Demand for workers on data centers is contributing to construction workforce shortages while immigration enforcement impacts labor availability at just under one-third of firms, even as market conditions soften, according to the results of a new workforce survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and NCCER. As a result of the tight labor conditions, workforce shortages remain the top reason for construction project delays, association officials noted, warning that many candidates appear to lack the skills needed.
“The need for people to work on new data centers is keeping labor conditions tight even as demand for many other types of projects remains relatively soft,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, during a virtual media briefing to release the results. “Meanwhile, the nation is not producing enough qualified workers, even as federal immigration policies are impacting nearly one-third of firms.”
MATERIALS:
- News Release
- 2026 Survey Analysis
- Remarks
- Virtual Media Briefing
- View Recording
FACT SHEETS:
STATE FACT SHEETS:
RESULTS BY UNION OR OPEN-SHOP:
RESULTS BY FIRM’S SIZE
RESULTS BY PROJECT TYPE