Like most others, the construction industry is facing a labor shortage. The number of qualified candidates in construction has failed to meet the demand for talent. In 2022, 91% of contractors struggled to fill positions and experts say the labor crisis isn’t going to let up any time soon. Currently, there are over 25% more construction opportunities than qualified people to fill them.  

A lack of workers in any position can slow a project and some of the toughest positions to fill are some of the most vital. Between 79% and 89% of contractors had difficulty filling open positions for carpenters, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, and project managers despite a growing need for relevant experience throughout 2022. 

1. For Mechanics and Millwrights, 87% of contractors have trouble staffing. 
2. For Carpenters, 85% of contractors have trouble staffing. 
3. For Plumbers, 82% of contractors have trouble staffing. 
4. For Construction Managers, 81% of contractors have trouble staffing. 
5. For Electricians, 79% of contractors have trouble staffing.  

The construction sector is confronting one of its largest labor shortages on record. Construction Dive reports that of all hourly open positions, pipelaying jobs were the most difficult to staff, and among salaried positions, managers and estimating personnel were largely absent in 2022. And as the experienced workforce ages out, the industry will face a crisis with trying to find, recruit, train, and retain workers.  

With several industries facing worker shortages, construction companies will have to work even harder to recruit workers to not only their company but the industry as a whole. Benefits of jobs in the construction industry include the ability to earn money from day one through paid on-the-job training, variety of available positions at every skill level, and free from thousands of dollars in student loan debt typically associated with a 4-year degree. Hiring Managers and recruiters should promote company culture and benefits to show potential candidates that construction is a growing, viable industry.