The construction industry is one of the most important industries in the whole of Europe, employing millions of workers and generating a significant part of GDP. However, the differences in construction wages between European countries are significant. As a result, more and more workers decide to emigrate for work. In this article, we will analyze how construction wages are shaped in different European countries and what factors influence these differences.

Also read: What skills and qualifications should a general construction worker have?

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What influences construction wages?


Construction wages vary depending on many factors. The level of the economy, local laws and living costs are important. In addition, the availability of skilled labour and the demand for construction services. Some European countries have minimum wages set specifically for construction workers. For example, Germany has set minimum wages in the construction industry, which vary by region and specialisation. However, skilled construction workers – civil engineers, electricians, plumbers, welders and construction machinery operators – can always count on higher wages regardless of the country.

In addition, countries with a higher cost of living, such as Norway or Switzerland, usually offer higher wages to compensate for the higher prices of housing, food and other basic goods.

Construction wages in selected European countries

  • Germany is one of the most attractive countries for construction workers from Poland and other countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Construction workers can expect to earn between 12 and 20 EUR per hour, depending on qualifications and region. The average annual salary in German construction is around 35,000 – 45,000 EUR gross. Higher salaries can be achieved by working in the south of the country, where rates are higher due to the developed economy and high cost of living.
  • Norway is a country that offers some of the highest construction industry salaries in Europe. Construction workers can earn an average of 180 to 250 NOK per hour (around 16-23 EUR). Workers with higher qualifications can expect even higher salaries.
  • Switzerland – construction industry salaries are among the highest in the world. Workers can earn between 5,000 and 7,000 CHF per month (around 4,600 – 6,400 EUR), with hourly rates ranging from 30 to 40 CHF (around 28-37 EUR). Switzerland offers high standards of work, but also has very high living costs, especially in cities such as Zurich and Geneva.
  • Poland, although still offering lower wages compared to Western European countries, is becoming increasingly competitive. Depending on the specialization, construction workers can earn from 20 to 40 PLN per hour (around 4.5-9 EUR). Although the rates are lower, the cost of living is also more affordable. This makes working on a construction site in Poland attractive to local workers. Qualified specialists, especially in large cities, can count on higher wages and better working conditions.

Prospects for construction workers in Europe


In the coming years, the forecasts for the construction industry in Europe are promising. Due to the growing demand for modern construction solutions, infrastructure development and the construction of ecological buildings, the demand for skilled construction workers will increase. It is expected that countries such as Germany, Norway and the United Kingdom will continue to attract workers from Poland and other countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

Many construction workers decide to work abroad due to higher wages and better working conditions. In countries such as Germany and Norway, construction workers have access to pension and insurance systems, as well as better social benefits. These countries have strong trade unions that take care of workers’ rights. This means that working conditions are often much better than in their home countries.

Summary


The differences in construction wages in Europe are significant and depend on many factors. For Polish construction workers looking for higher wages and better working conditions, countries such as Germany, Norway, Switzerland and the UK are attractive alternatives. The construction industry in Europe is developing dynamically, which gives workers the opportunity for professional development and employment stability. Regardless of the country they choose, construction work remains one of the key sectors that provide stability and attractive remuneration for qualified employees.