Construction managers among best paid with salaries topping £80,000 mark

Construction managers have been revealed to be among some of the top earners in the property field with the pay packet average reaching £81,609, according to the latest figures.

Findings published in the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Macdonald & Company survey found construction mangers were also benefitting from an average annual bonus of £22,252. Overall, the survey found wages of property professionals in general were up 13% to an average of £68,918. Pay of this level has not been seen since the 2009 report, in the wake of the financial crisis. Those to benefit from a pay rise saw their salaries increase by an average of 7.2%.

However, the results showed a continuing trend and widening gap in pay for women and men within property. The survey revealed male property professionals earned 35% more than women in the industry and was a significant increase from last year's results. 

Barry Cullen, RICS diversity and inclusion director said: “The latest results from this survey show the built environment continues to be an attractive sector to work in with professionals’ pay hitting highs not seen since the financial crisis. As headcount is once again expected to increase in 2018, more employers are placing greater focus on attracting and retaining talent, with attractive pay and benefit packages.”

Average annual salaries for jobs within the industry:

• Architect/Design £56,946 
• Building Control £45,983 
• Building Surveying £50,151
• Construction management: £81,609
• Planner: £59,187
• Project management: £63,549
• Quantity surveying: £56,212

“Organisations must embrace an offering beyond an attractive salary and benefits package if we are going to truly diversify the profession and meets the needs of our future,” Cullen added. “In 2018, the gender pay gap still remains evident and whilst it is significantly less for those under 26, more still needs to be done.”

The 19th annual survey is said to be the largest of its type after receiving 6,905 responses in a three-month period. Results also showed that RICS qualified professionals are earning 21% more than unqualified colleagues and 14.2% of those who received a pay rise in the last year did so through gaining professional qualifications.