Turkey construction sector faces skilled labor shortage

The construction sector in Turkey is facing a severe shortage of skilled labor, driving wages for specialized trades to record levels. Plasterers, tilers, and formwork masters are reportedly earning up to 177,000 lira per month, with daily wages reaching between 6,000 and 7,000 lira when including overtime and weekend work.

This employment crisis is being fueled by rapid urban transformation projects and intensive construction activities in earthquake-affected regions. Despite these high earnings, contractors are struggling to find qualified workers. Industry representatives point to a lack of apprentices and a trend where young people avoid physically demanding labor as primary causes.

The average age of skilled workers on construction sites has risen to approximately 50, creating a generational gap as new talent fails to enter the field. This shortage is causing delays in project delivery timelines and continues to push market wages higher.