Salary Check Construction Industry: How to Navigate to Your Desired Salary 2024/2025
Overview of Salaries in the Construction Industry – What Really Matters!
Let’s be honest: The topic Salary Construction Industry is truly a central topic for all of us, right? After all, it’s not just about recognition for hard work, but also about how we can plan our lives. Our industry is known to be super dynamic and diverse, with countless career opportunities. But to be honest, the salary structures? They can sometimes be quite opaque. That’s exactly where we at Valoon GmbH want to step in: We bring light to the darkness and provide you with solid information on salaries in the construction industry. We know from experience how important clear data is – not just for your personal career planning, but also for a smooth project everyday. By the way, this principle is also integrated into the development of our software for optimized project management in construction companies this article is meant to be your personal compass through the current salary landscape.
- The central importance of the topic of salary in the construction industry for employees.
- The importance of transparent salary information for career planning and negotiations.
- How current data helps in properly assessing one’s market potential.
- A preview of the contents of the article, which aims to shed light on the salary structures.
Why salary information is worth its weight in gold
Why all of this? Simply put: Those who know the usual Salary Construction Industry are better prepared for salary negotiations and can accurately assess their position in the market. Without reliable figures, one quickly fumbles in the dark, might not fully exploit their potential, or make requests that might not quite fit. Especially in our industry, which is notoriously affected by the shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry current salary information is a vital negotiation tool.Moreover, this information helps you assess different career paths and specializations financially, allowing you to make smart decisions for your professional future. In short: A good understanding of salaries in the construction industry strengthens your position and contributes to fairer compensation structures – and that’s what we all want!
What to expect in this article
What can you expect in this article? Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of salaries in the construction industry in Germany. We will take a look at average salaries, highlight the key influencing factors, and closely examine the latest collective bargaining developments. You will learn what’s in store from construction helper to construction manager and how regional differences specifically impact your paycheck. We want to provide you with practical insights and solid data so you can tackle the topic Salary Construction Industry confidently. We want to prepare you to effectively represent your salary expectations and optimally leverage your career opportunities. All this is based on a solid understanding of the current market situation and the general salary structures in the construction industry..What’s included? Average salaries and salary ranges under scrutiny
The average gross annual salary in the construction sector – A first orientation
Let’s start with a ballpark figure: The average gross annual salary in the German construction industry is, according to current surveys like those from, approximately €59,623.This amounts to about €4,969 gross per month or an hourly rate of around €29. These figures provide a preliminary point of reference for assessing your own Salary Construction Industry salary. But beware: This is naturally just an average value. Many factors come into play here, and your individual salary can differ significantly. The good news is: The demand for qualified skilled workers is high, which means a favorable job market for applicants. This can positively affect the wage level and support the overall wage level in the construction industry.
Salary ranges for skilled workers – What is realistic?
For qualified skilled workers in construction, the annual salary range usually lies between €53,821 and €64,371 gross.If you are in specialized roles, such as a construction manager (keyword: Construction Manager Salary) or a civil engineer (Civil Engineer Salary), there can often be even more, depending on experience and project size. For entry-level positions as construction workers, according to Kununu data, salaries start at around €27,000 annually, with an average of €37,700. It’s always essential to keep your profile and the specific role in mind to find a realistic Salary Construction Industry salary for your situation. Analyses of salary data, like those done by Jobvector (they look at the 25th and 75th percentiles), help develop realistic income expectations and not to be confused by outliers.
Part-time in construction? Here’s how it affects your salary
Part-time models are becoming increasingly important in our construction sector. Therefore, it’s of course interesting to see how this impacts income in the construction industry. When we look at the average values, employees working part-time with 20 hours a week earn about €2,485 gross per month.With a 30-hour week, it’s already around €3,727 gross per month.These figures clearly show: the Salary Construction Industry salary for part-time work is adjusted proportionally to the hours worked. Ideally, the hourly wage should match that of full-time employees with similar qualifications and experience. Current discussions around a 4-day work week in construction could bring even more flexible models and their salary effects to the table in the future. Exciting!Your salary, your influencing factors: What determines your income in construction?
