The construction industry needs to attract an estimated 349,000 net new workers in 2026 to meet demand for construction services, according to a proprietary model developed by Associated Builders and Contractors. In 2027, the industry will need to bring in 456,000 new workers to meet demand as construction spending growth is poised to resume for the first time in years.

The construction industry lost 11,000 jobs on net in December, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment grew by 14,000 jobs, an increase of 0.2%.

As we begin the new year, we are ready to start a new chapter. But at the same time, we need to remain informed and maintain focus on ongoing challenges. Among the most recent are that President Biden’s project labor agreement (PLA) mandate is still in place at the federal level and Gov. Healey has issued an executive order directing state agencies to consider PLAs, rigid state construction ratios impede hiring, and signs point to a slowing economy.  In uncertain times like these, it’s more important than ever to be part of a strong community that understands and is unified in supporting you.

The construction industry added 19,000 jobs on net in September, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has grown by 38,000 jobs, an increase of 0.5%.

Construction input prices increased 0.2% in September compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data. Nonresidential construction input prices also increased 0.2% for the month.

Construction projects often involve work performed by subcontractors. While this makes sense given the varying expertise and equipment required, it can create some difficult issues from an insurance perspective if things go awry.

National nonresidential construction spending decreased 0.2% in August, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis U.S. Census Bureau data. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.24 trillion.

Economic cycles come and go, but the long-term outlook is clear: we need to continue to expose and recruit more people into the trades. The Gould Construction Institute hosted “Trade or Treat” on October 30th at its new Billerica facility.  The event was another creative opportunity to open minds via an open house that provided high school students with an opportunity to understand the career paths available in Electrical, Carpentry, HVAC and more – all while taking part in construction-oriented quizzes, demonstrations, raffles, and giveaways, and enjoying a bit of candy!  Attendees got to meet instructors and trade professionals while touring the facility and discovering how a career in trades can be both rewarding and fun.

Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.4 months in October, according to an ABC member survey conducted Oct. 20 to Nov. 4. The reading is down 0.1 months since September but unchanged from October 2024.

A purpose-built back-office platform, Trayd is engineered from the ground up for the realities of the trades, including multi-state tax rules, prevailing wage requirements, complex pay rates, certified payroll, and union agreements.