A new Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC) Settlements Report covering collective bargaining agreements settled during the first three quarters of 2025 shows an average total package increase of 4.7%, matching last year’s increase. On a dollar basis, the increase averaged $3.12, up from $2.95 in 2024.
According to CLRC, wage growth has leveled off but remains high, as post-inflation adjustments and lingering inflation effects continue to influence contract renewals. The report projects continued increases through 2027, though at a slower pace. Regional variation persists, with western regions leading in both percentage and dollar increases, while craft-level variation is narrowing, with fewer extreme outliers.
This is the second of three Settlements Reports planned for publication based on 2025 data. CLRC expects to release the final 2025 Settlements Report in January 2026.
AGC members can access the full report in the Labor & HR Topical Resources section of AGC’s website under “Collective Bargaining” → “Collective Bargaining Agreement Data.” (Be sure to log in as an AGC member in the top left corner of the webpage.) The report includes detailed data by region and craft. The first half analyzes newly settled agreements, while the second half covers previously negotiated agreements currently in effect and planned increases for future contract years. Collective bargaining chapters are reminded to promptly submit new contract data directly to CLRC upon settlement. CLRC also offers consulting and custom research services, available at a discount to AGC affiliates, including market share analysis, union/nonunion wage and fringe benefit comparisons, collective bargaining agreement cost analysis, workforce and labor projections, and more.