Yes. The U.S. construction labor market is candidate-constrained in 2026. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction employment stands at 8.364 million, with job openings at 326,000 as of July 2026. The industry needs an estimated 349,000 net new workers to meet demand. According to AGC data, 87% of construction firms report open craft positions and 82% report open salaried roles. The hardest trades to fill are electricians, mechanics, HVAC technicians, concrete workers, and plumbers. Project delays are real: 42% of firms say labor shortages have already pushed timelines. Retention is also tight. In July 2026, 157,000 construction workers quit, nearly 60% higher than July 2025. This tightness spans heavy civil, site development, data centers, rail, tunnels, and wastewater sectors. If you're hiring or looking to move, now is a candidate-favorable market. Amundson Group has placed 1,200+ construction professionals and serves 250+ companies nationwide. We can help fill roles fast: our average time from job intake to first qualified resume is 7 hours.
