Construction Labour Rates in India (2026) — Daily Wage Guide
An indicative, plain-language reference for daily wages (majdoori) across India's main construction trades — from helper (beldar) to mason (raj mistri), electrician (bijli mistri) and beyond.
In short: In 2026, indicative daily wages for construction workers in India range from about ₹450–₹750 for an unskilled helper (beldar / majdoor) to roughly ₹700–₹1,200 for skilled trades such as masons (raj mistri), carpenters (badhai), tile fitters and POP workers. Metros like Mumbai, Delhi NCR and Bengaluru sit at the higher end of these bands, while Tier-2 cities are lower. These are market-rate estimates only — verify locally against current rates and statutory minimum wages.
Indicative daily wage by construction trade
| Trade (English / vernacular) | Skill level | Indicative daily wage (₹/day) |
|---|---|---|
| Helper / Beldar / Majdoor | Unskilled | ₹450 – ₹750 |
| Painter / Rangai | Semi-skilled | ₹600 – ₹1,000 |
| Centering / Shuttering Mistri | Skilled | ₹650 – ₹1,050 |
| Plumber / Nal Mistri | Skilled | ₹650 – ₹1,050 |
| Electrician / Bijli Mistri | Skilled | ₹650 – ₹1,100 |
| Welder | Skilled | ₹650 – ₹1,150 |
| Mason / Raj Mistri | Skilled | ₹700 – ₹1,100 |
| Bar Bender / Saria | Skilled | ₹700 – ₹1,100 |
| Carpenter / Badhai | Skilled | ₹700 – ₹1,150 |
| POP & False Ceiling Mistri | Skilled | ₹700 – ₹1,200 |
| Tile & Marble Fitter | Skilled | ₹700 – ₹1,200 |
Figures are indicative market-rate estimates (market surveys / Ministry of Labour reference points), not offers or guarantees. Actual majdoori varies by city, experience, season and site — verify locally.
How rates vary across metros
Indicative daily wage for a general skilled tradesperson. City rates move with local demand and cost of living.
| City | Indicative skilled rate (₹/day) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹800 – ₹1,300 | Higher demand and cost of living |
| Delhi NCR | ₹750 – ₹1,250 | Large, competitive labour market |
| Bengaluru | ₹750 – ₹1,250 | Strong construction and IT-corridor demand |
| Hyderabad | ₹700 – ₹1,150 | Steady real-estate activity |
| Pune | ₹700 – ₹1,150 | Active residential and industrial builds |
| Ahmedabad | ₹650 – ₹1,050 | Mid-range metro rates |
| Indore | ₹600 – ₹1,000 | Growing Tier-2 construction hub |
| Lucknow / Tier-2 | ₹550 – ₹950 | Lower cost base than metros |
Illustrative city bands for orientation only. Confirm current rates locally before agreeing any wage.
How construction wages are set
Skill & trade
Skilled trades (mason, electrician, carpenter) command more than unskilled helper (beldar) work. Certified and experienced mistris earn toward the top of the band.
City & demand
Local project pipeline, cost of living and the supply of workers set the going rate. Metros pay more than Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Season & site
Peak building season, urgent timelines and difficult sites push daily wages up; monsoon and slow periods soften them.
Statutory minimums
Central and state governments notify minimum wages by skill category, revised periodically. Market rates usually sit at or above these floors.
Overtime & hazri
Attendance (hazri) and overtime add to take-home pay. Transparent, agreed-upfront rates avoid disputes over majdoori.
Payment terms
Daily, weekly or piece-rate arrangements differ. Clear terms recorded digitally protect both worker and employer.
Construction wages — common questions
What is the average daily wage for a construction worker in India in 2026?
As an indicative guide, a helper (beldar) earns roughly ₹450–₹750 per day, while skilled tradespeople such as masons (raj mistri), carpenters (badhai) and tile fitters typically range from ₹700–₹1,200 per day. These are market-rate estimates that vary by city, skill and season — verify locally.
How much does a mason (raj mistri) earn per day?
A skilled mason's indicative daily wage is roughly ₹700–₹1,100, and higher in metros like Mumbai and Delhi. Rates depend on the mistri's experience, the type of work and local demand. Treat these as market-rate estimates and confirm rates in your city.
Why do construction wages vary so much between cities?
Daily wages (majdoori) track local demand, cost of living, project pipeline and the supply of skilled workers. Metros such as Mumbai, Delhi NCR and Bengaluru usually sit at the top of the band, while Tier-2 cities like Indore or Lucknow are lower. Season and site conditions also move rates.
Are these wage figures official government rates?
No. These are indicative market-rate estimates compiled from market surveys and generic Ministry of Labour reference points, meant as a guide only. Statutory minimum wages are set separately by central and state governments and are revised periodically — always check the official notification for your state and skill category.
How can workers and employers agree a fair wage?
On NirmaanSetu, the daily wage (hazri) and scope of kaam are agreed upfront before work starts, with verified profiles on both sides. Workers can see indicative rates for their trade and city, and employers get transparent, skill-matched pricing. NirmaanSetu launches in 2026.