2025 Hiring & Wage Trends: The New Reality for Construction & Real Estate

The hiring landscape in 2025 is shifting rapidly, with national labor trends, industry-specific challenges, and wage pressures creating a complex environment for executives and hiring managers. Companies that adapt quickly will secure top talent and avoid costly hiring missteps. Demand for high-level talent is at an all-time high, but to justify rising costs, companies are adopting leaner operations and increasing direct reports.

 

National Hiring & Economic Trends

Hiring in 2025 is being shaped by a tight labor market, shifting job seeker priorities, and regional economic variances.

Job openings remain high, but workforce participation isn’t keeping up, particularly in skilled labor sectors. Turnover at the executive and management level is increasing, driven by retirements, job-hopping for better compensation, and burnout. AI and automation are expanding across industries, shifting job demand toward tech-savvy leaders and specialists who can manage these integrations.

Regional differences are more pronounced than ever. Some states are seeing booming construction and infrastructure projects, while others face stagnation due to high costs and regulatory hurdles.

With federal investments in infrastructure projects continuing to fuel demand, the war for top talent—especially in leadership roles—is accelerating.

 

Construction & Real Estate Hiring Trends

Hiring in construction and real estate is under severe pressure due to labor shortages, market shifts, and evolving project demands.

The labor shortage remains critical, with nearly 500,000 additional workers needed in 2025 to meet demand. Hiring for leadership and executive roles is intensifying as construction firms and real estate developers compete aggressively for experienced leaders who can navigate economic uncertainty and project delays.

Commercial real estate is evolving as tech hubs and emerging markets see a resurgence in office leasing, while retail and multifamily construction continue strong growth. Infrastructure projects are driving demand, with government-backed initiatives and public-private partnerships fueling hiring across construction disciplines.

Companies that move quickly to secure top talent will have an edge in meeting project timelines and avoiding cost overruns.

 

High-Level Wage Trends & Compensation Insights

With labor shortages and competition for top talent heating up, wages are rising, especially for leadership roles. A focus on efficiency and lean operations means fewer leaders managing larger teams. Here’s how compensation is trending in 2025 for key leadership positions:

• C-Level Executives
  Compensation ranges from $250,000 to $600,000 or more, with performance incentives and equity in larger firms. Demand remains strong for executives who can navigate economic volatility, workforce retention, and expansion strategies.
• Vice President Level
  Compensation typically range from $150,000 to $300,000. High turnover is creating aggressive hiring and strong retention bonuses in this tier.
• Director Level
  Compensation ranges from $115,000 to $225,000. The biggest demand is for directors who can drive efficiency and profitability while managing larger teams.
• Senior & Mid-Level Management
  Compensation ranges from $100,000 to $180,000. These roles are seeing significant wage increases as companies compete for skilled leadership talent.

Additionally, sign-on & retention bonuses, equity incentives, and relocation packages are becoming more common at all levels as companies attempt to lock in high-performers.

 

How Basilisk Partners is Ahead of the Curve

At Basilisk Partners, we don’t just track trailing trends, we identify them in real time and help our clients get ahead of their competitors. We specialize in executive and leadership recruitment for construction and real estate firms that need the right talent to scale, lead, and dominate.

With deep insight into wage and hiring trends, we ensure our clients remain competitive in today’s talent-driven market. In a hiring landscape where the best talent gets scooped up quickly, our firm connects you with the best available talent when you need it.

Want to discuss these trends or need top-tier talent for your team? Let’s connect. Reach out today to stay optimize your talent acquisition strategy with striking precision.