The job market for construction workers in the United States

There are currently an estimated 1,216,700 construction workers in the United States. The construction worker job market is expected to grow by 12.4% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are construction workers?

CareerExplorer rates construction workers with an A- employability rating, meaning this career should provide great employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 157,000 construction workers. That number is based on 150,400 additional construction workers, and the retirement of 6,600 existing construction workers.

Are construction workers in demand?

The positive job outlook for construction workers will be driven by general population growth and related new construction, deteriorating infrastructure, and aging buildings. Demand for these laborers mirrors the level of overall construction activity, largely due to the wide variety of tasks they perform. Replacement of many industrial plants has been delayed for years and will eventually have to be undertaken, resulting in the need for more construction workers. Additional medical treatment facilities will have to be built to accommodate a growing elderly population. Full-time employment in the industry, however, may be tempered, as employers use the services of construction staffing services and rely on day laborers instead of permanent on-staff employees. The introduction of new machinery and equipment that improve productivity and quality may automate some jobs in the field and adversely affect job growth. Laborers who have specialized skills or who are able to relocate should have the best prospects. This should be especially true for those with experience in road construction. Those with limited skills will face strong competition, due to a normally plentiful supply of these workers who are willing to work as day laborers. As is typical in the construction industry, job prospects in the field are susceptible to fluctuations of the economy.

What’s the supply of construction workers?

The construction worker industry is concentrated in Texas, California, Florida

Construction Worker job market by state