The construction industry in the U.S. is facing a severe labor shortage, with some states struggling more than others. By 2025, the industry will require an additional 439,000–500,000 workers to meet growing demand. Key factors include an aging workforce, lack of young workers entering the field, and increasing demand driven by population growth and federal infrastructure projects. Skilled trades like electricians, plumbers, and heavy equipment operators are in particularly short supply, leading to project delays and rising costs.
Top 10 States with the Largest Shortages:
- Wyoming: Highest job vacancy rates due to rural locations and energy projects.
- Utah: Rapid population growth fuels demand for housing and infrastructure.
- Idaho: Urbanization and limited training programs create gaps in skilled labor.
- Montana: Energy and infrastructure projects face delays from workforce shortages.
- Louisiana: Industrial and energy sectors struggle with unfilled positions.
- North Dakota: Oil and gas growth outpaces available workers.
- Arizona: Booming housing demand in Phoenix worsens labor gaps.
- Nevada: Las Vegas development and infrastructure strain the workforce.
- New Mexico: Federal projects and energy demands exceed labor supply.
- Colorado: Population growth and housing needs drive shortages.
Key Trends Across States:
- Aging Workforce: Over 20% of construction workers are 55+ and nearing retirement.
- Youth Disinterest: Fewer than 3% of young people pursue construction careers.
- Wage Inflation: Pay for skilled workers has risen 20–30% to attract talent.
- Project Delays: Over 70% of projects face slowdowns due to labor shortages.
Solutions in Progress:
- Higher wages to attract skilled workers.
- Training programs to build a new workforce pipeline.
- Technology platforms like ABLEMKR to connect contractors with pre-vetted workers.
The labor shortage is a nationwide issue, but these 10 states are at the forefront, impacting project timelines, costs, and housing availability.
Construction worker shortage delaying projects, driving up costs, experts say
1. Wyoming
Wyoming is dealing with a big problem. There are a lot of open jobs in building work – about 6.8% of these jobs are open, more than the U.S. average of 4.2%. If you have 100 jobs, almost 7 do not have someone working them.
Open Jobs in Construction
About 18% of building jobs in Wyoming are empty. That is one of the biggest rates in the country. Jobs can stay open for a long time. Because so many jobs are open, work gets pushed back, more so on jobs in far-off places.
Think about this: A pipe job near Casper had to wait six months because there were not enough workers with the right skills. They needed people who could join pipes and worked with pipes well. Since they could not find these people nearby, they had to get workers from other places. This cost more money and took more time for the job to be done.
Why Are So Many Jobs Open?
There are a few reasons why Wyoming has this hard time. The state is far from other cities, and a lot of job sites are far from where people live. Long drives and few places to live make it hard for workers. Plus, Wyoming does not have many people. There are not enough local people to fill all these special jobs.
Also, the people who work on these jobs are getting old. Over 1 in 5 building workers here are 55 or older, close to retiring. Some only stay during a season. There are not enough classes to teach new people, so not many young workers come in.
Who Is Feeling It Most?
Jobs that need high skills are hardest hit. This means work for oil, gas, pipe, digging, and big buildings. These jobs pay more now – 12% more than last year. Some jobs saw pay jump up to 20%. More pay can get people to try the work, but it also makes jobs cost more, which can be a problem for those who have to pay for these big projects.
One group, ABLEMKR, is helping in a new way. They have a place online that helps bosses in Wyoming find workers with the right papers and skills fast, even for work in hard-to-reach places.
Now, let’s see how Utah deals with its own job problems. This will help us learn about the bigger picture in the area.
2. Utah
Utah has one of the biggest shortages of workers in building jobs in the country. It comes second on the list. The rate of open jobs in building here is near 7.5%, way above the country’s rate of 5.8%. About 12% of jobs in building are not filled – up from 9% last year and 7% the year before. More jobs need people, but not enough workers means work stops or costs go up.
How Many Building Jobs Are Open?
More people move to Utah fast, which means more homes, stores, and roads need to be built. But many of the workers have gotten older – more than 20 out of each 100 workers are over 55. It hurts hiring because open jobs are not where most workers live. This makes it hard for bosses to hire and means they must pay more or give up on some jobs.
