News & Insights

Elite European Remuneration Report: A Snapshot of Europe’s Heavy Equipment Sector

Aug 8, 2025

As we progress through 2025, the European heavy equipment, powered access, and crane sectors are navigating a crucial shift - not just in salary expectations, but in what truly matters to candidates.

Our 2025 Remuneration Report Europe dives deep into the compensation landscape, backed by insights from over 600 industry professionals across the continent. Here’s a snapshot of what the industry needs to know, and how businesses can stay ahead in an evolving talent market.

Pay growth has slowed and so have aspirations

Average salary increases dropped to 4%, down from 9% in 2024.

This gap between pay and cost of living has forced candidates to re-evaluate what they value most in their careers. Job seekers are now more likely to accept roles with marginally lower salaries if the position offers other benefits such as flexibility, strong company culture, or greater job security. The era of chasing pay cheques is fading. Today, candidates are looking for long-term alignment, not just short-term gains.

Engineers want overtime, leaders want loyalty

Function-specific data in the report reveals a sharp contrast in motivations across job types. Engineers, service professionals, and technical staff are increasingly valuing overtime opportunities, with 72% of them highlighting this as a critical consideration when weighing new roles. With pay increases lagging behind inflation, the option to increase earnings through overtime is often seen as essential, not optional.

Meanwhile, senior professionals, from Operations Managers to Managing Directors, are shifting their focus towards values, leadership, and long-term business stability.

Transparency is no longer optional

With more women entering the sector (up by 2%, now 7% total), and a measurable 3% gender pay gap in operational roles, businesses must continue building inclusive hiring practices and ensure transparent, equitable pay structures.

Flexibility is now a dealbreaker, even in field-based roles

Despite the hands-on, site-based nature of many roles in this sector, 53% of respondents now say that hybrid working is a core requirement when considering a new position. Candidates are no longer willing to accept rigid structures if they can find flexibility elsewhere.

Companies who offer adjusted hours, location-based shifts, or remote-friendly admin duties are setting themselves apart in a competitive market. Even a partial shift toward flexible work is proving to be a huge asset in both attracting and retaining top-tier talent.

Benefits are driving candidate decisions, not just salary

If you think offering a pension scheme and annual bonus is enough, think again. The most in-demand benefits in 2025 reflect how candidate priorities have evolved post-pandemic:

62% of respondents named car or van allowance as their top financial benefit, especially for mobile roles.
50% now prioritise mental health support, with a strong interest in employee assistance programmes and counselling access.
Hybrid working, flexible hours, and meaningful support for work-life balance were repeatedly cited as deal-makers.

Candidates are demanding more from their employers, not just financially, but personally and professionally. Businesses that fail to update their Employee Value Proposition (EVP) risk losing talent to those who offer a more holistic, human-centric package.

What does this mean for employers?

The heavy equipment sector in Europe is no longer driven by pay alone. Instead, we’re seeing a fundamental shift towards values-driven employment. Flexibility, purpose, wellbeing, and inclusivity have taken centre stage, and employers that align with these priorities will win the battle for talent.

At Elite Consultancy Network, we work with companies who want more than just CVs. We help you identify and attract individuals who are aligned with your culture, committed to your mission, and ready to grow with your business.

Download the full report

The insights above are just the beginning. If you’re serious about remaining competitive in the heavy equipment, powered access, and crane markets, you need the full picture.

Download the Full Report Here to access: