The US construction industry faces a chronic labor shortage, with an estimated 439,000 additional workers needed in 2025 to meet demand; this number is expected to climb to nearly 500,000 in 2026 as economic conditions improve and new projects ramp up. The sector shrank in 2024, largely due to this chronic workforce shortage, which is now actively factored into planning, pricing, and delivery models. With over 80% of contractors struggling to hire qualified workers and a limited pipeline of younger skilled workers to replace retiring baby boomers, contractors must move beyond traditional hiring methods and embrace new strategies for attracting and retaining talent to succeed in this competitive market.
Our guide addresses the key dynamics of this market:
- an industry in transition: While certain sectors have seen demand cool, others are booming, particularly in infrastructure, manufacturing, and data centers. The guide helps you understand where the growth is and what skills are most in-demand.
- the power of technology: The labor shortage is forcing contractors to look for faster, more resource-efficient methods. The guide explores the growing uptake of AI, robotics, and virtual design tools to enhance productivity and de-risk projects.
prepare to uncover
- how to attract top talent in a competitive labor market
- how will the current compensation trends shape your hiring strategy?
- what impact do local salary trends have on today’s construction workers?
Our 2026 construction salary guide is the essential resource for navigating these challenges, providing the data and strategies you need to build a high-performing and resilient workforce.
what you'll uncover in our 2026 construction salary guide
Our comprehensive guide compiles data from a wide range of construction specialties to give you a detailed view of the evolving US market. Inside, you will find:
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in-demand job market data
Get a granular look at national and regional salary averages for the most sought-after roles, including:
- civil project engineer
- electrical engineer
- estimator
- field service manager
- operations manager
- project engineer
- safety inspector
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analysis and trends for the year ahead
Beyond the numbers, our guide provides strategic insights into the factors that will drive hiring and retention in 2026.
- The AI and BIM revolution: "Construction AI" searches have surged by 5900% in the last five years. The guide explores how AI and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are leading to a reduction in project timelines by an average of 20% and cutting costs by 15%. We provide insights on how to leverage these tools to drive efficiency and attract tech-savvy talent.
- Prefabrication and modular construction: The guide explores why demand for prefabricated systems is rising as a means of de-risking site work and controlling costs. It provides insights into how these methods are helping contractors manage skills shortages and keep projects on schedule.
- Sustainability as a strategic priority: The guide explores how the pressure to deliver greener buildings is not going away. With clear momentum toward sustainable materials and practices, the guide helps you understand how to attract professionals with the skills to deliver eco-friendly projects.
Our guide features contributions from industry experts, offering a comprehensive view of the current and future landscape of construction compensation in the US. By understanding these trends, you can build a resilient team and secure your talent pipeline for the years to come.
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