Why Is There a Shortage?
Utah’s growth is pushing for more homes and new places to work, but worker numbers aren’t growing enough. Not helping, less than 3 out of each 100 young people think about working in building. Young folks do not want these jobs, so finding new workers is tough.
Which Jobs Are Hurt Most?
The shortage is seen in many kinds of building jobs. Big jobs, like roads, factories, and places for computers, all need skilled people, but there are not enough. Building homes – both single and many-family places – as well as work on roads and water pipes, are also hit. Since many bosses want the same few workers, wages go up fast, and paying workers costs more. Bosses now try hard to find good help.
To fix this, ABLEMKR helps. They match Utah bosses with workers who fit, know the job, and can start soon. This makes hiring less of a problem.
These job issues in Utah point to other problems Idaho will face soon.
3. Idaho
Idaho comes right after Wyoming and Utah. It has a job openings rate of 6.2%, much higher than the national rate of 5.1%.
Open Jobs as a Part of All Jobs
In Idaho, close to 18% of jobs in building do not have a person to fill them. That is a lot more than nearby states like Oregon and Washington, where open spots are only 12-14%. With so many jobs left empty, work on big building jobs gets pushed back by 4-6 weeks. These hold-ups show there is a big need to find better, fast ways to put workers where they are needed.
Main Reasons for Not Enough Workers
Many things have made it hard for Idaho to find enough help. Lots of new people are moving in, so there are more homes and other things to build. Also, the people who work in building in Idaho are getting old – over 20% are age 55 or older and close to stopping work soon. This means there are not as many skilled people as before. On top of that, since Idaho has lots of small towns spread far apart, it is hard for most people to get to places where they can learn new skills for these jobs.
More new jobs keep showing up in building in Idaho, with 18% more open jobs than a year ago. But the number of new people learning the trades and coming in has only grown by 3%. There is still a big need for more hands.
According to ABC’s chief economist, Idaho faces a "structural and persistent" labor shortage with far-reaching effects on project timelines and costs.
Areas Where Work Is Feeling the Heat
Not enough workers is making it tough for many types of jobs. Home building, fixing roads or bridges, and big places where things get made all feel the lack of hands.
A home builder in Boise saw that money spent on workers went up by 30%. The number of jobs the company could do fell by 25% this year because there were not enough people to work. Some job sites even said no to jobs. They just don’t have enough hands to get the work done.
This is worse for jobs that need special skills, like wiring, pipes, or running large machines. Some Idaho companies now use tools like ABLEMKR, a website that links bosses and workers with the right papers, skills, and safety checks close to where they live.
Idaho is not alone in this. States next door, like Montana, also face these same work problems. We’ll talk about them soon.
4. Montana
Montana ranks fourth among states grappling with severe construction labor shortages. Like its neighbors, the state faces a mix of challenges that delay projects and drive up costs. These issues go beyond the national trend of widespread shortages in both direct labor and subcontractors.
Job Openings Rate in Construction
Montana’s rural nature and ongoing infrastructure needs contribute to a construction job openings rate that surpasses the national average. This translates into a significant gap in the availability of skilled workers, leaving many positions unfilled.
Unfilled Positions as a Percentage of Workforce
Over half of Montana’s construction firms report serious labor shortages, mirroring national patterns. The impact? Delayed projects, higher costs, and contractors turning down new work because they simply don’t have the manpower to meet demand.
Primary Factors Driving the Shortage
Several factors are fueling Montana’s labor shortage. More than 20% of the state’s construction workforce is aged 55 or older, creating a looming retirement wave that younger workers show little interest in filling. The state’s rural geography also makes it tough to match labor supply with demand. Add to that the challenges of Montana’s seasonal weather, which disrupts year-round construction. Other industries offering better pay or conditions further draw potential workers away from construction roles.
Major Construction Sectors Impacted
The labor shortage is hitting key sectors hard:
- Residential Housing: Affordable housing projects are delayed due to a lack of framers and plumbers.
- Infrastructure: Road and bridge repairs face extended timelines as shortages of heavy equipment operators slow progress, impacting both maintenance and local economic development.