Work experience and responsibility – The salary boosters
Clearly, work experience and the amount of responsibility one has – these are truly decisive levers for salary level. Salary Construction IndustryThose who have been in the field longer, especially after over 25 years, can come as a construction worker to up to €47,500. Leadership positions, like that of a construction manager who leads people and manages complex projects, are, of course, better paid. An experienced construction manager in commercial construction can expect over €66,743, and as a senior construction manager, up to €76,000. This clearly shows: Continuously evolving and taking on responsibilitypays off directly in salary and is crucial for career planning.
- Work experience and responsibility: More experience and leadership tasks significantly increase salary.
- Company size and location: Large companies and economically strong regions often offer higher earning potential.
- Education and specialization: Qualifications and expertise are crucial for entry-level salaries and development.
- Gender Pay Gap: There are also salary differences between men and women in the construction industry that require attention.
Company size and location – Where you work matters!
The company size and where one works (federal state, city) also play a significant role in income in the construction industry. Large companies with over 10,000 employees generally pay better (e.g., an average of €58,850 for construction workers, according to one source), while smaller companies often pay less. However, there are also exceptions where specialists in medium-sized companies (1,001-5,000 employees) can earn well. Regionally, there are significant differences: Baden-Württemberg (an average of €60,118 for civil engineers) and Hesse (€60,102) are the frontrunners. Federal states like Brandenburg or Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (around €42,813) are rather at the lower end. These regional disparities are often linked to economic strength and living costs, and this should always be kept in mind when evaluating salaries in this industry.
Education and specialization – Knowledge pays off
What one has learned and specialized in has a huge influence on starting salaries and how this Salary Construction Industry develops further. Civil engineers with a master’s degree can start at about €47,000, while bachelor’s graduates start around €43,000. This already shows the added value of higher degrees.Specific expertise, for instance, in sustainable construction or digital building processes , can also positively impact income. Even in traditional occupations like masonry, there are salary differences depending on additional qualifications and specialization – the, kann das Einkommen auch positiv beeinflussen. Selbst bei klassischen Berufen wie dem Maurer gibt’s Gehaltsunterschiede je nach Zusatzqualifikation und Spezialisierung – das Mason Salary is therefore not set in stone. Continuously furthering one’s education is indeed a key to better earnings in the construction industry.
Gender Pay Gap – A topic in construction as well
Although progress has been made, there is unfortunately still a Gender Pay Gap in the construction industry that affects Salary Construction Industry women. Data shows that female civil engineers earn an average of about €700 gross less per month than their male colleagues. For female construction managers, the difference is somewhat smaller, around €300, but it’s still there. These differences between men and women are an important point not to be forgotten in the discussion about fair Salary Construction Industry pay equality. Companies and the entire industry need to work on ensuring that equal and equivalent work is compensated equally – regardless of gender. Wage justice. Keeping an eye on collective agreements: What the latest deals mean for your salary.Tarifverträge im Blick: Das bedeuten die neuesten Abschlüsse für Ihr Gehalt
Pay increases until 2027 – What the new collective agreements bring (West vs. East)
Good news from the collective bargaining front: Recent negotiations in the construction sector have produced a multi-stage plan for salary increases until March 31, 2027. This will noticeably raise the Salary Construction Industry for many of us! This agreement is an important step toward strengthening our purchasing power and equalizing living conditions between West and East. The complete equalization of salaries between East and West is expected by April 1, 2026 – this is really a historic milestone for our industry.This is especially important considering the ongoing shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry, as attractive salaries naturally help find new people and retain good employees. The future wage level in the construction industry will thus be decisively shaped by these agreements.
How the tariffs affect different wage groups
The collective agreements provide different increases for various wage groups, specifically influencing income in the construction industry. This happens in three stages:
- Stage 1 (from May 1, 2024): Wages and salaries will increase by 1.2% in the West and 2.2% in the East, as will those for wage group 1. Additionally, there will be a fixed amount of €230 per month, which will also be considered for future increases in the salary table. This results in increases between 6.7% and 13.2%. Stage 2 (from April 1, 2025):
- Stufe 2 (ab 1. April 2025): There will be another 4.2% increase in the West and 5.0% in the East, also for wage group 1.
