Built environment salaries on the up, says Vertical

Nearly 1,000 property professionals contributed to the 2023 Vertical Salary Review, weighing in on the issues most important to them in the workplace and what they look for in new jobs.

The salary review was produced by Manchester-based Vertical Recruitment in association with Place North West.

“The 2023 salary survey reveals some intriguing shifts in the employment landscape compared to our previous report in 2021,” said James Adamson, director at Vertical Recruitment.

“Whilst the overarching theme in 2021 was uncertainty brought about by the pandemic, this year’s focus seems to be on the evolving priorities of the workforce and the challenges facing various industries.”

Adamson elaborated later, saying: “The 2023 salary survey shows a workforce adapting to new norms and challenges. From the rise in the importance of financial benefits to the sustained demand for flexible and hybrid working, the trends indicate a shift towards a more holistic approach to employment, balancing both financial and personal needs.”

Main takeaways:

• Salaries increased across the board, with planners and civil engineers having the highest average salary increase. The average salary for developers and architects increased the least.
• Job satisfaction increased from the 2021 survey, with he overwhelming majority of responders saying they were fairly satisfied or satisfied with their jobs.
• The three most-valued benefits a company could offer are bonuses, a car allowance, and flexible working.
• Increased salary remained top factor for those seeking a new job, followed by improved career progression.
• The biggest challenge facing the industry is the skills shortage, followed by economic uncertainty.
• Employers for around 40% of respondents offer hybrid working opportunities.

Vertical Recruitment is based in Manchester and specialises in recruitment in a variety of built environment sectors including architecture, building services, civil engineering, development management, project management, fire engineering, quantity surveying, and structural engineering.

Download the full report.