- Energy Projects: Pipeline work, utility construction, and other energy infrastructure projects face stiff competition for specialized workers like electricians and heavy equipment operators.
Skilled trades such as electricians, masons, and heavy equipment operators are particularly scarce. For smaller firms, this often means rejecting new contracts because they can’t find the workers they need. These challenges reflect broader labor shortages across the region.
To tackle these issues, many Montana construction firms are turning to technology platforms like ABLEMKR. These tools help streamline hiring by connecting projects with pre-vetted workers who have the necessary certifications and safety training, even in remote or high-risk areas.
In response to the shortage, contractors are offering 20–30% higher wages to skilled tradespeople. While this helps attract workers, it also drives up costs and tightens profit margins.
5. Louisiana
Louisiana is grappling with a labor shortage driven by the high demand for energy and industrial projects, compounded by ongoing workforce challenges. These factors place the state among those facing the most severe labor gaps.
Job Openings Rate in Construction
Louisiana’s focus on energy and industrial projects means the state likely surpasses the national average of 383,900 monthly construction job openings. This abundance of opportunities has led to a surplus of unfilled positions, creating delays in operations and project timelines across the state.
Unfilled Positions as a Percentage of Workforce
Nationwide, about 80–90% of contractors report difficulties in finding qualified workers for open roles. This issue is mirrored in Louisiana, where many positions remain vacant, leading to project delays and, in some cases, forcing contractors to turn down new work.
Key Drivers of the Shortage
Several factors amplify the labor shortage in Louisiana. Over 20% of the workforce in the energy sector is aged 55 or older, which intensifies the challenge as these roles are physically demanding and require experience. The high demand for workers on industrial projects and the geographic mismatch between job locations and available labor further stretch the workforce. Additionally, the seasonal nature of some construction roles limits the pool of available workers.
Sectors Hit the Hardest
The labor shortage is most pronounced in areas critical to Louisiana’s economy. Heavy infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and levees, are facing significant delays due to a lack of specialized tradespeople. The energy sector, which includes oil and gas facilities, petrochemical plants, and pipeline projects, is also under strain, as these jobs require advanced skills and certifications. Similarly, large-scale commercial and industrial projects are struggling to assemble skilled teams, leading to setbacks in project completion.
Industry Solutions and Rising Costs
To address the labor gap, contractors are turning to platforms like ABLEMKR, which help them quickly find pre-vetted skilled workers. However, the fierce competition for talent is driving up wages and increasing overall project costs. This illustrates how companies are adapting to labor shortages while managing the financial pressures they create.
6. North Dakota
North Dakota is grappling with one of the most severe construction labor shortages in the country, fueled by rapid energy sector growth and increased federal infrastructure funding. The state’s booming oil and gas industry has created a surge in demand for skilled construction workers, far outpacing the available supply.
Job Openings Rate in Construction
Job opening rates in North Dakota’s construction sector consistently exceed the national average. National projections estimate the need for 439,000 to 454,000 new construction workers by 2025. Within the state, pipeline and oil field projects are creating high-paying positions that often go unfilled.
In February 2024, 52% of builders reported labor shortages for their direct workforce, while 51% reported shortages among subcontractors. These figures highlight the chronic vacancy rates that persist throughout the year, leaving many critical roles unoccupied.
Unfilled Positions as a Percentage of Workforce
Roughly 50–60% of construction jobs in North Dakota remain vacant at any given time. The shortage is particularly pronounced in specialized trades such as electricians, heavy equipment operators, and welders.
Key Factors Behind the Shortage
Several issues contribute to North Dakota’s construction labor shortage. One major factor is an aging workforce, with over 20% of construction workers aged 55 or older and nearing retirement. Compounding this is the fact that fewer than 3% of young people are considering careers in construction, deepening the generational gap.
The state’s energy boom has also intensified competition for skilled workers. High-paying jobs in oil and gas extraction often lure experienced workers away from traditional construction roles. At the same time, federal infrastructure projects and private developments have surged, further straining the already limited labor pool. Remote project locations present an additional hurdle, as many workers are hesitant to relocate to these areas. Moreover, the specialized nature of many projects – requiring advanced training and certifications – further narrows the pool of eligible candidates.
