The 2023 Association for Project Management (APM) Salary and Market Trends Survey has revealed that the average base salary for project professionals in construction has risen by 10% in the last two years to become one of highest paid sectors for project professionals in the UK.

Project professionals in construction currently receive an average salary of £57,500, a rise of 10% from £52,500 in 2021, according to the research. 

The construction sector is joint second in the latest annual rankings alongside consultancy, hospitality and telecoms. 

At the top are financial services and energy & utilities, both at £62,500.

In contrast, the average salary for all project professionals sector-wide has remained unchanged since 2020 at £47,500. 

However, this figure remains higher than the UK’s current national average salary of £38,6001. 

Professor Adam Boddison OBE, Chief Executive of APM, said the construction sector had retained its position as one of the most well-paid sectors.

“This does not come as a surprise, given the incredible resilience and innovation the sector has consistently shown to navigate successfully out of the pandemic and overcome uncertainties to play a vital role in the post-Covid economic recovery," Boddison said.

“Overall, our latest survey shows how people and businesses have adapted to new working practices and the long-term effects of the pandemic. 

"It also comes during a period of economic turbulence, with high energy costs and sustainability now front-of-mind for many in the profession.

He added the project management profession has always been resilient and as the chartered body for the profession, APM was "determined to support it, using the insights from this study to promote its long-term value to society".

Now in its eighth edition, the APM Salary and Market Trends Survey was carried out by global research company YouGov, who conducted a quantitative online survey of 2,806 project professionals between 7 November and 6 December 2022. 

This survey revealed many key insights into the project profession, including salary, split by job role, region, sector and gender, as well as job satisfaction, organisational growth, economic confidence, diversity and future skills. 

As the first large-scale analysis of the profession since the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, the findings convey a feeling of optimism in the profession. 

Job satisfaction is high, pay and benefits are on the rise, and organisations are increasing recruitment.

The survey found that 59% of project professionals in construction earn above £50,000. 

The majority enjoyed a pay rise in 2022, with 68% seeing their average salary increase.

Across the profession within the sector, 87% said they are satisfied in their role, 81% are optimistic about the supply of jobs, and 71% are expecting their pay and benefits to rise. Meanwhile, 72% of companies are looking to recruit additional staff.

While the volatility of the past three years has been difficult for businesses in all industries, the project profession has coped with the challenges of inflation, global supply chain issues and energy price rises with confidence and positivity.

The profession understands that changes in technology and working practices require the prioritisation of different skills, such as project leadership and people management, which the survey highlighted as important. 

However, communication is now top of the list of vital skills for the project professional, reflecting the rise of remote working. 

Download the 2023 APM Salary and Market Trends Survey.