Building a Future in Construction Management: The Construction Industry Must Attract 349,000 New Workers in 2027

The construction industry continues to face a growing demand for skilled professionals as new projects reshape communities and infrastructure across the country. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the industry is expected to need an estimated 349,000 net new workers to keep pace with demand. Looking ahead to 2027, closing the workforce gap will require attracting and preparing the next generation of construction management professionals.

Understanding a Dynamic Construction Industry

According to ABC, for every billion dollars of new construction spending, 3,550 new jobs are needed. But even as demand rises, many companies report struggles finding enough skilled workers. In fact, nearly 78% of companies indicated having a hard time hiring craft workers, and more than 80% face challenges filling key roles like superintendent or project manager. These challenges can lead to higher labor costs and longer project delays if the workforce gap isn’t addressed.

Growing our workforce is not just about numbers; it's about securing our future and our communities.  –  Anirban Basu, ABC Chief Economist

There were more than 8.2 million workers in the construction industry at the end of 2025. However, the demand for skilled workers continues to outpace supply, with companies actively seeking new talent to fill essential roles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry had approximately 305,000 job openings in June 2026, highlighting the continued demand for construction workers across the sector. 

Additionally, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) notes that specifically, construction manager employment is projected to grow by about 48,100 jobs or 8.7% between 2024-2034, indicating a strong demand for management-focused skillsets and higher education in the field. Construction managers will be needed due to the expansion of building activities, infrastructure upgrades, and increasingly complex construction processes and technologies that require greater managerial oversight.

The Benefits of a Career in Construction Management

Beyond the pressing need for more workers, a career in construction management comes with many benefits.

• Job Security: Unlike some fields that can be automated or outsourced, construction needs human employees. Buildings, roads, and bridges require hands-on expertise that technology can’t fully replace.
• Competitive Pay: Construction careers also offer competitive earning potential. Construction managers earned a median annual wage of $109,160 in 2025, while the mean wage reached $121,290. Other skilled positions offer strong earning potential as well, with electricians earning a median $61,790 and carpenters $60,950. The demand for construction managers is also expected to grow, with employment projected to increase 9% by 2034—much faster than the average for all occupations.
• Continuing Education: Many roles in construction, whether as a project manager or an engineer, offer extra training and clear paths for advancement. Today’s construction projects are complex, involving modern technology and sustainable practices. As energy efficiency and green building trends rise, the chances to learn new skills, continue education, and master innovative techniques are better than ever.
• Tangible Results: In construction, you get to see what you create. Each day on site means visible progress. Whether you are laying bricks or managing a large project, your work helps shape communities and provides homes, jobs, and a better quality of life for many.
• Opportunities and Transferrable Skills: Construction managers can work across commercial, government, and residential development. Skills such as leadership, budgeting, scheduling, communication, problem-solving and risk management are transferable and can apply across many evolving roles.
• Diversity: The construction industry is becoming increasingly diverse, with more professionals from historically underrepresented groups building careers across the field, as well as more opportunities in engineering, computer science, technology and management. As construction projects become more technologically advanced, the construction industry is creating new pathways for professionals with diverse skills and backgrounds to contribute to its future.

Construction Management at Capitol Tech

A career in construction management promises job security, growth, and the satisfaction of seeing real results every day. At Capitol Technology University, our Bachelor of Science in Construction Management puts you at the forefront of industrial knowledge and skills that will help you lead in this dynamic field. Our programs teach students how technology and construction powerfully intersect for the development of safer, more effective projects, and improved outcomes.

Explore what a degree from Capitol Tech can do for you! To learn more, contact our Admissions team or request more information.