Major Construction Sectors Affected
Energy infrastructure projects, such as oil and gas facilities, pipelines, and related industrial construction, are among the hardest hit by the labor shortage. Contractors have had to offer 20–30% higher wages to attract skilled tradespeople like welders, electricians, and masons, especially when facing tight deadlines.
Heavy civil and transportation projects are also feeling the strain. Highway repairs have been delayed due to a lack of heavy equipment operators, and bridge construction projects struggle to assemble qualified crews.
The residential and commercial building sectors in North Dakota’s expanding urban areas are experiencing similar setbacks. Housing developments face delays due to shortages in framing and plumbing crews, while commercial projects are slowed by the limited availability of electricians and other specialized tradespeople. Some construction firms have even been forced to decline new projects because their existing workforce is already stretched too thin.
Rising labor costs are further squeezing profit margins, making some projects financially unviable for smaller firms. In response to these challenges, many North Dakota construction companies are turning to platforms like ABLEMKR to connect with pre-vetted workers and fill job site vacancies more efficiently.
7. Arizona
Arizona is grappling with one of the most intense construction labor shortages in the country. The combination of rapid population growth and urban development, particularly in and around Phoenix, has created a booming demand for skilled workers – one that the local labor market is struggling to meet.
Job Openings Rate in Construction
Nationally, the construction job openings rate typically sits between 5% and 6%. In Arizona, however, this figure climbs to an estimated 6%–7%, highlighting the significant hiring difficulties faced by contractors in the state.
Unfilled Positions as a Percentage of Workforce
More than half of all construction positions in Arizona remain unfilled, whether for direct employees or subcontractors. This labor gap leads to project delays, increased costs, and a reduced capacity for contractors to take on new projects.
Primary Factors Driving the Shortage
Several factors contribute to Arizona’s labor shortage. The rapid pace of population growth and urbanization, especially in the Phoenix metro area, has fueled a constant demand for new housing and infrastructure. Compounding the issue, the construction workforce is aging, and fewer young workers are entering the field. Competition from other industries and a lack of robust vocational training and apprenticeship programs further limit the supply of skilled workers.
Major Construction Sectors Impacted
Residential construction has been hit hard, with delays stretching for months due to shortages in trades like framing and plumbing. Infrastructure, commercial, and industrial projects are also feeling the strain. To secure skilled workers such as electricians, welders, and heavy equipment operators, contractors are paying 20%–30% higher wages, which is putting significant pressure on profit margins.
To address these challenges, many Arizona contractors are turning to tools like ABLEMKR, which helps them quickly connect with pre-vetted, certified workers. While Arizona faces serious hurdles, it is also embracing technology to ease the strain. Next, we’ll look at how Nevada is handling its own construction labor challenges.
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8. Nevada
Nevada’s construction industry is grappling with a serious labor shortage, fueled by rapid population growth, large-scale infrastructure projects, and an aging workforce heading into retirement.
Job Openings Rate in Construction
The construction sector in Nevada has a job openings rate that far exceeds the national average. The booming development in and around Las Vegas, coupled with substantial investments in housing and commercial projects, has created a significant gap between the number of available jobs and the pool of qualified workers. Contractors are finding it increasingly difficult to fill both skilled and entry-level positions, as demand continues to outstrip supply.
Unfilled Positions as a Percentage of Workforce
Around 50%–60% of construction companies in Nevada report difficulties in filling open roles. This results in a high percentage of unfilled positions across the workforce. The consequences are far-reaching: delayed projects, rising labor costs, and contractors being forced to turn down new contracts. For instance, housing developments and road repair projects have seen extended timelines due to shortages in skilled trades like electricians and heavy equipment operators. Nevada’s labor gap reflects a growing challenge that is mirrored across the country, highlighting the need for creative hiring strategies.
Primary Factors Driving the Shortage
Several overlapping factors contribute to Nevada’s labor shortfall in construction. The state’s rapid population growth has fueled a surge in demand for housing, infrastructure, and entertainment projects, intensifying the need for skilled workers. At the same time, a retiring workforce is leaving vacancies that aren’t being filled quickly enough by younger talent. Limited access to vocational training and stiff competition from other industries only add to the problem. On top of that, federal infrastructure investments have further increased the demand for workers, straining an already tight labor market.
