Job Shortage or Applicant Surplus?
Every state is below 10%
September construction unemployment was 3.5% nationally, and all but three states were under 6%. Maryland hit a record-low 1.7%. ABC says data centres are absorbing a big share of skilled labour.
Read the full story →But hiring depends on the metro
Half of 360 metros added construction jobs in the year to September. Houston, Baton Rouge, St. Louis and Columbus led, while Atlanta lost the most. AGC ties the gains to data centre, power and factory work.
Read the full story →Pay Watch
Construction pay growth cools to 3.0%
The BLS Employment Cost Index shows construction wages up 3.0% over the year, from 4.1% a year ago. Trades occupations are still at 3.8% and union pay at 4.3%.
Read the full story →What’s Working in TA
Hire by map, not just by title
Before opening a site role, check whether the metro is gaining or losing construction jobs. It tells you whether to expect a shortlist or a search.
Re-recruit your own superintendents
In a market this tight, a stay conversation costs less than a replacement. Ask your best site leaders what would make them leave, before someone else does.
Lead with the number
Put the pay range, per diem and overtime in the first conversation. Trades candidates compare total package, and vague offers lose to clear ones.
QP’s Take
The jobs are there. The people are taken.
- Low unemployment means the people you want are already employed. For site leaders and skilled trades, expect to approach rather than advertise.
- Data centre and power builders are now the competitor for talent in many metros, whatever sector you sit in.
- For 2027 plans: For 2027 plans, put your pay budget where the scarcity is (trades, supervisors, mission-critical experience) and line up key hires before projects are awarded.
Questions about hiring in your team?
QP’s Talent Network shares what we’re seeing across hundreds of searches a year. Drop us a line.