Salary overview 2025: What a site foreman in construction earns in Germany
The average annual salary for a site foreman in construction in Germany is around €52,700. This figure is an average, with actual salaries ranging from approximately €44,800 for beginners to €62,900 for highly experienced professionals. The monthly gross income amounts to about €4,391. According to the Federal Employment Agency, the median salary, which marks the middle of all salaries, is even at €4,959 per month, highlighting the high demand for qualified specialists. Company size plays a crucial role: In companies with over 1,000 employees, the salary averages €4,307 per month, significantly higher than in smaller firms with up to 500 employees (€3,357). These figures show that, in addition to one’s qualifications, the choice of employer also has a direct impact on income. The salaries in the construction industry vary greatly, making the analysis of individual influencing factors all the more important.
Location advantage: How the federal state influences your salary
The place of residence and work is one of the largest levers for the salary of a site foreman in construction. There are significant salary differences between the federal states, often amounting to several thousand euros per year. Southern and western federal states are at the top. In Hamburg, foremen can expect an average annual salary of around €71,000, making it the most lucrative location. Saarland (€67,500) and Baden-Württemberg are also among the top regions. In contrast, salaries in the eastern federal states tend to be lower. For example, the average salary in Saxony is €39,400. The difference between West Germany (average €4,965/month) and East Germany (€4,064/month) is almost €1,000 monthly. This discrepancy is attributed to different economic structures and living costs. A comparison between construction and civil engineering also shows location-dependent salary patterns.
Here is a brief overview of the average monthly salaries in selected federal states:
- Hamburg: approx. €4,996
- Baden-Württemberg: approx. €4,950
- Hesse: approx. €5,031
- Berlin: approx. €4,632
- Saxony: approx. €4,238
- Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: approx. €4,131
These figures illustrate how a move or targeted job search in another region can significantly influence income, even with the same qualifications and experience.
Experience pays off: Salary development over the course of a career
In addition to location, professional experience is the second crucial factor determining salary as a site foreman in construction. While entry-level salaries for newcomers with less than a year of experience can be around €44,800, it rises markedly with increasing routine and responsibility. Already after a few years in the profession, a noticeable increase is possible. Foremen with three to five years of experience can already expect a higher salary. With over ten years of professional experience and corresponding expertise, the annual salary can rise to over €59,000. Experienced foremen who have been in the profession for more than 25 years achieve peak salaries averaging €57,250. This development shows that loyalty and continuous learning are directly rewarded. The shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry also strengthens the negotiating position of experienced employees. Salary development illustrates how important practical experience is for taking on more complex projects and thus for higher income.
Collective agreements as a salary foundation: What the wage agreement means for foremen
For many site foremen in the construction industry, the collective agreement (TV Wage) forms the basis of their salary. These contracts, negotiated between IG BAU and employer associations, ensure standardized and fair pay. Foremen and assistant foremen are usually classified in wage group 6. Since April 1, 2025, the collective hourly wage for an assistant foreman in Baden-Württemberg (West) is €28.60, while a colleague in Brandenburg (East) receives €28.22. By April 1, 2026, a nationwide alignment of the tariffs is planned, which will further close the wage gap. A collective agreement not only offers financial security but also regulates working hours, vacation days, and special payments such as the 13th monthly salary. Non-collective salaries are also common, especially in larger companies or among highly specialized professionals. Here, the collective wage often serves as a minimum benchmark for salary negotiations. The role of the foreman is demanding and often borders on that of a construction manager in construction, which is also reflected in the collective classification.
Career boost through further education: From foreman to top earner
A completed training as a ‘Certified Foreman’ is often a prerequisite for taking on leadership roles and a correspondingly higher salary. However, development does not have to stop here. Additional qualifications can further increase income and open new career paths. A career switch into the construction industry is possible, but only through targeted training can the full potential be realized.
The following further training leads to a significant salary increase:
- Master (Bricklayer and Concrete Constructor): As a master, you take on even more responsibility and can run your own business, significantly expanding your salary potential.
- Technician (Construction Technician): With training as a construction technician, specializing in building construction, you qualify for planning and calculating activities in the office.
- Study (Civil Engineering): An academic degree in civil engineering (B.Eng. or M.Eng.) opens the doors to positions in project management and management with salaries over €80,000.
- Specializations: Further training in areas such as building renovation, energy efficiency, or digital construction management makes you a sought-after expert.
Each of these levels not only increases professional competence but also market value and lays the groundwork for the next salary negotiation.
Conclusion: Your value as a foreman and how to make it visible
The salary of a site foreman in construction is determined by a mix of experience, location, and qualifications, averaging a respectable €52,700 per year. To unlock your full potential, you need to clearly demonstrate your value to the company. An uninterrupted, legally secure documentation of construction progress, defects, and working hours is a decisive lever in this regard. It proves your professionalism and protects the company from costly claims. This is exactly where Valoon comes in. Our solution simplifies construction documentation via WhatsApp, without your teams having to learn a new app. Through the automatic creation of daily construction reports and secure storage, you save up to 60 minutes of administrative effort each day. This efficiency makes you even more valuable as a foreman. Are you ready to make your projects simpler and solidify your role as an indispensable professional? Book your free demo now and discover how Valoon revolutionizes communication and documentation on your construction site.
More Links
Der Income atlas of the Federal Employment Agency provides detailed information on earnings in the profession of site foreman.
Das Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) offers comprehensive data on collective earnings and collective agreements in the construction industry.
Further insights into related professions and their earnings are provided by the Income atlas of the Federal Employment Agency.
FAQ
How much does a site foreman in construction earn monthly?
A site foreman in construction earns an average of about €4,391 gross per month. The median salary is reported by the Federal Employment Agency as €4,959, meaning that 50% of foremen earn more.
Does the salary as a foreman increase with professional experience?
Yes, professional experience has a significant impact. While newcomers start at around €44,800, foremen with more than 10 years of experience can earn over €59,000 per year.
Is there a salary difference between East and West Germany?
Yes, there is a significant difference. In West Germany, foremen earn an average of €4,965 per month, while in East Germany, it is €4,064. However, this gap is gradually closing due to tariff adjustments.
What influence does company size have on salary?
Company size is an important factor. In large firms with over 1,000 employees, foremen earn an average of €4,307 monthly, while in small businesses with under 500 employees, it is €3,357.
How can I increase my salary as a foreman?
You can increase your salary through further training to become a master or construction technician, by specializing in sought-after areas, or by moving to a region or company with higher salary levels. An academic degree (civil engineering) also opens up new salary classes.
Is the salary for foremen regulated by a collective agreement?
Yes, for the construction industry, there is a collective agreement (TV Wage) that sets minimum wages for different wage groups. Foremen are usually classified in wage group 6, with hourly wages over €28. However, many companies also pay outside of the collective agreements.