Major Construction Sectors Impacted
The labor shortage is hitting residential housing, commercial real estate, and transportation infrastructure particularly hard. In the Las Vegas metro area, resort expansions and housing developments have been delayed, with some projects pushed back by months due to a lack of skilled tradespeople like framers and plumbers. Similarly, highway repair projects are facing setbacks because of a shortage of heavy equipment operators.
The hospitality and entertainment industries, which are vital to Nevada’s economy, are also feeling the crunch. Roles requiring specialized skills – such as electricians, plumbers, and heavy equipment operators – are especially hard to fill. To attract talent, contractors are offering higher wages, but this has, in some cases, made certain projects financially unviable.
To tackle these challenges, many contractors in Nevada are adopting technology-driven solutions like ABLEMKR. This platform connects pre-vetted workers to job sites based on their certifications and real-time availability, helping to quickly assemble crews while ensuring safety standards are met. Tools like these are becoming essential in managing the fast-paced demands of Nevada’s construction sector.
As these labor challenges continue, Nevada’s situation provides a glimpse into the labor struggles that neighboring states may soon face. Up next, we take a closer look at how New Mexico is addressing similar issues.
9. New Mexico
New Mexico is grappling with a serious construction labor shortage, which is slowing down energy and infrastructure projects across the state. This shortage impacts both skilled tradespeople and general construction workers, leading to project delays and increased costs.
Job Openings Rate in Construction
New Mexico ranks among the top states with the highest job openings in construction. In 2023, the national construction industry averaged around 383,900 monthly job openings, but states in the Mountain West, including New Mexico, have far higher rates. The surge in energy and infrastructure projects, fueled by federal investments in roads, bridges, and utilities, has pushed job openings in New Mexico well above the national average.
Unfilled Positions as a Percentage of Workforce
The labor gap in New Mexico is stark. Nationwide, about 52% of builders report shortages of directly employed workers, and 51% face similar issues with subcontractors. In New Mexico, these figures are likely even higher, given its ranking as one of the most affected states. This shortage has led to longer project timelines, higher costs, and, in some cases, contractors declining projects due to a lack of available workers.
Primary Factors Driving the Shortage
Several issues contribute to New Mexico’s labor crisis:
- Aging workforce: Over 20% of construction workers are over 55 and nearing retirement.
- Lack of young workers: Fewer than 3% of younger individuals are entering the construction field.
- Geographic and skills mismatches: Many available workers either lack the required certifications or are located far from high-demand areas.
- Competition from neighboring states and industries: As infrastructure and energy projects expand across the region, New Mexico faces stiff competition for skilled labor.
These combined factors create a unique strain on New Mexico’s construction workforce.
Major Construction Sectors Impacted
The labor shortage is hitting several critical sectors hard:
- Energy and extractives: Staffing gaps are particularly evident in oil, gas, and mining projects, which are vital to New Mexico’s economy.
- Infrastructure: Federal and state investments in highways, bridges, and utilities have increased project volume, but delays are mounting due to insufficient workers.
- Commercial and industrial construction: Manufacturing facilities and data centers are experiencing a surge in activity, but the lack of certified tradespeople is slowing progress.
To combat these challenges, some contractors are offering wages 20–30% higher to attract skilled workers, especially when deadlines are tight. Others are turning to workforce platforms like ABLEMKR, which helps match pre-vetted workers to projects based on certifications, safety training, and location.
While New Mexico’s labor shortage is severe, it reflects broader trends across the region. Up next, we’ll explore how Colorado is dealing with its own labor challenges.
10. Colorado
Colorado wraps up our list of states dealing with severe construction labor shortages. The state’s thriving economy and rapid population growth have created a high demand for construction workers, but the supply just hasn’t kept up. This imbalance underscores the challenges facing Colorado’s job market.
Job Openings Rate in Construction
Colorado’s construction sector mirrors national trends, with job openings that often match or exceed national averages. In fact, 80–90% of contractors report difficulty filling positions. The Denver metro area and the mountain regions are especially hard-hit, as both residential and commercial projects compete for the same limited pool of workers. Ongoing projects and rapid population growth only add to the pressure.
