General information

Job in Europe as a construction worker – all you need to know

The construction industry has been showing for years a demand for workers. A skilled construction worker is worth their weight in gold, both in Poland and in every other EU country. How much does a construction worker earn? What professional qualifications are required for this position? The answers can be found in the article below.

Job offers – Construction

According to the latest research from the “Barometer of Professions” various occupations in the construction industry have been listed as shortage occupations, including:

  • construction carpenters
  • formwork carpenters
  • roofing contractors
  • electricians
  • electrical fitters
  • bricklayers
  • plasterers
  • building workers

Important! Recent reports from Eurofound confirm a noticeable shortage of workers in the construction industry. In this case, we are talking about a pan-European scale. The largest shortage has been recorded in:

  • Belgium
  • Ireland
  • Czech Republic
  • Portugal
  • Italy

In light of the above, we recommend checking job offers in construction in these particular countries. The high percentage of worker shortages is driving changes in recruitment practices. Employers and job agencies are increasingly less focused on finding the perfect candidate. Their priority is to close the recruitment process as quickly as possible.

Construction Worker – Job Responsibilities

The range of duties for a construction worker will depend directly on the type of work being performed. Below are examples of job responsibilities, broken down by the most common positions in the construction:

PositionJob Responsibilities
Construction AssistantSimple physical tasks, assisting with material transport, and setting up scaffolding.
Construction WorkerFormwork, scaffolding, bricklaying, plastering, assembly, finishing work, reading technical drawings.
BricklayerBuilding foundations and walls.
Construction Equipment OperatorOperating vehicles and machinery on the construction site.
ForemanSupervising the work of the team, organizing work schedules, managing employee performance.
Construction ManagerOverseeing work progress, assessing the quality of completed work.

Construction Worker – Essential Qualifications 

Employers are primarily focused on the skills and experience of a potential candidate. Education, in this case, is not of major importance.

However! If a person is starting their career path without the appropriate educational background (especially for specialized trades, such as electrician, fitter, or carpenter), the chances of finding employment are minimal.

Qualifications to work as a construction worker can be obtained through:

  • a vocational school
  • a technical high school
  • a post-secondary school
  • a vocational course
  • engineering studies

In addition, studying at the educational institutions mentioned above guarantees the opportunity to complete internships, which allows you to gain initial experience in the profession. This, in turn, ensures a positive consideration of your application by the employer.
Furthermore, it is worth considering obtaining certifications and qualifications related to:

  • working at heights
  • operating machinery
  • reading technical drawings
  • operating cranes, hoists, or forklifts

Recruitment in the construction, industrial, and tourism sectors – what’s the current situation?

Construction worker – Candidate Profile


Working in the building industry is not one of the easiest jobs. Here are the most commonly sought-after qualities by employers for this profession:

  • Stamina
  • Physical fitness
  • Attention to detail
  • Conscientiousness
  • Observational skills
  • Responsibility
  • Punctuality
  • Teamwork skills
  • Good eyesight and hearing
  • Ability to multitask

Are you looking for a job in the construction industry?

Working conditions in the Construction industry 


Typically, there is a hierarchy in construction work. Regardless of your experience or skills, you start at the lowest position. However, this is not always the case; it depends on the employer.
A person with a relevant degree must complete at least one year of internship in the building industry. For a construction manager, the internship lasts two years.

Construction work is most often seasonal or temporary. First, because of the working conditions – it is primarily outdoor work. Second, the construction of a building must be completed by a specified deadline. However, some companies employ workers for longer periods to have reliable staff for upcoming projects.

The working hours range from 9 to 12 hours. Unfortunately, an 8-hour workday is not the norm in this field. Most often, it is a 6-day workweek. Overtime is also possible, and it is paid additionally. 

Job offer – Construction

Construction Worker – What are the salaries?


The construction industry offers a wide range of jobs and positions. Salaries for different roles will vary. Additionally, the level of earnings depends on:

  • Experience
  • Skills
  • Location (this not only refers to the country, but also the region or city)
  • Qualifications
  • Size of the company/contract/project

Next, we will look at examples of gross hourly rates for selected positions in the construction industry across various European countries.

Position/CountryPoland(gross per month)Germany BelgiumHolland
construction worker5360 – 6580 zł15-22 EUR14-20 EUR15-22 EUR
electrician4570 – 6610 zł18-26 EUR18-25 EUR20-28 EUR
Monter fitter4320 – 4940 zł18-26 EUR18-25 EUR20-28 EUR
Stolarz carpenter4 670 – 6 130 zł18-26 EUR18-26 EUR20-28 EUR
Murarz bricklayer4290 – 6670 zł18-26 EUR18-26 EUR18-26 EUR
Machine operator4 880 PLN – 7000 zł14-22 EUR16-22 EUR16-24 EUR

Advantages and Disadvantages of working in the building industry

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Legal employment (usually an employment contract)
Stable working hours
Possible employment without formal education (skills are what matter)
Wide range of job offers
Simplified recruitment process (employers focus on real skills)
Hard and dangerous physical work
Difficult working conditions (e.g., heat or rain)
Knowledge of foreign languages (in case of working abroad)
Age and gender restrictions (usually, men under 45 years old are employed)

Job offers for you!