The Future of Construction in the UK: High-Demand Skills & Career Growth in 2025
Aug 04, 2025
The construction industry in the UK is expanding rapidly in 2025 due to several macro factors, including but not limited to new housing developments, infrastructure upgrades, and the sustainability agenda. 2025 is an excellent time to be a job seeker exploring high-demand job roles in this vibrant sector. In this published update, we are looking at the best UK construction job roles in demand, the national average salary of the role, and the qualification for prospective job seekers, as well as some hints and tips to secure your next role.
Reasons Why the UK Construction Jobs Market is Booming
The construction jobs UK market is growing due to a number of factors:
- Government investment and spending on housing, rail, and renewable energy.
- Labour shortages of skilled workers, creating high demand at all levels.
- Green construction and retrofit projects that consider energy efficiency.
These positive factors have seen vacancies increase right across the UK, and employers are looking to hire candidates with traditional and modern skill sets.
- Site Managers
Average salary: £45,000–£65,000/year
Site managers are responsible for construction projects; they manage workers and activities onsite to ensure that the project is finished within time and budget. As construction projects are getting larger in cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, site managers with experience have become in-demand.
Requirements:
- SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme)
- Relevant experience with project coordination
Reason(s) for Demand: Corporations are placing high value on leadership and organisational skills to meet tight deadlines.
- Quantity Surveyors
Average Salary: £40,000–£70,000/year
A quantity surveyor is responsible for project costs, procurement, and contracts. As the movement toward cost-effective, sustainable building continues, there has never been a better time for a quantity surveyor. Demand for quantity surveyors is increasing throughout all regions right now, particularly in 2025.
Requirements:
- Degree in Quantity Surveying or similar
- Membership with RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
Tip: Knowledge of software such as CostX or Bluebeam is beneficial.
- Civil Engineers
Average Salary: £35,000–£60,000/year
Civil engineers play a vital role in a variety of infrastructure projects (roads, bridges, and tunnels), and as the UK continues to invest in public transport and urban connectivity, opportunities will be plentiful.
Requirements:
- BEng or MEng in Civil Engineering
- Membership in the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), preferred
Hotspots: London, Glasgow, Leeds
- Bricklayers and General Labourers
Average Salary: £28,000–£40,000/year
There is a marked shortage of qualified bricklayers and general labourers throughout the UK, especially in residential and commercial property development. These roles are great entry-level roles into the construction jobs UK market.
No formal qualifications are required, although having on-site experience or a CSCS card is highly recommended.
Trend: Employers are starting to offer apprenticeships and/or training as a means of addressing the labour shortfall.
- Electricians and Plumbers
Average salary: £30,000–£55,000 per year
Tradespeople with specialist training are always going to be in demand. With the rise in eco-buildings and energy-efficient homes, skilled electricians and plumbers are required to install modern systems.
Qualifications:
- NVQ Level 3 Electrotechnical Systems or Plumbing
- City & Guilds or NICEIC
Hotspot: South East, Midlands.
- Health and Safety Officers
Average Salary: £35,000–£55,000/year
Health and safety officers are invaluable hires in a time with increased regulations and complexities on construction sites. They are responsible for ensuring compliance on-site and significant reduction of risk for contractors and developers.
Necessary requirements:
- NEBOSH qualification
- Experience in construction or manufacturing
Career Development Tip: Further HSE engagement with environmental management training.
- Project Planners and Schedulers
Average Salary: £40,000–£65,000/year
Every successful build is underpinned by a solid plan; project planners manage timelines, budgets, workflows etc. using digital planning software such as Primavera or MS Project.
What you need:
- Degree in construction management or engineering
- Analytical thinker and competent with IT
A great opportunity for: Professionals moving from technical roles into management.
- Architectural Technologists
Average Salary: £35,000–£60,000/year
Architectural technologists play a vital role between the design and construction phases. They utilize their technical knowledge to ensure that designs are not only practical but also physically provable.
In-Demand Skills:
- Ability to use Revit, AutoCAD and other software
- Understanding of UK Building Regulations
This position is increasingly necessary for sustainable building design.
Finding the Best Construction Jobs UK Has to Offer
The easiest ways to locate construction jobs UK are through:
- ConstructionJobBoard.co.uk - A dedicated site with hundreds of actual construction jobs across the UK in real-time.
- Indeed UK
- CITB Careers
You will also be able to filter by location, salary, contract type, and skill level, to find what works best for you.
Recommendations to land a high-demand construction job in 2025
- Refresh Your CV: Ensure to include your relevant certifications, project experience, and software skills.
- Gain Relevant Certifications: NEBOSH, SMSTS, CSCS, and other skilled/trade-specific licenses are increasingly vital.
- Keep an Open Mind: Employees seeking planning, surveying and engineering staff are increasingly considering candidates for remote or hybrid jobs.
- Expand Your Network: Contacts with recruiters help you - get connected with professionals - Use LinkedIn and attend UK construction expos.
- Use Specialist Job Boards: General job boards can overlook specialised positions so use specific job boards to find your jobs.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a newcomer to the trade or an experienced professional, the construction jobs UK market in 2025 offers exceptional opportunities for career growth and stability. From site-based roles to digital construction specialists, employers are actively recruiting talent to support a wide range of projects. Now is the perfect time to align your skills, update your qualifications, and secure your future in one of the UK’s most essential industries.
UK Construction Industry 2025: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why is the UK construction industry growing so fast in 2025?
The UK construction sector is expanding due to government investments in housing, transport, and renewable energy projects. There is also rising demand for sustainable and energy-efficient buildings, driving rapid growth across the industry.
Q2. What skills are most in demand in the UK construction industry in 2025?
In-demand skills include project management, green building expertise, and knowledge of digital planning software such as Primavera, MS Project, Revit, and AutoCAD. Safety compliance certifications like SMSTS, NEBOSH, and CSCS are also highly valued.
Q3. Which construction roles are essential for the future?
Key roles include civil engineers, site managers, quantity surveyors, architectural technologists, electricians, and health & safety officers. These professions are crucial for supporting infrastructure growth and sustainability targets in 2025 and beyond.
Q4. How does sustainability impact construction in the UK?
Sustainability is reshaping UK construction by increasing the demand for eco-friendly designs, green retrofitting, and energy-efficient systems. Professionals with knowledge of modern building regulations and green technologies are especially in demand.
Q5. What salary ranges can professionals expect in UK construction roles?
Salaries vary by role, typically ranging from £28,000 for entry-level labourers to £70,000 for senior surveyors or planners. Site managers generally earn between £45,000 and £65,000 annually.