Unfilled Positions as a Percentage of Workforce
The labor shortage in Colorado is in line with national averages, with more than half of open positions remaining unfilled. While the situation has improved slightly from the record high of 77% in 2021, the gap in available, qualified workers continues to strain the industry.
Primary Factors Driving the Shortage
Several factors contribute to the shortage. An aging workforce, a lack of interest from younger generations, and high urban living costs all play a role. On top of that, there’s a mismatch between where workers live and where their skills are needed. This issue is particularly pronounced in fast-growing urban and mountain areas, where the demand for specialized skills far outpaces the local workforce.
Major Construction Sectors Impacted
The labor shortage is affecting residential, infrastructure, and commercial construction sectors across the state. Contractors are struggling to hire specialized tradespeople like electricians, plumbers, and heavy equipment operators. These shortages create bottlenecks, delaying entire projects.
In 2024, several contractors in Colorado had to postpone or decline infrastructure and housing projects due to a lack of electricians and heavy equipment operators. These delays stretched project timelines by months and drove labor costs up by as much as 30%.
Industry Response
To address these challenges, construction firms in Colorado are raising wages, funding training programs, and using platforms like ABLEMKR to quickly connect with certified, pre-vetted workers.
Colorado’s construction labor shortage reflects nationwide trends but also highlights specific regional challenges. Tackling these issues will require tailored solutions to meet the state’s unique needs.
Common Patterns Across States
The top 10 states grappling with construction labor shortages share some striking similarities, including regional clustering and challenges that cross state lines. The problem is especially severe in the Mountain West and Southeast, where booming populations and federal infrastructure investments have fueled a surge in construction demand. These trends underscore deeper demographic and skills-related hurdles.
Geographic Clustering
States in the Mountain West – like Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Colorado – are seeing rapid population growth and construction activity that has outstripped the capacity of the local workforce. Meanwhile, states such as Arizona, Nevada, and Louisiana are experiencing a similar crunch as large-scale infrastructure projects drive demand for skilled workers.
The Aging Workforce Crisis
Nearly 45% of workers in construction and extraction jobs are aged 45 or older, meaning a wave of retirements is on the horizon. Making matters worse, fewer than 3% of young people are considering careers in construction. This has left the talent pipeline critically thin, with the total number of workers in construction trades at 6.2 million in 2022 – down 11% from 2007 levels.
Skills Gap in Critical Trades
Every state on the list is struggling with shortages in essential skilled trades. Workers like electricians, plumbers, heavy equipment operators, and masons are in high demand but short supply. These roles require specialized training and certifications, and their scarcity is causing delays across residential, infrastructure, and commercial projects.
Economic Pressures and Wage Inflation
The mismatch between labor supply and demand has pushed wages higher. Average weekly earnings for construction jobs are now 23.5% above pre-COVID-19 levels. In fact, contractors frequently offer 20–30% higher wages to attract skilled labor. As of February 2024, 52% of builders reported shortages of both directly employed and subcontracted workers. These shortages are forcing contractors to turn down projects, which directly impacts housing availability and delays infrastructure improvements.
Infrastructure Investment Intensifying Competition
Federal and state investments in infrastructure, alongside an increased focus on green building initiatives, have created a growing demand for specialized skills like solar panel installation and energy-efficient systems. This has heightened competition for qualified workers, making it even harder to meet the labor needs of construction projects.
Educational and Cultural Shifts
The decline of vocational training programs and a strong societal focus on four-year college degrees have reduced the number of young people entering the construction trades. States with limited trade school options or weak apprenticeship programs face even greater challenges in replenishing their workforce. These educational and cultural trends highlight the urgent need for solutions that can quickly connect skilled workers to projects. In response, companies are increasing wages, launching training initiatives, and using technology platforms like ABLEMKR to efficiently find certified, pre-vetted workers across multiple states.
State-by-State Comparison
Examining construction labor shortages on a state-by-state basis reveals some striking differences in key metrics and challenges.
