94% of US contractors struggling to find workers

Construction workers leaving a site at dusk (Image: AI generated image by Nelson via AdobeStock - stock.adobe.com)

AGC officials noted that nearly one-in-three contractors (28%) reported having at least 11 unfilled craft positions as of June 30.

This shortage of workers is having a direct impact on contractors’ ability to build projects, according to the survey, with 54% of respondents experiencing project delays because of workforce shortages. Labour shortages are more likely to be the cause of project delays than other causes, like supply chain challenges and shipping delays, the survey found.

To try and overcome these shortages 91% of firms reported that they increased base pay rates for hourly construction positions during the past year. Over half of those surveyed (57%) said they have added online strategies to try to recruit younger workers while 51% have engaged with career-building programs like high schools or training facilities.

“The most likely path to addressing construction workforce shortages is for the federal government to adopt better workforce policies,” said Jeff Shoaf, the association’s chief executive officer. “Federal officials need to support, instead of undermine, our national infrastructure and economic development policies.”