Salary benchmarks: construction & real estate

Experience is carrying the biggest premium

The widest pay gaps are not between job titles, but between levels of proven delivery. A project manager who has taken a complex scheme from inception to handover commands a noticeably stronger package than one with a similar title and a narrower track record.

Chartered status — RICS, CIOB, APM or equivalent — continues to make a measurable difference, particularly in consultancy and client-side roles.

Quantity surveying and cost consultancy

Demand for commercially minded surveyors remains strong, with contractors and consultancies competing for the same pool. Surveyors with data centre, mission critical or MEP-heavy project experience are attracting the strongest offers.

Project management

Client-side and consultancy project managers who can manage stakeholders as confidently as programmes are in high demand. Sector experience matters: technically complex projects pay a premium over general commercial schemes.

Development and real estate

Development roles remain closely tied to market confidence and funding conditions. Packages here are often weighted towards bonus and long-term incentives, so headline base salary only tells part of the story.

London and the regions

London still sets the upper end of the market, but the gap with major regional hubs has narrowed as large infrastructure and data centre programmes create competition for local talent. Flexible working has also widened the pool for many roles, changing how location is priced into offers.

Get a tailored benchmark

Published ranges are a useful starting point, but the right number depends on the specific role, sector and candidate. Speak to us for a confidential, up-to-date benchmark tailored to your hire or your next move.