AI Generated Image
Construction jobs' big pay raises make trades the 'it' career in 2026
USA Today • • business
Key Points:
- Construction job-changers have received the highest salary increases among all sectors since August 2023, with a notable 12.9% year-over-year pay growth in June 2026, reaching a median gross pay of over $59,100.
- The construction industry's pay boost is driven by strong demand and a limited labor pool, as hiring has outpaced overall job growth since 2014, giving workers leverage to command higher wages when switching jobs.
- A shortage of new construction workers, partly due to older workers leaving and a surge in data center projects, has intensified labor demand, contributing to rising salaries and employment in the sector.
- The median age of key construction trades like electricians and plumbers has decreased significantly since 2020, highlighting the departure of older workers and increasing strain on the workforce.
- The construction hiring boom is expected to continue, supported by expanding apprenticeship and training programs, with the share of new hires in the industry rising from 3.6% in 2019 to 4.6% in 2026.