- Stage 3 (from April 1, 2026): And finally, a wage increase of 3.9% in the West, while wages in the East will be adjusted to the West level.
These staggered adjustments will lead to a significant increase in salaries in the construction industry over the entire duration of the collective agreement, taking into account that the starting points differ.
Minimum wage in construction – What applies now?
An important aspect of the collective agreements for 2024 is that the industry minimum wage has now been integrated into the overall wage structure. The previous special minimum wage collective agreement no longer exists. The entry-level wages (wage group 1) are now €14.54 per hour, and this applies in both West and East Germany. This regulation sets a clear lower limit for wage levels in the construction industry and aims to put a stop to wage dumping. The benchmark wage for wage group 4, which is such an important standard, has increased from €15.84 to €24.07 in the West and from €14.16 to €23.56 in the East between 2010 and 2024. This clearly indicates that salaries in the construction industry have developed positively. More Money for Trainees – Training in Construction Becomes More Attractive
Mehr Geld für Azubis – Ausbildung auf dem Bau wird attraktiver
To counter the shortage of skilled workers and to make a career in construction more attractive, the training allowances have increased significantly in recent years. Between 2010 and 2024, the allowances for trainees in their first year have risen by 76% in the West and even by a whopping 103% in the East! With the collective bargaining round in 2024, an important milestone was set: Starting from May 1, 2024, trainees in their first year will receive a uniform allowance nationwide, which will then be €1,080 per month. This is intended to make training in the construction industry even more attractive and secure the future Salary Construction Industry for our future workforce.From Helper to Pro: Salary Expectations for Different Positions in Construction
Salaries for Civil Engineers, Construction Managers & Co. – What Specialists Earn
For specialized professionals like civil engineers and construction managers, salary largely depends on experience, company size, and region. This naturally also influences the average Salary Construction Industry salary as a whole. A Civil Engineer Salary construction manager earns on average around €55,529 gross per year. Experienced construction managers can expect around €66,743 annual salary. Top earners in large companies or as senior construction managers also exceed the €76,000 mark. For civil engineers with a master’s degree, the starting salary is about €47,000. These figures are clear: For qualified academics, there is significant earning potential in the construction sector.Also, the Mason Salary salary of other skilled workers is not set in stone, but increases with experience and additional qualifications. This makes the salary range in this industry even broader.
Building Construction vs. Civil Engineering – Are There Salary Differences?
Even within the construction industry, there are differences in wage levels depending on whether one is specialized in building construction or civil engineering. Construction managers in civil engineering typically earn between €45,600 and €63,700,while civil engineers in civil engineering can earn between €49,100 and €67,600. In building construction, construction managers have similar ranges, from €46,000 to €63,900,and civil engineers in building construction earn between €47,400 and €65,400. This shows: Differences do exist between building construction and civil engineering, but they are not huge. The exact requirements and how complex the projects are play an important role for individual Salary Construction Industry.
Construction Compared to Other Industries – How Does Salary Measure Up?
When you look beyond the horizon, you see that the Salary Construction Industry salary level is somewhat more moderate compared to some other industries. The pharmaceutical industry, for instance, leads with an average salary of around €69,682, followed by the chemical and petroleum industries (€68,798) and the automotive industry (€67,735). The average Civil Engineer Salary salary of around €55,127 is lower, but still at a solid level. Such comparisons are important for context. They also show that our construction industry offers its own career paths and development opportunities that go beyond just salary. Nevertheless, knowing these cross-industry figures is helpful when negotiating your own salary in the sector.
