Here’s a practical, up-to-date guide to High-Paying Construction Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship (2025/2026)—what roles pay well, how sponsorship works after the rule changes in 2025, and how to target employers.

The visa landscape (what changed in 2025)

• The Skilled Worker route remains the main path for sponsored construction roles. From 22 July 2025, the general salary threshold rose to £41,700 (or the occupation’s “going rate”, whichever is higher).

• If your occupation appears on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), sponsors can pay a lower general threshold of £33,400 (still subject to the job’s going rate). Several construction trades are now on the ISL UK-wide.

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Construction roles on the ISL (UK-wide) with ISL thresholds

• Stonemasons (SOC 5312) – £33,400 (standard ISL rate shown on GOV.UK).

• Bricklayers (5313) – £33,400.

• Roofers/roof tilers/slaters (5314) – £33,400. Carpenters & joiners (5316) – £33,400.

• Construction trades n.e.c. – retrofitters (5319) – £33,400.

If your role isn’t on the ISL (e.g., many managerial/engineering posts), sponsorship is still possible—but you’ll normally need the £41,700 general threshold or the higher going rate for that SOC code.

High-paying construction roles that are commonly sponsored

Below are roles that frequently meet (or exceed) Skilled Worker pay thresholds and are attractive to UK sponsors. Salary snapshots are from large UK datasets (Glassdoor/Indeed/PayScale/APM).

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• Construction Project Manager – typical average ~£50k–£53k; upper tier to £70k–£100k+ on major schemes. Site Manager – average ~£46k–£48k; seniors £55k–£70k+. Quantity Surveyor – commonly ~£45k–£55k (mid-level), higher in civils/major contractors.

• Civil Engineer – averages ~£36k–£46k (rises with chartership/seniority, higher on infrastructure).

• High-integrity Pipe Welders (specialist) – eligible on ISL (welding trades 5213—specific sub-type). Pay varies widely; niche projects pay premiums.

• ISL Trades (Bricklayer, Roofer, Carpenter/Joiner, Stonemason, Retrofitter) – sponsorship is eased via ISL; strong regional demand can push pay above thresholds.

Market trend: 2025 salary guides show continued pay pressure across construction & property, with several roles rising faster than the UK average.

How to qualify (quick checklist)

1. Match the correct SOC code for your offer (vital for salary/eligibility).

2. Meet the right threshold:

   • If on ISL → typically £33,400 (or going rate, if higher). If not on ISL → usually £41,700 or the going rate, whichever is higher.

3. Ensure the employer is a licensed sponsor and issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with the correct pay/hours. Prepare proof of skills (NVQs, degrees, CSCS/CPCS, references, project list) and—where relevant—English and TB/medical per UKVI rules.

Where to find sponsored construction jobs (and what to filter for)

• Search “visa sponsorship” + role + “Skilled Worker” / “ISL” on UK boards (e.g., Hays, Indeed, CV-Library), then validate the employer’s sponsor licence in the job ad or during screening. Salary ranges in 2025 postings for PM/Site Manager frequently align with thresholds noted above.

• Prioritize major contractors (Tier 1/2), specialist subcontractors (welding, facades, MEP), and retrofit/energy-efficiency firms (to tap the ISL “retrofitter” route).

Application strategy that works in 2025/2026

• Lead with eligibility in your CV headline: “Eligible for Skilled Worker | ISL trade (5313 Bricklayer) | IELTS UKVI completed | CSCS Gold.”

• Target ISL roles if you’re a tradesperson (bricklaying, roofing, carpentry, stonemasonry, retrofitting) to benefit from the lower ISL salary threshold.

• For professional roles (PM, QS, engineers), benchmark offers against the £41,700 general threshold and the role’s going rate—don’t accept offers that fall below the required figure for your SOC code.

• Use reputable salary guides and live ads to negotiate—project/postcode, size of scheme (civils, rail, water, energy), and certifications (MRICS, MCIOB, CEng) move the needle.

Quick FAQ

Do trades really get sponsored now?
Yes—several construction trades are explicitly on the ISL UK-wide (easing sponsorship and lowering the general threshold to £33,400—subject to going rates).

If my job isn’t on the ISL, can I still get sponsored?
Yes—many engineer/manager/QS roles are sponsorable via Skilled Worker as long as the £41,700 (or going rate) rule is met and the employer is licensed.

Where do I check the official list and thresholds?
On GOV.UK: Skilled Worker — Immigration Salary List (includes construction trades) and the salary rules page.