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.