Clerical Workers, Laborers, Helpers – A Look at Other Salaries
The salary for clerical employees in the construction industry also varies widely. An office clerk can reportedly earn around €2,108 monthly, while sales engineers or IT leads earn significantly more (e.g., €6,717/month for an IT division head). For laborers and helpers, the starting salaries are of course lower. The construction worker hourly wage is at least €14.54 due to the new minimum wage. The helper hourly wage is often slightly lower, but also benefits from the adjustment of the minimum wage. What then remains as net salary for construction workers or net salary for helpers depends heavily on the tax class and social contributions. One can expect around 48% to 65% of gross income as net income. This diversity shows: The Salary Construction Industry salary heavily depends on the specific position.Salary Atlas Construction: Where You Earn the Most in Germany (and Where Less)
Federal States Ranking: Where Salaries Are Highest
The regional differences in Salary Construction Industry the construction industry are quite pronounced in Germany. Leading among the federal states with the highest average salaries for civil engineers are Baden-Württemberg with about €60,118 und Hesse with €60,102 gross per year. Bavaria and Hamburg also rank among the top regions. At the other end of the scale are federal states like Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where the average salary for this occupational group is about €42,813, as well as Saxony, Thuringia, and Saxony-Anhalt. These stark differences in wage levels often relate to varying economic strengths, the number of construction projects available, and the living costs in those regions. For us workers, this means: A move could potentially lead to a significant salary increase – something to keep in mind when planning your career.
City vs. Countryside: Salary Differences in German Cities
Not only are there clear differences in earnings between federal states, but there are also significant salary disparities between individual cities in the construction industry. Large cities in economically strong regions often offer better earning opportunities. For example, construction workers in Stuttgart earn an average of €43,100, in Cologne €41,700, and in Munich €41,000 gross per year. In contrast, average salaries in cities like Dresden or Leipzig are notably lower at around €34,800. These urban salary differences are closely tied to local demand for construction professionals, the types and sizes of construction projects, as well as general living costs. Where you work can thus have a direct impact on the money left over in the end,even if you have the same qualifications and work in the same field. Salary Construction Industry How the region influences your salary development
The region not only affects the current income level in the construction industry, but also how it can develop. In regions where there is much economic activity, a lot of building is happening, and strong competition for skilled workers exists, the chances for
Die Region hat nicht nur Einfluss auf das aktuelle Niveau des Einkommens in der Baubranche, sondern auch darauf, wie es sich entwickeln kann. In Regionen, wo wirtschaftlich viel los ist, viel gebaut wird und ein starker Wettbewerb um Fachkräfte herrscht, sind die Chancen auf above-average salary increases are often better. The equalization of wages between East and West Germany is an important process that gradually diminishes regional disparities in Salary Construction Industry salary. Until full equalization in April 2026, employees in the new federal states will especially benefit from proportionally higher wage increases. However, in the long run, local economic strength and the respective demand situation will likely remain the primary drivers of regional salary development in the construction sector. That’s why it’s advisable for all of us to take a closer look at the regional salary data. More Money, More Career: How to Get the Best for Yourself!Mehr Geld, mehr Karriere: So holen Sie das Beste für sich raus!
Salary Negotiation in Construction – Our Top Tips
A successful salary negotiation – this is indeed a crucial step to optimize your Salary Construction Industry salary, right? Good preparation is truly key to success here. Get thoroughly informed: What is typical for your position, experience, and region? Salary comparison platforms like or industry reports can be of help. Document your successes and achievements meticulously – ideally with numbers, when possible. Clearly showcase the value you bring to the company. Approach the negotiation confidently but remain realistic in your requests. A good tip is also not to focus solely on the base salary but to include additional benefits like bonuses, training opportunities, or flexible work hours in the negotiation. A professional recruitment consultancy for the construction industry can also provide valuable tips for preparation.
- Preparation is everything: Thoroughly inform yourself about market-standard salaries and document your achievements for the salary negotiation.
- Actively Shape Your Career: Explore different career paths and take on responsibility to increase your income.
- Lifelong Learning: Utilize training and specialization to deepen your expertise and increase your salary potential.
Here are some concrete tips for your next salary negotiation:
- Check Your Market Value: Know what the usual salary in the construction industry is for your qualifications and region.
- Compile a Performance Portfolio: Collect specific examples of your successes and what you have contributed to the success of the company.
- Have Arguments Ready: Clearly justify your salary request in a way that is understandable to everyone.
- Set Room for Negotiation: Define a realistic salary range (your desired salary and your absolute minimum).
