The Most In-Demand Construction Jobs in the UK for 2026:

As the UK construction sector continues to grow in 2026, demand for skilled professionals has never been higher. From large-scale infrastructure developments to sustainable housing and energy retrofit programmes, employers are seeking talent to meet evolving industry needs.


We’ve identified three of the most in-demand construction jobs in the UK right now and why they’re so critical to the industry’s future.




Quantity Surveyor


The role of a Quantity Surveyor remains central to modern construction projects. With increasing industry output pressures and cost-control demands, clients and contractors are turning to quantity surveyors to manage budgets, commercial risk, and sustainability measures.


According to the Construction Industry Training Board, the UK construction workforce will need an additional 47,860 workers per year between 2025 and 2029. The drive to deliver large-scale infrastructure, which is forecast to grow at a rate of 4.2% annually, means the commercial side of projects is becoming increasingly complex.


With transparency and value-for-money under greater scrutiny, the ability of quantity surveyors to balance cost, contract, and sustainability expertise is more valuable now than ever.


Salary of a Quantity Surveyor:

Newly Trained: £25,000 - £30,000
Trained: £35,000 - £50,000
Senior: £55,000 - £80,000


This makes quantity surveying one of the highest-paying construction jobs professionals can pursue in 2026.


Click Here To Discover Quantity Surveyor Opportunities. 

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Site Engineer


The role of a site engineer continues to be one of the most in-demand construction jobs employers are hiring for. Site engineers play a vital role in keeping projects on schedule, managing safety, quality, and compliance, and supporting the delivery of major infrastructure programmes.


Construction employment rose by 2.5% year-on-year in June 2025, even though vacancies dropped by around 25%, from 40,000 to 30,000. These figures show that while vacancies are being filled faster, the site engineer job vacancies point to a continued need for technically skilled engineers in 2026.



Salary of a Site Engineer:


Newly Trained: £30,000 - £40,000
Trained: £40,000 - £60,000
Senior: £60,000 - £70,000


Job listings for site engineers have shown that salaries have been increasing, a trend that has continued into 2026. Site engineering remains one of the best-paid jobs in the building industry for skilled professionals.


Click Here To Discover Site Engineer Opportunities. 

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Sustainability & Renewable Energy Project Manager


Looking ahead to 2026, one of the most future-focused roles in the industry is the Sustainability Manager or Renewable Energy Project Manager. This position bridges traditional construction with the green transition, making it one of the most in-demand construction jobs for employers focusing on net-zero commitments, carbon reduction and renewable infrastructure.


The UK government’s continued investment in renewable energy and sustainable housing has created significant growth in this field. It has been forecasted that the construction workforce will reach around 2.75 million by 2029. This growth, combined with new sustainability regulations, has increased demand for construction workers. Particularly for those with green construction expertise.


Professionals who can combine traditional construction delivery experience with sustainability credentials are now among the highest-paid jobs in the construction industry. These positions are some of the most future-proof roles in the sector.



Salary of a Project Manager:

Newly Trained: £35,000 - £45,000
Trained: £45,000 - £60,000
Senior: £60,000 - £90,000


Click Here To Discover Project Manager roles.

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The UK construction industry is entering a transformative period in 2026, driven by infrastructure investment, sustainability goals and technological innovation. According to Construction Industry Training Board, thousands of additional workers will be needed each year to meet rising demand, while salary growth continues to make the sector one of the most competitive for skilled professionals.






If you are an employer looking to hire, or a candidate exploring new career opportunities, these three roles; Quantity Surveyor, Site Engineer and Sustainability Manager, represent the most in demand construction jobs employers are focusing on right now. Stay ahead of the curve by developing your hiring strategy or starting your next career move today. 

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Published on October 29, 2025

Written by Hannah Pooley

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