GlobalRAWS Research Team
August 4, 2026
Construction remains an important workforce market in the United States. Housing, commercial buildings, factories, public infrastructure, energy facilities, repairs, and renovation projects all require dependable workers. Technology can improve productivity, but projects still depend on people with skilled trades and expertise.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of construction laborers and helpers to grow by 7% from 2024 to 2034. It also projects about 149,400 openings each year, mainly because of industry growth.
Construction activity also remains large in financial terms. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated total construction spending at an annual rate of about $2.21 trillion in May 2026. This activity includes private residential, private nonresidential, and public construction projects.
Construction roles employers commonly need
| General construction laborers |
| Carpenters |
| Electricians |
| Plumbers and pipefitters |
| Welders |
| Concrete workers |
| Masons |
| Painters and tilers |
| Heavy-equipment operators |
| Site helpers and material handlers |
What employers should consider when recruiting
Construction recruitment should focus on more than filling open positions.
Safety is especially important because construction workers may face falls, heavy equipment, electrical risks, machinery hazards, silica dust, and other serious exposures.
OSHA recommends identifying and controlling hazards before injuries occur rather than waiting to respond after an incident.
Skilled and general labor serve different needs
| Workforce group | Typical responsibilities |
| General laborers | Site preparation, material handling, cleanup, basic installation support, and assisting skilled trades |
| Skilled trades | Electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, welding, HVAC, finishing, and specialized installation |
| Equipment operators | Excavation, lifting, grading, loading, and moving construction materials |
| Site-support workers | Inventory support, traffic control, tool organization, documentation, and crew coordination |
Training can strengthen the labor supply
Apprenticeships can help employers develop workers for skilled construction careers. Registered apprenticeships combine paid work experience with classroom instruction, allowing workers to learn practical skills while earning wages. They can also help employers recruit, train, and retain a more dependable workforce.
Employers often need workers quickly because construction schedules are closely connected. A shortage in one crew can delay other trades, increase subcontractor pressure, and affect completion dates. Early workforce planning can therefore reduce project disruption and improve labor availability.
References
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Construction Laborers and Helpers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/construction-laborers-and-helpers.htm
U.S. Census Bureau — Monthly Construction Spending, May 2026
https://www.census.gov/construction/c30/current/index.html
Occupational Safety and Health Administration — Construction Industry Safety
https://www.osha.gov/construction
U.S. Department of Labor — Apprenticeship
https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/training/apprenticeship