Table: Key Metrics of Construction Labor Shortages by State
| State | Job Openings Rate (%) | Estimated Unfilled Positions | Key Shortage Drivers | Major Construction Sectors Affected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | 8.2 | 12,500 | Energy boom, rural workforce dispersion | Oil & gas, mining, heavy infrastructure |
| Utah | 7.8 | 28,000 | Population growth, housing demand | Residential, commercial, infrastructure |
| Idaho | 7.5 | 18,000 | Rapid urbanization, limited training | Residential, light commercial |
| Montana | 7.3 | 10,000 | Energy projects, rural workforce | Mining, energy, infrastructure |
| Louisiana | 7.1 | 25,000 | Energy, port expansion | Energy, port, industrial |
| North Dakota | 7.0 | 11,000 | Oil & gas, energy projects | Oil & gas, mining, infrastructure |
| Arizona | 6.9 | 35,000 | Population growth, housing demand | Residential, commercial, infrastructure |
| Nevada | 6.8 | 22,000 | Tourism, housing, infrastructure | Hospitality, residential, infrastructure |
| New Mexico | 6.7 | 14,000 | Energy, mining, federal projects | Energy, mining, federal infrastructure |
| Colorado | 6.5 | 30,000 | Population growth, housing, energy | Residential, commercial, energy |
Wyoming tops the list with the highest job openings rate at 8.2%, fueled by a booming energy sector. The demand for skilled workers in oil, gas, and mining is particularly pronounced, creating intense competition for labor in these industries.
Utah and Arizona face a different set of challenges. Rapid population growth has driven up demand for residential construction, leaving Utah with 28,000 unfilled positions and Arizona with 35,000. These shortages affect a wide range of trades, including carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing.
The so-called "energy corridor" states – Wyoming, Montana, Louisiana, and North Dakota – share common drivers tied to energy projects and resource development. However, the impact varies by state. Louisiana, for instance, has 25,000 unfilled positions, much of it tied to port expansions and petrochemical facilities. Meanwhile, North Dakota’s 11,000 openings are concentrated in oil field infrastructure and pipeline construction.
Rural locations further complicate these shortages. Workers in states like Wyoming and Montana often need to travel long distances or relocate to take advantage of job opportunities, adding another layer of difficulty to staffing projects.
In states with limited vocational training options, the problem is even more acute. Idaho, for example, has 18,000 unfilled positions, highlighting how rapid urbanization combined with a lack of training programs can leave critical gaps in skilled trades like electrical work and plumbing.
Even Colorado, which has the lowest job openings rate on the list at 6.5%, struggles with 30,000 unfilled positions. The state’s diverse economy increases competition for workers across sectors, adding to the challenge.
Federal infrastructure projects also play a big role. In New Mexico, for instance, 14,000 unfilled positions reflect the added demand from government-funded initiatives.
This data paints a clear picture: states with economies reliant on specialized industries – like Wyoming’s focus on energy or Nevada’s mix of hospitality and residential construction – face unpredictable labor demands that are hard to manage. Each state’s unique conditions contribute to the broader labor shortage trends, offering important insights for crafting targeted solutions.
How the Industry is Responding
To tackle the pressing labor shortages, construction companies are focusing on three main strategies: increasing wages, expanding training programs, and adopting new technology. Contractors are now offering wages that are 20–30% higher, yet the industry still projects a need for an additional 439,000–454,000 workers by 2025. These efforts signal a broader push to address workforce challenges on multiple fronts.
Training programs are becoming a cornerstone of this approach. In states like Wyoming and Utah, construction firms are teaming up with local colleges and high schools to fast-track certifications and spark interest in construction careers. These initiatives aim to build a steady pipeline of skilled workers by making it easier and faster for individuals to enter the field.
Technology is also playing a pivotal role in addressing labor shortages. Platforms such as ABLEMKR are helping companies connect with pre-vetted workers based on certifications, safety records, availability, and location. This ensures rapid deployment of workers for critical projects. In states like Arizona and Nevada, these platforms are being leveraged to manage large-scale infrastructure projects, cutting delays and improving workforce stability. Beyond scheduling, these tools also handle safety compliance and certification tracking, reducing risks and ensuring workers meet necessary standards.
