New HBI Report Shows an Increase in Demand for Construction Labor
Additional skilled construction workers will be needed to reduce the nation's housing deficit during the second part of this decade, a shortfall NAHB estimates to total 1.5 million homes. The latest Construction Labor Market Report from the Home Builders Institute (HBI) provides an overview of the current state of the nation’s construction labor market.
Key findings in the report include:
- There are currently 8.2 million payroll construction workers.
- The estimated, required amount of construction worker hiring is approximately 723,000 per year, according to NAHB analysis of BLS data and projections.
- The number of open construction sector jobs was above 400,000 at the start of the year. The count fell in March.
- Average hourly wages in the overall construction industry have increased 5% over the last year, with average wage levels exceeding national private sector averages.
- Women make up a growing share of the construction employment, reaching 10.9% in 2022. This is a noticeable increase from 9.1% in 2017 and just below the record high share of 11% recorded in 2021.
NAHB Chief Economist Dr. Robert Dietz and HBI CEO Ed Brady discuss the report’s key findings, trends and possible solutions for the labor shortage in an HBI Podcast. To learn more about the residential construction labor market, view the report.
Latest from NAHBNow
Membership | IBS | Advocacy
Sep 23, 2026
Chairman's Update: Top Events for Housing
2026 NAHB Chairman Bill Owens provides updates on key events for the residential construction industry, including why members should get out to vote this November and why now is a great time to register for the International Builders' Show.
Legal | Association Management
Sep 22, 2026
Indiana Supreme Court to Decide If an Association Can Sue on Behalf of Its Members
The legal doctrine of "associational standing" continues to face scrutiny across the country, and the latest challenge is now before the Indiana Supreme Court.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Sep 21, 2026
Wood Framing Continues to Dominate Single-Family Construction
Wood framing continues to dominate the U.S. single-family home construction market, according to NAHB analysis of 2025 Census Bureau data. In 2025, wood framing accounted for 94% of all completed single-family homes, maintaining its position as the leading construction method.
Economics
Sep 18, 2026
State-Level Employment Situation: August 2026
State labor markets showed mixed results in August, with nonfarm payroll employment increasing in a majority of states. At the same time, construction employment posted a net gain nationally, although employment trends varied across states. The unemployment rate also remained relatively low in several states, while D.C. continued to record the nation’s highest rate.
Economics
Sep 17, 2026
Single-Family Starts Rebound but Market Challenges Persist
Single-family housing starts rebounded in August, but production remains down 4.7% year to date as builders contend with rising construction costs, lot and labor shortages, and economic uncertainty.