Construction
18 July 2024
Written By Semen Merah Putih

How to Calculate Wages for Pieceworkers in Construction

Pieceworker wages need to be calculated based on the agreement. Let's learn how to calculate wages for pieceworkers in construction here!

Wages for pieceworkers

Pieceworkers or contract workers are often the answer for economical construction projects. But how do you calculate wages for a contract construction worker?

Generally, contract workers are paid differently from the daily worker. The piece rate of a daily worker is determined based on the working days, while the contract wage is based on a certain period.

Note that wages for contract construction workers vary in each region depending on the Provincial Minimum Wage and the total number of workers recruited. Therefore, it is important to know how to calculate wages for contract construction workers correctly.

Before calculating wages for contract construction workers, it is best to understand the various characteristics and other factors that differentiate it from a daily worker's piece rate. For this reason, let's look at the information below!

What Is a Pieceworker in Construction?

A pieceworker is a type of laborer paid based on the specifics of a particular project. This payment system differs from a daily construction worker, who is compensated based on hours or days worked.

The wage calculation for contract construction workers should be based on working agreement between both sides. Typically, this system is used for house construction projects.

Pieceworkers are responsible for completing construction as directed by the contractor. However, the availability of the building materials used will be the contractor's responsibility.

The Difference Between a Pieceworker and a Daily Worker

What differentiates pieceworkers from daily workers is mainly the payment system. Pieceworkers or contract workers are paid based on construction per square meter based on an agreement, while daily workers are paid based on hours or days of work.

Apart from the payment system, the work of pieceworkers and daily workers can be differentiated based on the following factors:

Skill

Generally, daily builders are chosen based on their skills in the hope that the results of their work satisfy the wishes of the building owner. In contrast, pieceworkers do not need specific skills, so their focus is only on completing the job. 

Supervision

Pieceworkers are usually supervised by construction bosses or building owners who deal with building cost budgets. On the other hand, the foreman oversees the quality of a pieceworker. 

Rights and Obligations

Pieceworkers and daily workers have different rights and obligations. Based on the work system, pieceworkers receive wages and other guarantees borne by the boss or building owner. On the other hand, daily workers receive benefits and health insurance per the foreman's provisions.

Read also: 5 Effective Tips for Concrete Casting 

Factors Affecting Wages for Pieceworkers

Understanding how to calculate a pieceworker's wage starts with considering several factors influencing it. Here are some of the factors that affect it: 

1. Prices of Building Materials

When calculating a pieceworker's wage, consider the price of materials. The figures obtained from the total building materials are used to calculate the wages of pieceworkers per square meter. .

2. Supporting Equipment

Apart from the price of materials, supporting equipment can also influence the wages of pieceworkers or contract workers. Some of the supporting equipment in construction are saws, pulleys, concrete mixers, and many others. 

3. Project Size and Difficulty Level

The calculation of a pieceworker's wage should be based on the size and complexity of the project itself. The larger the project, the greater the labor required per square meter.

4. Building Location

As is known, pieceworkers' rates are based on the minimum wage per region. Therefore, it's necessary to adjust the calculation of the wage based on the geographical location of the project. 

5. Reputation of the Pieceworker

The worker's previous work also determines the wages he will receive on a project. If the worker has a good track record and guarantees the quality of work, then the wages will be commensurate. 

6. Terms of Completion

Pieceworkers in construction time are regulated based on terms of completion. If the boss needs the project to finish quicker, he should pay the full amount of overtime. 

Read also: Building an Elegant House using Natural Building Material 

Pieceworker Wage Rates Per Square Meter

In contrast to daily labor costs, pieceworker or contract labor wages are determined based on the area of the building involved and the price per m2 of contract workers. In general, the formula for calculating piecework wages, including construction, can be written as follows:

Contractor Wages = Price of Building Materials × Building Area

Note that the price of building materials depends on the construction needs and the level of complexity. The building area can also be used as a settlement requirement and helps determine the ideal piece rate for pieceworkers.

How to Calculate Wages for Pieceworkers in Construction

Using the formula above, you can calculate a pieceworker's wage by utilizing the following example.

Mr. Adi plans to build a house with an area of 56 m2 and high-quality building materials. The total materials purchased for this construction reached IDR 2,500,000 per m2. So, the piecework wages that need to be paid to construction workers are:

Pieceworker Wage = Price of Building Materials × Building Area

= Rp2.500.000 × 56 m2 

= Rp140.000.000

That was all about how to calculate a pieceworker's wage in construction. The daily and piece-rate payment systems are very different. Therefore, it is important to ensure that construction workers are paid properly.

One of the factors that can influence a worker's piece rate is building materials. Among the building materials needed, cement is one of the main priorities in construction. To ensure a durable and strong building, make sure to choose high-quality cement.

If you need premium cement that meets SNI requirements, Portland Composite Cement from Semen Merah Putih could be an option. With Portland Composite Cement, you can have a stronger and more durable building. You can buy it in 40 kg and 50 kg packages at the nearest construction material shop.

Discover premium building materials from Semen Merah Putih. Explore our products and learn more by filling out the contact form

Read also: 5 Building Material Types for Outdoor Flooring 

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