- Be Confident: Professionally and convincingly represent your demands.
Career Paths and Salary Boosters in the Construction Industry
Our construction industry indeed offers numerous career paths, which can also be associated with corresponding increases in earnings. In addition to the classic technical career, where you deepen your expert knowledge further, a leadership career path is often open – for example, as a group leader, project manager, or construction manager with personnel responsibility.A transition to larger companies or stronger economic regions can also lead to salary jumps. Proactively engaging, taking responsibility for challenging projects, and achieving visible successes are important drivers for salary increases.Use employee discussions to openly address your career goals and salary expectations, and work together with your boss to develop opportunities for your Salary Construction Industry career.
Weiterbildung und Spezialisierung – Ihr Schlüssel zu mehr Gehalt
Continuously improving and specializing is simply essential in our dynamic construction industry. This is the only way to remain competitive and sustainably increase one’s income within the sector. Whether it’s new technologies, digital planning methods (BIM), energy standards, or specialized construction techniques – expertise is in higher demand than ever. Certificates, advanced training (e.g., as a foreman, technician, or master craftsman), or further studies can significantly improve career opportunities and earning potential.. Many companies are also willing to invest in the further education of their employees, as it strengthens their own competitiveness. Actively inquire about funding opportunities and take advantage of offers to sharpen your profile and positively influence your Salary Construction Industry future.The future of construction salaries: Trends, digitalization, and your opportunities
Inflation & Co. – How the economic situation affects your salary
The overall economic situation, particularly inflation, directly impacts what remains in Salary Construction Industry real terms. In 2022 and 2023, high inflation rates unfortunately led to many of us having less real income in hand despite nominal wage increases. The collective agreements in the main construction sector, like that of 2024, attempt to counter this with fixed amounts and percentage increases to stabilize purchasing power. Nevertheless, the economic development, especially the construction industry, remains a minor uncertainty factor. Phases of short-time work in the construction industry can naturally further reduce income during economically difficult times. A robust economy and moderate inflation are therefore very important to ensure that real income in the construction industry develops positively.
Digitalization on the rise – New opportunities for your salary?
Digitalization is currently transforming our construction industry significantly, which naturally affects the wage level in the sector. New technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), the use of drones, robotics, and AI-based analysis are changing job profiles and requiring entirely new skills. Professionals skilled in these digital areas are increasingly in demand and can often command above-average salaries. Companies like us at Valoon GmbH contribute to making processes more efficient and simpler with our software solutions. This naturally increases the demand for employees who are digitally proficient. The willingness to engage with new technologies and build digital competencies will therefore be a really important factor for future salary development and how attractive one is in the job market when it comes to Salary Construction Industry .
Outlook: Here’s how the chances look for skilled workers in construction
Even though there are current challenges, such as the decline in residential construction in 2024, the long-term prospects for us skilled workers in the construction industry look good. The demand for modernization, energy-efficient renovations, infrastructure projects, and the expansion of renewable energy sources is immense. The continuing shortage of skilled workers will keep the demand for qualified personnel high and have a rather positive impact on the Salary Construction Industry . According to a forecast, a slow recovery of the sector is expected by 2026. Therefore, well-trained and flexible skilled workers can still look forward to attractive career and earning opportunities.. And the introduction of modern work models, like perhaps a 4-day work week in construction, could further increase the attractiveness of our industry.Your salary conclusion: With knowledge and strategy to success in construction
The most important aspects of construction salaries at a glance
Phew, this Salary Construction Industry is really a multifaceted topic! It depends on so many factors: professional experience, qualifications, company size, region, and of course the current collective agreements. The ranges are truly large – from the starting salary of a construction helper to the top earnings of an experienced construction manager. The current collective agreements provide noticeable salary increases and a gradual equalization of East-West salaries. This is a good start! However, there are still regional differences, with the southern and western regions often showing higher average salaries. Digitalization and the shortage of skilled workers shape our sector and open up new opportunities for qualified individuals to positively influence their income in construction. Continuously improving and strategically planning one’s career is simply extremely important to fully exploit one’s earning potential.
