Over half of building engineers working beyond capacity as retirement wave looms, CABE survey finds
22 Jun, 2026
More than half of UK building engineering professionals say they are working beyond capacity, while nearly a quarter plan to retire within three years, according to the latest employment survey from the Chartered Association of Building Engineers.
The survey, carried out at the end of 2025 and based on 374 responses from CABE members across the UK, found that 54% of respondents are working over capacity, including 17% who described themselves as overwhelmed. While the proportion feeling overwhelmed has fallen since 2024, the number reporting they are over capacity has increased, highlighting ongoing workforce pressures across the sector.
Despite relatively strong earnings, concerns remain about career progression and retention. Two-thirds (67%) of respondents earn more than £50,000, while 10% earn over £100,000. Chartered Building Engineers were significantly more likely to earn higher salaries than those in developmental membership grades, with 73% earning more than £50,000 compared with 51% of Associate Members.
However, salary growth expectations appear subdued. Around 60% of respondents do not expect their pay to increase in the coming year, reflecting wider concerns about earnings growth across the construction sector.
The findings also point to a potential future skills shortage. While 60% of respondents expect to remain in their current area of construction over the next three years, 23% plan to retire and a further 5% intend to leave the industry altogether.
When asked about barriers to attracting new talent, respondents identified increasing regulatory requirements, perceptions that construction is not an attractive career option, and uncertainty about the industry's future as the three biggest challenges. Regulatory demands and high levels of personal responsibility were also cited as leading reasons why professionals leave the sector.
The survey found that salary remains the most important factor when choosing an employer, followed by location and interest in the role itself.
CABE said the results highlight the impact of ongoing regulatory change across the built environment, while reinforcing the need for continued support, professional development and industry engagement to attract and retain a competent workforce. The survey also found that 70% of respondents believe CABE membership has helped their career progression, while 87% would recommend membership to a colleague.
The survey, carried out at the end of 2025 and based on 374 responses from CABE members across the UK, found that 54% of respondents are working over capacity, including 17% who described themselves as overwhelmed. While the proportion feeling overwhelmed has fallen since 2024, the number reporting they are over capacity has increased, highlighting ongoing workforce pressures across the sector.
Despite relatively strong earnings, concerns remain about career progression and retention. Two-thirds (67%) of respondents earn more than £50,000, while 10% earn over £100,000. Chartered Building Engineers were significantly more likely to earn higher salaries than those in developmental membership grades, with 73% earning more than £50,000 compared with 51% of Associate Members.
However, salary growth expectations appear subdued. Around 60% of respondents do not expect their pay to increase in the coming year, reflecting wider concerns about earnings growth across the construction sector.
The findings also point to a potential future skills shortage. While 60% of respondents expect to remain in their current area of construction over the next three years, 23% plan to retire and a further 5% intend to leave the industry altogether.
When asked about barriers to attracting new talent, respondents identified increasing regulatory requirements, perceptions that construction is not an attractive career option, and uncertainty about the industry's future as the three biggest challenges. Regulatory demands and high levels of personal responsibility were also cited as leading reasons why professionals leave the sector.
The survey found that salary remains the most important factor when choosing an employer, followed by location and interest in the role itself.
CABE said the results highlight the impact of ongoing regulatory change across the built environment, while reinforcing the need for continued support, professional development and industry engagement to attract and retain a competent workforce. The survey also found that 70% of respondents believe CABE membership has helped their career progression, while 87% would recommend membership to a colleague.
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