Construction Salary 2026: Your Complete Guide to UK Construction Pay
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New Year, New Job? Now is the Perfect Time to Find Your Dream Job with Atkins Search
As the calendar flips to a new year, many of us reflect on the past and set ambitious goals for the future. If advancing your career is on your list of resolutions, you’re in the right place. The start of the year is one of the best times to explore new job opportunities! Partnering with a specialist recruitment agency like Atkins Search will give you the competitive edge you need to achieve your 2026 goals.
Browse our exclusive construction job opportunities today!
New Year New Job, Fresh Start Fresh Opportunities
The new year symbolises a fresh start, and construction companies view this as the perfect time to assess their hiring strategies for the year ahead. Construction contractors and consultancies often refresh their budgets, strategic goals and win new construction projects, which often translates into new job openings across the construction and built environment sectors.
Last year, data showed:
- Almost half (42%) of the UK workforce are either already looking or planning to find a new job in January, with the hunt for higher salaries being the key driving force
- On average, candidates are only considering a role offering a 13% pay increase, whilst half (49%) say a good work/life balance is a top concern when salary and benefits are satisfactory
- Two thirds (66%) say they would be open to moving location for a new job
These figures indicates you’re not alone in the job search, but it also highlights the importance of acting early to stand out in a competitive market.
Atkins Search can help you navigate this busy period, giving you access to exclusive roles and practical tips to maximise your chances of landing your next position.
Why Now is the Time to Change Jobs for the New Year
Reignite Your Career
The beginning of the year is a natural time for self-improvement and career reflection. If you’re currently feeling stuck, you’re not alone as 43% of UK workers report feeling stagnated in their current roles by the end of the year. A new year will provide you with motivation and hope, whilst a new role will provide you with the challenge and growth needed to reignite your career ambitions.
Companies are planning for the year ahead
As the year draws to a close, many businesses have finalised their budgets and identified the key construction roles they want to fill in the new year. Some even inform speciality construction recruitment agencies their plans in December so they can onboard new professionals early in January. This makes December an excellent time to explore current opportunities and submit your applications ahead of the new year rush. Getting in early can give you a competitive advantage and put you front of mind with hiring managers.
Seasonal hiring brings extra opportunities
For those seeking freelance or contract construction jobs, the Christmas period often brings increased opportunities within the construction industry amongst consultancies and main contractors. While demand peaks in December, it doesn’t disappear after the festive season as many companies need extra support to manage post-Christmas operations and recovery throughout January and February.
Additionally, permanent construction positions are commonly begin advertising in and around the East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire, North West and Southern Regions in December. The construction industry often uses a hybrid model of permanent and temporary labour, so stability is available throughout the beginning of the new year. Demand is particularly high for Quantity Surveyors, Project Manager, Building Surveyor, Construction contractors, Site Managers and Engineers.
Overcoming Hesitations
It’s natural to have concerns about changing jobs, such as losing stability or adapting to new colleagues and processes. But these fears shouldn’t hold you back as many professionals believe the longer you stay in a role, the harder it becomes to leave. The new year is your chance to overcome hesitation and take control of your career.
How Atkins Search Can Help
At Atkins Search, we give you tools, insight and connections to make your job search more effective:
- Expert CV and LinkedIn guidance so you can highlight your achievements and skills effectively to make a strong and lasting impression.
- Tailored interview preparation to certify you are ready to showcase your strengths and stand out from the competition.
- Exclusive access to competitive roles that are not advertised publicly.
- Networking and industry connections where you can meet peers and hiring managers within varied construction sectors.
- Career alignment support to find a role that satisfies your lifestyle and goals
With our support, you won’t have to navigate the job market alone! We take a personalised and consultative approach to recruitment to help you find a construction job that matches your skills and values. Contact us today!
Take the First Step Towards Your 2026 Career Goals
The new year is a time of opportunity. By starting your job search now, you can tap into the surge of new roles across construction, consultancy, residential and related sectors. With the help of Atkins Search, 2026 could be the year you find your dream construction job.
