How much does a construction foreman earn?
Construction foremen (Poliere) lead crews on site: they steer workflows and deadlines, secure quality and health & safety, and link site management, trades and skilled workers – typically in building, civil and finishing works. The path usually runs via dual construction training (e.g. bricklayer, concrete worker, road builder) plus experience and further training as a certified Polier. Gross pay depends on region, construction collective agreements, company size and specialisation. As a guide, practising Poliere in Germany in 2026 often earn about €3,900–€4,800 gross per month; in the preceding dual apprenticeship around €970–€1,310 is typical.
Salary by region (gross/month)
Guide figures as of 2026. The apprenticeship column means the dual construction training before promotion (e.g. bricklayer, concrete worker, road builder); qualified means practising Poliere. Actual pay depends on construction collective agreements, employer, region, site size, hardship/weather rules and experience and is not a guarantee.
Further training options
Job and everyday work
A Polier combines technical and leadership responsibility on site: assigning crews, steering workflows and quality, and enforcing safety. The day shifts between on-site coordination, alignment with site management and subcontractors, and documentation – often under weather, deadline pressure and changing trades.
- Steer daily and weekly crew planning: assign people, plant and materials on site.
- Instruct work sequences, check progress and dimensional accuracy, and prioritise rework.
- Apply plans, measurements and work instructions; document quantities, times and deviations.
- Coordinate with site management, planners, suppliers and other trades; clarify interfaces and deadlines.
- Enforce health and safety, PPE and site rules – from scaffolding and lifting gear to barriers.
- Guide skilled workers and apprentices; resolve disruptions, weather issues and bottlenecks pragmatically.
