76 Construction Industry Statistics You Must See: 2024 Market Share & Data Analysis

The rise of technology and the growing demand for ecommerce are helping fuel the growth of the construction industry. However, recent client preferences like green buildings–not the least the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic–will change the future landscape. Thus, if you are a construction professional, it’s better to keep up with construction industry statistics and goings-on.

In this article, we will help you create a good picture of the current state of the industry in the world and the US. Also, we will cover outlooks like technology adoption, the rise of green construction, and the future state of the industry.

Global Construction Industry Statistics
The State of the US Construction Industry
Employment Statistics in the US Construction Industry
Construction and the Environment: Facts and Statistics
Technology and the Construction Industry
The Future of the Construction Industry
Construction Industry Key Challenges

1. Global Construction Industry Statistics

Globalization allows Western companies to reach emerging markets and developing countries. This entails the construction of brick-and-mortar locations. Furthermore, emerging markets continue to produce entrepreneurs and are conducive to bigger firms. Thus, experts predict growth in the construction industry will continue.

The global revenue growth for Moody’s rated construction companies will grow at an average of 5% in 2019 and beyond. (Moodys)
Global construction market will grow to $8 trillion by 2030. (ICE)
China, the US, and India drives global construction industry growth. (ICE)
US construction market is set to grow faster than China’s over the next fifteen years. (ICE)
Almost 200% more–the growth of the construction market in India against China to 2030. (ICE)
Advanced economies experience somewhat sluggish growth in 2019. The North American construction industry slows down to 1.2% and Western Europe to just 2.2% in 2019. (ReportLinker, 2020)
The sharp upturn in growth in South and South-East Asia in 2018 will slow down this year. However, they will become the fasting growing region from 2019 to 2023. (ReportLinker, 2020)
Construction activity in Latin America will continue its recovery in 2019 with a growth of 1.2%. Also, experts predict this to have an average of 3% from 2020 to 2023. (ReportLinker, 2020)
However, some Latin American countries like Argentina will experience a decline in construction output. Furthermore, the recovery of Mexico and Brazil will remain fragile. (ReportLinker, 2020)
The Asia-Pacific region accounts for the largest share of the global construction industry. This is because the region includes the giant markets of India, Japan, and China. (ReportLinker, 2020)
Growth in the Middle East and Africa region slowed to 2.2% from 2014 to 2018. However, this is expected to rise with an average of 5.5% every year from 2019 to 2023. (ReportLinker, 2020)

Source: Turner & Townsend, 2019

Additional Insights

Global construction industry data indicates a respectable steady growth. Some regions witness upward movement while others show signs of slowing down. There are indeed some challenges. However, countries and cities will always need infrastructures to support development, services, social activities, and their economies. Building repairs and improvements will always be around. Thus, the construction industry will always remain.

However, construction professionals should keep up with the shifts in paradigms–the mindsets and technology that comes with it. These and other external market forces would shape the future of the industry in the years to come.

2. The State of the US Construction Industry

The current US construction industry research indicates that it will experience a growth nearing the boom from 2005 to 2007. Nonresidential transportation and office spaces are leading sectors.

The Nonresidential Construction Index (NRCI) score was 60.4 in Q1 of 2018. This indicates an expansion in nonresidential construction as scores above 50 indicate expansion while those below indicate contraction. (FMI)
NRCI score in the first quarter of 2019 is at 52.1 indicating a low rate of expansion. (FMI)
We witnessed a total revenue of $239 billion in 2019. (IBISWorld, 2020)
The annual growth of the US construction industry from 2014 to 2019 is at 8.3%. (IBISWorld, 2020)
Between 2007 and 2020, the Fortune List 1000 had 45% more E&C firms. (Deloitte, 2021)
The construction industry added $900 billion to the US economy in the first three months of 2020. This is the highest contribution of the sector in that period since 2018. (Deloitte, 2021)
Covid-19 cost the US $60.9 million in GDP. (Deloitte, 2021)
Experts predicted that the value of private nonresidential construction will increase in 2020. This seems consistent with other long-term forecasts. (IBISWorld, 2020)
The segments of nonresidential transportation (+16%), lodging (+14%), and office (+11%) lead spending growth in 2018. (FMI, 2019)
Bottom segments for spending growth in 2018 are religious constructions (-2%), multifamily residential constructions (+1 percent), and healthcare constructions (+1%). (FMI, 2019)
Single-family housing construction witnessed stable growth from 2017 to 2018 with an average of 4%. Moreover, this reached spending of $67 billion.(FMI, 2019)
The construction of improvements saw an upward growth of 5% from 2017-2018. Furthermore, it reached $205 billion in spending. (FMI, 2019)
New York is set to spend $70 billion in construction in 2019. Popular projects include The Spiral and One Vanderbilt. (Sonetics, 2018)
Detriot will spend as much as $5.4 billion in real estate development projects in the next three years. Furthermore, popular projects include Hudson’s Tower, the Packard Plant, and the Gordie Howie Bridge. Also, the latter will connect Detroit and Windsor, Canada. It costs about $2.1 billion. (Sonetics, 2018)
77% of contractors and builders report, in a September 2020 survey, that there is no change or there is a decline in their profit margins. (Deloitte, 2021)
Single-family starts went up 13% from the pre-pandemic high. (Contractor, 2021)

