Hong Kong construction worker daily wages 2026 and how to apply
Public reporting puts Hong Kong construction day rates around HKD 1,100–2,300 by trade (rebar/carpentry from about 1,100; concrete work up to 2,300) — but day rate is not monthly income. Mainland workers must come through an employer-filed ESLS or construction importation application; there is no individual route.
The short answer
Reported day rates: rebar, carpentry and scaffolding about HKD 1,100–1,800; concrete and formwork trades up to 2,000–2,300. Multiply by 22–26 actual working days and subtract housing and meals for a realistic month — rain and sequencing downtime are unpaid. Ranges are a public-reporting compilation (checked October 2026); the contract governs.
| Trade | Reported daily range (HKD) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rebar / fixing | 1,100 – 1,800 | Steady demand |
| Carpentry / formwork | 1,100 – 1,800 | High demand |
| Scaffolding | 1,200 – 1,800 | Qualification required |
| Concrete | 1,500 – 2,300 | Intense, phase-bound |
| General labourer | Below trades | Per project |
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Two lawful routes for mainland workers
Route one: the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) — the broadest regular channel, employer-filed with the Labour Department after local recruitment. Route two: the Construction Industry Importation of Labour scheme — a sector scheme with a government quota cap of 20,000 workers, applied for by qualified contractors per project. Both require a real employer and prior approval. Timing note: ESLS forms were revised in September 2026 (Rev. 9/2026) and old forms are returned unprocessed from 12 October 2026.
Safety card and registration
A Green Card (construction-industry safety training certificate issued by the CIC) is the statutory gate to work on Hong Kong sites; long-term workers can additionally register as registered workers by trade. Most employers or agencies arrange the training — ask who pays before signing. See our safety-card guide for details.
FAQ
- Q: What is the current daily wage? A: Reported ranges run about HKD 1,100–2,300 by trade; the contract governs and official figures prevail.
- Q: How does a mainland worker apply? A: Through an employer-filed ESLS or construction importation application; approval comes first, then visa — never work first.
- Q: Are "direct-hire, no interview" offers real? A: No. Real routes require an employer and approval; large upfront fees are a scam signal.