The aging workforce adds another layer of urgency. Nearly half of construction workers are 45 or older, and fewer than 3% of young people are entering the field. Replacing retiring talent is a steep challenge, making it even more critical to attract younger workers to the industry.
Regional responses vary depending on local needs. Energy corridor states, for example, are focusing on specialized training for oil and gas projects, while high-growth states are prioritizing residential construction skills. Government programs and public–private partnerships are also stepping in to support long-term workforce development. Together, these measures reflect an industry working hard to adapt and close its talent gap.
Companies that adopt a combination of higher wages, robust training programs, and advanced technology are in a stronger position to fill essential roles and keep projects on track. Still, with 88% of construction firms reporting difficulty finding workers, the challenge remains significant.
Conclusion
The construction labor shortage in states like Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Louisiana, North Dakota, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Colorado highlights the industry’s uphill battle to meet growing infrastructure and housing demands. These states are grappling with supply-demand gaps as high as 52% across key trades, creating a pressing need for solutions.
This shortage has had a ripple effect: project costs have risen by 8% annually, 55% of firms have had to scale back project scope, and 71% of projects have faced delays. To keep up with demand, the industry will need an estimated 439,000 additional workers by 2025. The urgency to address this issue cannot be overstated.
Adding to the problem is an aging workforce, with 41% expected to retire by 2031. Meanwhile, fewer young people are entering the field, and the industry faces a staggering 40% annual turnover rate. These challenges call for creative and immediate solutions.
One promising avenue is technology. Platforms like ABLEMKR are stepping up by connecting certified, pre-vetted workers to projects based on real-time data. This mobile-first approach ensures quick crew mobilization for everything from emergency repairs to planned infrastructure projects. It also provides tools for real-time worker tracking and compliance management, which are crucial for efficiency and safety.
To tackle these shortages, companies need a multi-faceted strategy. Offering competitive wages, expanding training programs, and leveraging advanced workforce technologies will be key to staying ahead in this tough labor market. With construction spending on the rise and 650,000 new jobs expected by 2030, those who adapt quickly will be best positioned to thrive.
The stakes are high, and action is needed now. By prioritizing better wages, apprenticeship opportunities, and technology-driven workforce solutions, these states can bridge the talent gap and keep critical projects moving forward. There’s no time to waste.
FAQs
What are the main reasons behind construction labor shortages in the top 10 states discussed in the article?
The construction labor shortages in the top 10 states stem from several intertwined challenges. An aging workforce is leaving gaps as experienced workers retire, while fewer young people are stepping into construction roles. At the same time, population growth and infrastructure demands are driving up the need for more projects, putting additional strain on the industry.
To make matters worse, other industries often offer more competitive wages, and access to effective training programs remains limited, making it harder to attract and prepare new talent for the field.
Solving this problem calls for creative approaches to quickly match skilled workers with available jobs, ensuring projects stay on track and within budget.
What steps are states like Wyoming and Utah taking to address the challenges of an aging construction workforce?
States such as Wyoming and Utah are grappling with a pressing issue: an aging construction workforce. To tackle this, they’re rolling out a mix of solutions, including workforce development programs and partnerships with trade schools. These initiatives aim to draw younger workers into skilled trades. Outreach efforts and apprenticeships are also being emphasized to fill the gaps left by retiring professionals.
On top of that, technology is stepping in to help. Platforms like ABLEMKR are proving to be game-changers by connecting skilled workers with high-demand projects. These tools not only simplify the hiring process but also ensure compliance, making it easier for companies and states to navigate workforce challenges effectively.
How do platforms like ABLEMKR help address construction labor shortages and connect contractors with skilled workers?
Platforms like ABLEMKR are stepping up to address the challenges of construction labor shortages by connecting contractors with a pool of pre-screened, skilled workers. Through its advanced technology, ABLEMKR matches workers to job sites based on key factors such as certifications, safety training, availability, and proximity.
This platform simplifies the hiring, onboarding, and compliance processes, allowing contractors to quickly assemble teams for important projects. At the same time, workers gain flexible access to high-paying job opportunities, creating benefits for both employers and employees alike.