Additional Insights

US commercial establishments are transitioning their primarily brick-and-mortar operations into a hybrid one accommodating eCommerce (Forbes, 2020). Thus, constructions are being done to provide infrastructural support to storage and transportation.

Furthermore, retail construction would likely see a change especially when eCommerce is now accounting for significant retail market shares. Thus, retail building designs may undergo some change. Companies may require smaller spaces.

Moreover, other movements such as remote work and the gigs economy may affect the US construction industry more. Therefore, you must keep yourself updated.

3. Employment Statistics in the US Construction Industry

The US economy hasn’t bounced back yet from the most recent recession. The construction industry is still in need of many jobs. Here are relevant statistics from our construction industry market research about employment.

The average salary of construction professionals is $53,123. (Data USA)
Experts estimate job growth in the industry is projected to be at 1.1% for ten years. (Data USA)
The current workforce in the industry is at 7.21 million. Also, construction laborers make up the largest segment of professionals 17.3%. Carpenters come in second at 9.23%. (Data USA)
Males make up 89.2% of construction professionals. On the other hand, females make up 10.8% of the total workforce. (Data USA)
On average, males make 1.15 times more money than females. Also, the average male salary is $53,859 per year. On the other hand, the average female salary is only $47,013. (Data USA)
Asians, on average, make higher incomes than other groups. They make 1.05 times more than other ethnicities and races. (Data USA)
The share of non-native construction workers varies across states like California (42%), Texas (41%), New York (37%), Nevada (37%), and Florida (35%) in 2018. (Construction Dive)
Nevada has become number 1 in construction employment growth. This is because more people are moving there with over 100 proposed developments for 59,000 housing units. (Sonetics, 2018)
Construction unemployment rates are not too far from the national rate with the former 4% and the latter around 5%. (FMI, 2019)
The construction sector in the United States employed 7.64 million people in February 2020. (Deloitte, 2021)
Job availability decreased due to the pandemic, as it was lessened to 6.5 million. (Deloitte, 2021)
Though the number of jobs available since 2017 in the construction sector has increased, the number of new hires has gone up by less than 10%. This is likely due to the skills gap since the construction industry now requires familiarity with digital technologies like BIM. (Deloitte, 2021)
The non-residential construction segment added 29,000 jobs in December 2020. (Contractor, 2021)

Most Common Occupations in the US Construction Industry

Construction laborers

17.3%

Carpenters

9.23%

Firstline supervisors

7.26%

Electricians

5.99%

Plumbers, pipelifters, and steamfitters

4.39%

Painters & paperhangers

4.23%

Source: Data USA

Additional Insights

Currently, the construction industry is experiencing some aftershocks of the current recession. It remains one of those industries experiencing worker shortages (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Moreover, this may be caused by public policies like the tightening of immigration.

Historically, the construction industry has been employing immigrants. Thus, with tighter regulations, it lost potential workforce candidates.

HR is a key issue here. Therefore, it is better that you keep yourself up to speed with recruitment statistics. This helps inform you of how hiring, in general, is happening in the country and the world.

4. Construction and the Environment: Facts and Statistics

The construction industry has been widely panned for non-environmental-friendly practices. However, many contractors are taking the initiative to reduce impact through their practices and materials. Here are some statistics in relation to green buildings and technology.

