Figures from GMB union show scaffolders are highest paid trade workers, while architects are the highest earning profession

Scaffolders are the highest paid trade workers in construction, according to new analysis from the GMB union.

According to the figures (see table below), scaffolders, stagers and riggers are paid an average of 拢29,215 per year 鈥� although that is still below the UK average wage for all occupations of 拢29,999.

Despite the publicity given to high wages for electricians on flagship schemes such as Heathrow T5, workers in the sector are paid less than scaffolders, earning an average of 拢26,952 a month. This places them below driving instructors (拢27,817) and train drivers (拢37,234).

Managers in the construction industry earn an average of 拢44,942 a year 鈥� 50% above the UK average 鈥搕he 25th highest paid occupation. Architects were the highest paid profession in the industry, earning 拢40,845 a year, beating QSs, who earn 拢36,455. Civil engineers earn an average of 拢35,618, while building inspectors earn an average of 拢29,608.

Paul Kenny, GMB general secretary, condemned the disparity of wages across the UK economy. He said: 鈥淭here are some people at the top earning forty and fifty times those at the bottom. GMB want to see the tax system used to even out the rewards and the GMB want the National Minimum Wage to rise to 拢7 per hour to help those at the bottom.鈥�

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