The average daily wage growth rate in the construction sector has slowed to its lowest level in a decade. This decline is attributed to a downturn in the construction market and a decrease in employment.
The Korea Construction Association announced on September 1 that the results of its "2026 Second Half Construction Wage Survey," conducted in May 2026, showed the average daily wage across 132 job categories is 282,737 won. This represents a 0.98% increase from the previous half-year and a 1.40% increase compared to the same period last year.
The year-on-year growth rate of 1.40% is the lowest recorded in the past ten years. Wage growth in the construction sector has decreased for three consecutive years, falling from 6.71% in 2023 to 3.30% in 2024, 1.66% in 2025, and now 1.40% in 2026.
The Korea Construction Association analyzed that the recent slowdown in wage growth is primarily due to reduced employment resulting from the sluggish construction market. The rate of change in construction output was recorded at -3.2% in 2024 and -15.7% in 2025, while the number of employed individuals in the construction sector in May of this year was 1.92 million, a 2.2% decrease compared to the same month last year.
Among the 132 job categories surveyed, the average daily wage for the 91 general construction positions, which make up the largest share, was found to be 270,614 won. This is a 0.79% increase from the previous half-year and a 1.24% increase from the same period last year.
This survey is designated as a statistical survey under the Statistics Act and can be applied to construction cost calculations starting September 1. The report on construction wage conditions can be accessed on the Korea Construction Association's website under the construction wage menu.
While the slowdown in wage growth may alleviate some pressure from rising construction costs, the combination of a stagnant construction market and declining job opportunities suggests that the industry's overall sentiment remains heavy.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.