compared to 60% in 2021. The average pay in the construction industry has also risen by 4.4%, although this figure has been partially held back by the sector-wide hikes in the cost of materials. However, the need for niche skills on future projects has rewarded certain professionals, such as technologists, with higher-than-average salary increases.

With almost half of employees (46%) stating that they would be tempted to move jobs for a better salary and benefits package – and 58% planning to switch jobs in the coming 12 months – it appears incumbent on organisations to draw and retain in-demand talent with competitive pay. Reflecting this, three-quarters (75%) of employers in the industry plan to increase salaries over the next year.

Top ten salary increases in construction and property:

1.      Recently qualified technologist

2.      Associate engineer

3.      Junior interior designer

4.      Professional quantity surveyor

5.      Team manager supported housing

6.      Support/project worker

7.      Facilities assistant

8.      Part 1 Architectural Assistant

9.      Assistant estimator

10.  Project manager

Employees scrutinise purpose and sustainability values

While a competitive salary remains a persuasive method of attracting new talent, professionals in the sector appear to be taking a more holistic look at an organisation when evaluating its suitability. Our survey revealed that over four in five professionals (81%) claim an organisation’s purpose to be one of the most important considerations when considering a new role, while three quarters of professionals (75%) state the importance of an organisation’s commitment to sustainability.

The construction and property industry has a significant impact on the environment, and more employees are becoming aware of this legacy. If employers are unable to prove their sustainability credentials, there is a risk that they will miss out on valuable talent.

For a comprehensive look at salaries across the entire construction and property industry, along with exclusive employer insights, download our UK Salary and Recruitment Trends 2023 guide.