---
title: "Is There Really a Shortage of Construction Workers Right Now?"
description: "Yes. The construction industry is facing a significant labor shortage. As of mid-2026, BLS data showed approximately 326,000 open construction positions…"
url: https://amundsongroup.com/faq/is-there-really-a-shortage-of-construction-workers-right-now/
published: 2026-10-19
modified: 2026-10-25
publisher: Amundson Group
markdown_of: https://amundsongroup.com/faq/is-there-really-a-shortage-of-construction-workers-right-now/
---

# Is There Really a Shortage of Construction Workers Right Now?

Yes. The construction industry is facing a significant labor shortage. As of mid-2026, BLS data showed approximately 326,000 open construction positions, with the industry needing roughly 349,000 net new workers to meet demand this year. Construction unemployment stood at 3.1% in August 2026, one of the tightest labor markets on record. About 87% of construction firms reported open positions for hourly craft workers, and 42% said labor shortages had delayed projects. The shortage is acute in skilled trades and mission-critical roles like heavy civil, site development, and data center construction. This tight market is driving pay up: BLS reported construction production workers earned an average of $39.36 per hour in August, up 5.0% year over year. Job-switchers saw even steeper gains, with 12.9% year-over-year pay growth. At Amundson Group, we see this shortage firsthand across our network of 90,000+ construction professionals and 250+ companies we serve nationwide. If you're looking to hire or advance your career in construction, now is the time to move.

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About Amundson Group: a Houston-headquartered construction recruiting firm placing superintendents, project managers, estimators, foremen and skilled trades with contractors across the United States in heavy civil, site development, paving, data center, rail, tunnels, wastewater and underground utilities. 1,200+ construction placements to date, a network of 90,000+ construction professionals, 250+ companies served, the first qualified resume in about 7 hours and a shortlist in 7 days. Veteran owned, founded in January 2020 by Alex Mowbray, Inc. 5000 honoree in 2024 and 2025, SIA Best Staffing Firms to Work For 2023 and 2024, rated 4.9 on Google. 1336 Brittmoore Rd, Houston, TX 77043. (832) 558-7982. https://amundsongroup.com

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