This page explains which public sources can be used to understand UK construction earnings. It was reviewed on 20 September 2026. Each source below carries its own reference period, so an older annual dataset is not presented as a current 2026 rate.
These sources are public benchmarks, not Hard Hat rates. We do not publish worker pay, client charge rates, margins or internal commercial assumptions. A live assignment rate depends on the role, location, cards and tickets, shift pattern, duration and engagement arrangement.
Public sources reviewed
ONS — Average weekly earnings in Great Britain
Reference period: May to July 2026; released 15 September 2026
Current earnings trends across Great Britain. The construction detail sits in the accompanying industry data.
View public sourceONS — Average weekly earnings by industry (EARN03)
Reference period: Monthly construction-industry series; latest release available at review
Construction-sector earnings trends, not a price list for individual trades or assignments.
View public sourceONS — Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2025
Reference period: April 2025 pay period; released 23 October 2025
The latest occupation-level official earnings reference available when this page was reviewed. Some tables are provisional.
View public sourceNational Careers Service — Construction and trades profiles
Reference period: Continuously maintained; accessed September 2026
Indicative entry-to-experienced salary context. It is not regional temporary-labour pricing.
View public sourceCITB — Construction Workforce Outlook 2026–2030
Reference period: Published 17 June 2026; forecast period 2026–2030
Workforce demand and skills context only. It is not a pay survey.
View public sourceHow to read the evidence
- ONS weekly earnings data shows broad industry movement, not the correct rate for an individual worker or site.
- ONS occupation data is annual. The latest available occupation-level release at review was for the April 2025 pay period.
- National Careers Service figures are broad career ranges, not London temporary-worker or client charge rates.
- CITB workforce forecasts describe demand and skills needs; they do not set pay.
What determines a live rate
A current rate must be assessed against the actual requirement: trade, competence level, cards and tickets, site location, access, shift pattern, duration, notice, employment status and any client-specific checks. Clients should request a private rate card; workers should rely on the pay shown against a genuine live vacancy.