Construction jobs in Yorkshire span a wide range of roles, from site-based positions and trades to professional and managerial careers. The region’s diverse construction sector — including urban development, infrastructure, housing, and commercial projects — creates ongoing demand for skilled and experienced workers. Understanding the local job landscape helps both jobseekers and employers navigate opportunities effectively.
This article outlines key roles in the Yorkshire construction market, typical skills and qualifications, salary ranges, and practical insights into building a career in the region.
Yorkshire is one of the UK’s most active regions for construction activity. From regeneration initiatives in Leeds and Sheffield to infrastructure improvements across the county, there are a variety of projects underway that generate ongoing demand for construction professionals at all levels. Current job listings include opportunities across civil engineering, project management, surveying, health and safety, and specialist technical disciplines.
The regional diversity — spanning West, South, North, and East Yorkshire — supports both urban and rural construction work and often attracts candidates looking for varied career paths within a broad labour market.
Yorkshire employers advertise a wide range of construction positions, reflecting the breadth of activity in the region. Some of the key roles include:
Site managers oversee daily operations on construction projects, coordinate teams, ensure compliance with safety standards, and monitor schedules and budgets. These roles are essential for keeping work on track and aligned with contractual requirements.
Engineering roles — including senior civil engineers and structural engineers — provide technical design expertise, support infrastructure delivery, and contribute to complex projects ranging from water systems to transport upgrades.
Quantity surveyors manage project costs, carry out cost planning and procurement, and help ensure financial control across construction projects. Salaries for quantity surveyors in the region can range widely based on experience and project scale.
Professionals in building control, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance roles assess project adherence to building codes, perform inspections, and support teams in meeting statutory requirements.
Health and safety managers work to promote best practices for safety and risk management on construction sites, ensuring compliance with UK regulatory standards and creating culture that prioritises worker protection.
Roles such as electrical project managers, principal structural engineers, and technical leads provide specialist expertise across delivery, design, and project coordination.
Graduate quantity surveyors and junior construction roles provide pathways for early-career professionals to gain experience and build technical competence with mentorship and structured development opportunities.
Construction employers in Yorkshire typically look for a combination of technical skills, certifications, and practical experience. Common expectations include:
For senior and specialist roles, employers may also value leadership experience, chartered status (e.g., MRICS or CEng), and demonstrated delivery of complex projects.
Salary levels within Yorkshire’s construction sector vary widely based on role, experience, and responsibilities. The following ranges provide an indicative view of the market:
|
Role Category |
Typical Salary Range |
|
Entry-Level / Junior Roles |
£20,000 – £30,000 per year* |
|
Skilled Trades & Technicians |
£25,000 – £40,000 per year* |
|
Site Managers & Supervisors |
£35,000 – £55,000+ per year |
|
Surveyors & Engineering Roles |
£35,000 – £60,000+ per year |
|
Senior and Specialist Managers |
£50,000 – £80,000+ per year |
*Estimates vary by employer and location within the region. Sources such as national job data and industry trends guide typical compensation benchmarks.
The UK construction sector remains one of the areas with ongoing hiring, including in regions like Yorkshire. National data suggests that construction continues to be among sectors increasing employment despite broader economic challenges. This reflects demand for housing, infrastructure upgrades, and sustainable development projects.
At the same time, skill shortages persist in areas such as specialised trades and technical leadership. Initiatives such as degree apprenticeships and structured training pathways are gaining attention as ways to meet these challenges and offer routes into professional careers within construction.
Here are practical ways to connect with construction job opportunities in the region:
Specialist platforms list current vacancies across Yorkshire, covering a wide range of roles and skills.
Highlight relevant certifications, experience, and key project achievements that align with employers’ requirements.
Certifications like CSCS and NEBOSH improve employability and are often essential for site-based roles.
Engage with local recruiters and construction networks to increase your visibility to employers.
These structured pathways can provide hands-on experience and professional development, especially for early-career candidates.
Yorkshire’s construction market offers a range of roles including site management, engineering, surveying, health and safety, technical specialists, and entry-level positions.
Many roles, particularly site-based jobs, require certifications such as CSCS or SMSTS and relevant professional qualifications.
Construction remains one of the sectors increasing workforce numbers nationally, with continued demand for skilled professionals and tradespeople.
Salaries vary by role and experience, with entry-level roles typically earning lower wages and professional or managerial roles offering higher compensation.