Yes. The construction labor market is tight as of late 2026. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction unemployment stood at 3.5% in September 2026, and there were 326,000 open positions at the end of July. Firms made 366,000 hires that month but still face a workforce gap of roughly 349,000 net new workers needed for 2026. About 87% of construction firms report difficulty filling hourly craft positions, and 82% say salaried openings are hard to fill. Electricians, mechanics, HVAC technicians, concrete workers, and plumbers are the most constrained roles. Turnover is also climbing: 157,000 construction workers quit in July 2026, up sharply from 100,000 a year earlier. This combination of high demand, tight supply, and rising turnover makes recruiting and retention a real challenge across the industry right now.