A glance into the salary crystal ball: What the future brings
How the wage level in the construction industry develops further depends heavily on the overall economic situation, inflation, and dynamics within our construction sector. The wage increases outlined in the collective agreement until 2027 provide us with a certain level of planning security and will further raise the wage levels.The continuing shortage of skilled workers will likely intensify the competition for good talent and thereby increase pressure on salaries. At the same time, new work models and more technology could boost productivity and thus enable new salary structures. This remains exciting! It is important to keep a close eye on the market and strengthen your negotiating position through continuous further education to benefit from future growth in the Salary Construction Industry .
Our recommendations for you – employees and employers
Our advice to you as an employee: Actively educate yourself about the typical earnings in the construction industry, make your own performance visible, and confidently enter into salary negotiations. Investments in further education and specialization pay off in the long run. And to employers: It is important to create fair and competitive salary structures to be able to compete for talent. Transparency, development opportunities, and attractive additional benefits can help retain good employees. To optimize your career and income in construction, you need knowledge and the right tools. Just like we at Valoon GmbH help companies optimize their projects and communication with our intelligent software and sustainably improve information flow, we want to empower you with this article to make informed decisions for your Salary Construction Industry . Are you ready for the next step? Or are you looking for ways to increase efficiency in your construction company? Then contact us today for a personalized consultation! We would be happy to show you how our solutions can assist you.
What does one earn on average in the construction industry in Germany?
The average gross annual salary in the German construction industry is about €59,623.. For skilled workers, the range often lies between 53,821 euros and 64,371 euros.Entry-level construction workers start at about 27,000 euros, while experienced construction managers can earn over 66,000 euros.
What factors most affect my salary in construction?
Your salary is significantly influenced by your professional experience, the degree of responsibility (especially personnel responsibility), the company size, the location (state and city) as well as your education and specialization . Collective agreements also play an important role.
How do the new collective agreements (valid until 2027) affect my salary?
The new collective agreements provide for significant salary increases in several stages. For example, there will be an increase from May 2024 of 1.2% in the west and 2.2% in the east plus a fixed amount of 230 euros.A complete equalization of East salaries to West salaries is planned by April 2026. Are there significant salary differences between the federal states?
Gibt es große Gehaltsunterschiede zwischen den Bundesländern?
Yes, there are considerable regional salary differences.Federal states such as Baden-Württemberg (about 60,118 euros for civil engineers) and Hesse tend to pay higher salaries, whereas regions like Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (about 42,813 euros) or Brandenburg show lower average salaries.
How can I actively improve my salary in the construction industry?
You can improve your salary through continuous further education, acquiring specialized knowledge (e.g., in the area of digitalization/BIM), taking on more responsibility and through well-prepared salary negotiations. Changing to larger companies or moving to economically stronger regions can also have a positive effect.
Is it financially worthwhile to specialize or pursue further education?
Definitely. A higher qualification, such as a Master’s degree compared to a Bachelor’s degree (e.g., starting salary for a Master’s in civil engineering is about 47,000 euros compared to 43,000 euros for a Bachelor’s), or specializations in high-demand areas like , can also positively impact income. Even in traditional occupations like masonry, there are salary differences depending on additional qualifications and specialization – the usually lead to better earning opportunities..
Does company size play a role in my salary?
Yes, larger companies (e.g., over 10,000 employees) often pay higher salaries than smaller firms. However, there are also specialized mid-sized companies that can offer very good salaries. On average, you can expect a higher salary level in large companies. als kleinere Betriebe. Es gibt jedoch auch spezialisierte mittelständische Unternehmen, die sehr gut zahlen können. Im Durchschnitt können Sie in Großunternehmen mit einem höheren Gehaltsniveau rechnen.
What does the future look like for salaries in the construction industry?
The outlook is positive despite current challenges. The continuing shortage of skilled workers and the demand for construction services (renovation, infrastructure) are likely to further increase salaries . The wage increases stipulated in the collective agreement until 2027 provide additional planning security. lassen. Die im Tarifvertrag festgelegten Lohnsteigerungen bis 2027 bieten zusätzliche Planungssicherheit.
