How Much Can I Earn in Construction?

Before going on maternity leave, Tess Amigoni, a Senior Manager in our New Homes and Construction team, broke down the current day rates, salaries, and what's coming next for the sector over the next 12-18 months. Whether you're working in construction, considering a move, weighing up a new opportunity, negotiating a rate, or simply benchmarking your current package, having accurate market data makes all the difference. 

If you're looking for a new role or career advice in construction speak to Verity Hampson-Smith, a Principal Recruitment Consultant in our Development team.

Site Manager Salaries and Day Rates 

Site managers working on residential construction projects are currently earning day rates of between £250 and £325 CIS. For those on permanent contracts, annual salaries typically fall within the £60,000 to £75,000 range, plus bonus. 

As with most construction roles, what you earn depends on several factors:  

Candidates who can demonstrate a strong track record of delivering projects on time and managing sites efficiently will naturally command rates at the higher end of this bracket. 

Senior Site Manager Earnings 

Step up to senior site manager level and the numbers increase. Day rates for senior site managers currently sit between £350 and £450, with annual salaries ranging from £75,000 to £85,000 plus bonus. 

It's worth acknowledging the current market reality: conditions have favoured employers in recent months, and we've seen some candidates accepting lower rates to secure work. That said, established senior site managers with demonstrable experience and strong references are still maintaining competitive rates. If you've got the track record, you can hold your position. 

Technical Specialists and Niche Expertise 

For those with specialist skills, the earning potential increases significantly. Technical specialists working on heritage projects, complex refurbishments, or other specialist builds can command rates well above the standard brackets outlined above. 

If you've developed expertise in a particular niche, whether that's listed building work, high-end residential, or technically demanding construction methods, that specialisation carries real value in the current market. 

What's Next for Construction Salaries? 

Here's the good news for construction professionals: we're expecting the market to shift over the next 12 to 18 months.