There are many costs you need to consider when planning a construction project, one of which is the salary of construction workers. The amount of the salary can vary depending on the work system you choose, whether daily or contract-based.
Additionally, other factors such as the type of work, expertise in construction, experience, and knowledge of materials and building structures can also affect the salary amount. So, let’s take a look at the latest daily and contract-based wages for construction workers below!
The Difference Between Daily and Contract-Based Construction Workers
If you plan to hire construction workers, you should first understand the work systems they use, which are daily and contract-based. Here’s a simple breakdown of the differences between the two systems:
1. Responsibilities
Daily workers are generally responsible for specific tasks, such as mixing or laying cement floors. On the other hand, contract-based workers typically handle the entire construction project, so their responsibilities are usually larger than those of daily workers.
2. Type and Project Duration
Contract-based workers usually manage larger projects, such as building construction or commercial properties. Their working time is pre-scheduled to avoid delays, and any delays are the responsibility of the contract workers, not the project owner.
Unlike contract-based systems, daily workers are more commonly used for smaller projects, such as renovating subsidized houses. Their working time is more flexible as they’re not bound by a strict schedule like contract-based workers.
3. Quality of Work
The quality of work for daily construction workers tends to be more detailed because they are paid based on the number of working hours so that they can focus more on each task. On the other hand, contract-based workers usually complete their tasks faster because they are focused on meeting time targets. However, this can sometimes lead to less optimal results if not properly supervised.
4. Wages and Cost Efficiency
The salary for daily construction workers is calculated based on the number of workdays. However, since they focus on specific tasks, the total cost can be higher compared to the contract-based system.
Meanwhile, the salary for contract-based workers is agreed upon in advance, based on the scale and duration of the project. Thus, contract-based fees are usually more cost-effective because workers use certain strategies to complete the work more efficiently.
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Range of Daily Construction Worker Salaries in 2025
As explained before, the salary of construction workers is influenced by various factors, including the work system applied and the type of job performed. Therefore, below is the range of daily construction worker salaries in 2025 that you should know:
- Foreman: IDR180,000.
- Head of Workers: IDR125,000 – IDR175,000.
- Mechanic: IDR110,000 – IDR130,000.
- Operator: IDR150,000.
- Operator Assistant: IDR90,000.
- Driller: IDR140,000.
- Laborer: IDR80,000 – IDR100,000.
- Driver: IDR170,000.
- Driver Assistant: IDR90,000.
- Night Guard: IDR110,000.
- Welder: IDR110,000.
- Electrician: IDR110,000 – IDR120,000.
- Carpenter: IDR110,000 – IDR130,000.
- Excavator Operator: IDR95,000 – IDR100,000.
- Reinforced Concrete Worker: IDR120,000.
- Profile Iron Worker: IDR125,000.
- Stone Mason: IDR100,000 – IDR140,000.
- Painter: IDR115,000 – IDR120,000.
- Plumber: IDR115,000.
Range of Salaries for Contract-Based Construction Workers in 2025
In the contract-based system, labor costs tend to be more efficient as workers complete the project for a fixed price, without considering the duration of work per day. Here is the range of construction worker salaries for contract work in 2025 based on hourly rates that you need to consider:
- Excavator Operator: IDR75,000/8 hours.
- Head Excavator Operator: IDR100,000/8 hours.
- Foreman Excavator Operator: IDR100,000/8 hours.
- Painter: IDR75,000/8 hours.
- Head Painter: IDR150,000/8 hours.
- Carpenter: IDR130,000/8 hours.
- Head Carpenter: IDR185,000/8 hours.
- Stonemason: IDR140,000/8 hours.
- Head Stonemason: IDR180,000/8 hours.
- Iron Worker: IDR130,000/8 hours.
- Head Iron Worker: IDR180,000/8 hours
In addition to hourly payment, there is also a payment system based on the unit of work, such as per square meter (m²) or per unit. This system is often used for more measurable tasks that can be calculated based on the area or number of units being worked on. Here is the range of construction worker salaries for contract work based on these units of work:
- Install Fence: IDR35,000/m².
- Install Door Leaf: IDR190,000/unit.
- Install Door Frame: IDR175,000/unit.
- Install Floor Tiles: IDR60,000/m².
- Install Bathroom Tiles: IDR45,000/m².
- Install Wall Tiles: IDR50,000/m².
- Wall Painting: IDR20,000/m².
- Concrete Installation: IDR50,000/m².
- Install Window Leaf: IDR95,000/unit.
- Install Window Frame: IDR98,000/unit.
- Foundation Excavation: IDR95,000/m³.
- Install Roof: IDR132,500/m².
- Install Gutter: IDR68,000/m².
- Install Ceiling: IDR35,000/m².
- Install Bricks: IDR30,000/m².
Read also: How to Calculate Cement Requirements: Here’s the Guide
How to Choose a Reliable Construction Worker
In addition to the salary of construction workers, it's important to pay attention to the quality of the workers you hire to ensure that your spending results in maximum value. Here are some tips for selecting the best construction workers:
1. Conduct Thorough Research
First, you need to investigate the worker's experience, past projects, and the quality of their work. If necessary, ask for references from people you know who have used their services. This way, you can directly evaluate the quality of the construction worker's work.
2. Create a Clear and Strong Contract
A contract helps maintain professionalism and creates a mutually beneficial relationship between you and the construction worker. Thus, you need to ensure all important points, such as the project timeline, the worker’s salary, violation terms, and others, are clearly detailed. Also, you have to tailor the contract according to the work system used, whether it's a daily or contract-based system, as these two systems require different arrangements.
3. Set a Proper Project Budget
Next, you also need to prepare an effective and efficient project budget. You can discuss the budget with the construction worker, as their experience can help you determine the optimal allocation of costs. In fact, with their input, you may be able to reduce expenses without sacrificing the quality of the project.
4. Regularly Review the Progress
Last but not least, you should also regularly monitor the project's progress to avoid mistakes that could lead to losses or even project failure. In addition, regular reviews will also help you to maintain better communication with the construction worker
That is all the latest range of construction worker salaries in 2025, both for daily and contract-based systems. Before you start the construction project, please make sure to choose a construction worker with proven performance and plan your budget carefully to achieve optimal construction results.
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