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
Apr 23, 2025
Decline in Mortgage Rates Helps to Increase New Home Sales in MarchSales of newly built, single-family homes in March increased 7.4% to a 724,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate from a revised January number, according to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. The pace of new home sales in March was up 6.0% compared to a year earlier.
Apr 22, 2025
Ford Pro Joins NAHB's Member Savings ProgramThrough this exclusive program, NAHB members can save up to $5,000 on a wide range of Ford Pro cars, trucks, vans and SUVs. Plus, the member discounts can be combined with local dealership offers.
Latest Economic News
Apr 23, 2025
New Home Sales Rise in MarchA modest decline in mortgage rates and lean existing inventory helped boost new home sales in March even as builders and consumers contend with uncertain market conditions.
Apr 22, 2025
The Power of Women in the WorkforceOver the past 125 years, women have played a crucial and multifaceted role in the labor force. Increasing women’s participation in the workforce is not only essential for individual and family well-being, but also contributes significantly to overall labor force participation rates and economic growth by adding more workers and enhancing overall productivity.
Apr 21, 2025
Who Influences the Purchasing of Building Products?In a previous post, NAHB analyzed where builders and remodelers purchased products, regardless of who ultimately purchases them (themselves or subcontractors). In this post, the question shifts to who is most often responsible for the choice of particular products.