Data from LinkedIn has shown the 25 fastest growing jobs in the UK for 2026 – a number of which are within the construction industry
While AI dominates the list, UK construction careers are not too far down as the quest to close the skills gap in the construction industry continues.
The LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise list uses data to determine which jobs are rising the quickest over the last three years.
Building inspector is the fastest-growing construction job
Also known on LinkedIn as Building Control Officers or Building Control Surveyors, these professionals work to ensure that buildings are meeting regulations, codes, and structural standards. The job is ranked at number nine on the list.
Also included in the list are heating and air conditioning engineers, preconstruction managers, land managers, energy analysts, and property directors.
Brickies, electricians, and other hands-on roles are noticeably absent from the list. While disappointing, this also tracks with the current ongoing skills shortage. Top of the list dominating spots #1 and #2, are AI engineers and head of artificial intelligence, following the ongoing trend of the industry skyrocketing.
AI is dominating every market, including construction
In September 2025, the Royal Town Planning Institute released its AI in Construction 2025 report, compiling responses from over 2,200 professionals in the planning sector. The report found that nearly 70% of project managers and quantity surveyors believe that AI will help to deliver value.
However, the skills shortage is continuing to have an effect. At the start of last year, salaries for building control staff were driven to historic highs as finding capable professionals became a genuine challenge due to mass exodus’ away from the profession.
At the time, trainees could see up to £35,000 per year, while full officers could make up to £52,000, and a senior could see up to £68,000.
Small wonder the profession is among the fastest growing, perhaps?
