The minimum wage of a construction worker in 2026
The official minimum hourly wages for workers in the construction industry (Joint Committee 124), by category — plus additional amounts and where you can start working today. Your employer may always pay more.
Source: Minimum wage database of the FPS Employment, Joint Committee 124, valid from 1 July 2026 · gross per hour · view all salary scales
Minimum hourly wage by category
In the construction industry, your minimum wage depends on your category, which in turn depends on your professional qualifications. This is what the minimum gross hourly wage looks like for adult workers.
| Category | Gross hourly rate |
|---|---|
| I — simple works without specialization | €18,592 |
| IA — Category I with above-average proficiency | €19,517 |
| II — e.g. groundworker, mason's assistant, demolition worker | €19,820 |
| II A — Category II with above-average proficiency | €20,810 |
| III — a craftsman who knows his trade thoroughly | €21,078 |
| IV — professional competence clearly higher than category III | €22,374 |
| Foreman (III)¹ | €23,186 |
| Team Leader (IV)¹ | €24,597 |
| Master Guest (IV)² | €26,810 |
¹ A foreman receives at least 10% more than the wage of his own professional qualification, and at least 10% more than the wage of the worker with the highest professional qualification in his team. ² Category IV + 20%, for the worker performing the function of foreman.
Hourly rates for adult workers, based on a 40-hour per week system as listed in the database. Different provisions apply to workers subject to part-time compulsory education. You can read what each category entails in the information sheet from the FPS Employment.
Good to know
- A minimum, not an average. This is the lowest gross salary your employer is allowed to pay. Your employer may always pay more.
- Starting without a construction diploma? You then start in Category I. Your employer evaluates your professional competence no later than after 9 months; upon a favorable evaluation, your salary increases to at least that of Category I A.
- Starting with a construction diploma? If you have a construction diploma obtained through full-time education, you start in Category I A. After 6 months, you will receive at least the salary of Category II, and within a maximum of 24 months after your hiring, you will move to Category II A with the same employer.
- Drivers. Drivers of commercial vehicles with a payload of less than 18 tonnes fall into category II A. Drivers of motor vehicles with a useful carrying capacity of 18 tonnes or more are equated with category III.
- Who decides your category? Only the employer judges the degree of professional competence of each worker in his service.
- Indexing. In July 2026, the minimum wages in the sector were indexed by 1.0966796%. According to the database, this concerns only the minimum wages in this sector. The table shows the level as of July 1, 2026.
- Net? That depends on your hours, your family situation, and the withholding tax. Our gross-net calculator It also calculates with an hourly rate; this way, you get an indication immediately.
Looking to get started in construction? These vacancies are currently open.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage for a construction worker?
For an employer in Joint Committee 124, this is €18,592 gross per hour in Category I. With greater professional qualifications, the minimum increases: €19,820 in Category II, €21,078 in Category III, and €22,374 in Category IV. Your employer may always pay more.
Which category am I in?
That depends on your professional competence, and only your employer judges that. Category III is for workers who know their trade thoroughly thanks to a substantial apprenticeship, and have been practicing it with normal skill for at least three years. Examples of Category II are earthworkers, mason's assistants, and demolition workers.
What does a foreman or foreman earn?
A foreman receives at least 10% more than his own category: €23,186 per hour from category III and €24,597 from category IV. A foreman receives at least €26,810 per hour (category IV + 20%).
How much does a construction worker earn net?
That depends on your hours, your family situation, and the withholding tax. Our gross-net calculator It also calculates with an hourly rate; this way, you get an indication immediately.
How do I find a job as a construction worker?
On JobFunders, you will find vacancies for construction workers throughout Flanders. Create one free profile with your experience and preferences, and Jobby — your digital career buddy — will invite you as soon as an employer is looking for something that really suits you. View the vacancies for construction workers.
Also interesting: Vacancies for construction workers · The minimum wage of a driver · The wages of a temporary worker · Calculate your net salary
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