Buildings account for around 40% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. (USGBC)
Emissions from commercial buildings may grow to 1.8% in 2030. (Bold Business)
2 out of 3 survey participants report that using rating systems such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) helps them build better-performing structures. (USGBC)
Green homes may increase in value by 10 percent and resale value can also be boosted. (Dodge Data & Analytics)
LEED buildings have around 20% lower maintenance costs than usual commercial buildings. (Dodge Data & Analytics)
From 2011 to 2014, national green building construction created $167.4 billion in GDP. (USGBC)
The global green buildings market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.26% from 2018 to 2023. (Market Research Future)
Green buildings reduce carbon emissions by 34%. Also, they can consume up to 25% less energy than conventional buildings. (Market Research Future)
Exterior products such as smart lighting, solar products, and HVAC systems dominate the segment taking up 79.6% of the construction industry market size. (Market Research Future)
The residential segment continues to dominate the market with a global share of 60.9% accounting for $123.4 million in 2018. (Market Research Future)
Experts expect the nonresidential green building segment to experience a 9.25% CAGR by the end of 2023. (Market Research Future)
There were 24,574 LEED-registered office-type projects in the US as of March 2020. (USGBC, 2020)

Additional Insights

In business, it doesn’t really matter much if you believe whether we are experiencing human-caused climate change or not. What matters is that people believe and government bodies also believe. Thus, policies are getting made to help decrease CO2 emissions and other harmful environmental practices (however they are measured). Therefore, there is and will be a market for going green.

If the leadership in your company believes climate change proponents, you’ll have an easier transition. Of course, you can only incorporate green building services and not really execute a full pivot. Also, you can even fully specialize but green building requires high specialization. Thus, a good deal of research and investment is needed here.

5. Technology and the Construction Industry

As mentioned, the construction industry seems to be lagging when it comes to technology adoption. However, we can expect the industry to catch up in the next five years.

A poll conducted after the November 2020 US elections showed that 76% of E&C executives plan to invest in at least one digital technology in 2021. (Deloitte, 2021)
76% of E&C decision-makers are putting more money into connected technologies to solve issues regarding cost and margin. (Deloitte, 2021)
In a 2018 report, a survey found that 18% of small and medium construction companies are using drones. Moreover, by 2020, 8% report that they will implement drone use. (SoftwareConnect)
24% of E&C leaders are investing in drones and robotics to enhance efficiency in construction sites. (Deloitte, 2021)
Only 16% of construction companies (that are SMBs) are using autonomous equipment. Also, another 8% report that they will implement the use of autonomous equipment by 2020. (SoftwareConnect)
Augmented reality can be used by construction firms to improve collaboration and 3D modeling. However, only 6% of construction companies use AR/VR. Also, the cost has been cited to be what prohibits more adoption. (SoftwareConnect)
In 2018, only 2 out of 5 industry professionals plan to purchase or upgrade construction management software in the next 12 months. (SoftwareConnect>)
Construction businesses are looking for the following features the most in construction management platforms: project tracking (73%), job costing (72%), project estimating (66%), improved accuracy (47%), and process standardization/automation (39%). (SoftwareConnect)
In trials, autonomous vehicles mixed with human-operated excavators have delivered a 40% improvement in efficiency compared to conventional means. (The B1M)
Over the past decade, $10 billion has been allotted to funding construction technology. (FMI, 2019)
Telehealth and wearable health technologies can potentially dampen the construction of traditional health facilities. Also, healthcare construction spending was only $42 billion in 2018. It only had a 1% increase from the previous year. (FMI, 2019)
26% of E&C executives are increasing their utilization of prefabrication and modular construction materials. (Deloitte, 2021)
Module assembly yards are cost-efficient and can reduce expenses from 6% to 30%. (Deloitte, 2021)
E&C leaders are looking at digital supply networks, as those can help solve the challenge that 54% of contractors face: insufficiency of at least one construction component. (Deloitte, 2021)

Technology Use Among SMBs in the Construction Industry

Source: Software Connect

Additional Insights

Some argue that the productivity of the construction industry is not that bad. It is claimed that it’s a matter of how you measure it. However, most construction professionals are not really interested in measurement debates. The pragmatic thing to do is take everything on a case-to-case basis where every firm is a special case for measuring productivity. Also, this is what matters for individual construction workers and contractors. Thus, they must actively track, monitor, maintain, and improve their very own productivity.

To wit, professionals can take full advantage of construction management software to easily do this.

In this regard, we highly recommend CoConstruct which is a web-based custom builder and remodeler software. It can help in the day-to-day operations of builders like budgeting, communications, scheduling, and planning. Everything you do will be under one roof that is easily accessible and easy to use.

6. The Future of the Construction Industry

As mentioned, the future of the construction industry seems to be bright and very exciting. Robotics and AI are poised to enter the fold. Thus, optimists may state that this will help in the current workforce issues. Whether this will happen or not, we’ll find out.

A city in the Netherlands, Eindhoven, announced that they will 3D print a neighborhood of five houses. Even though there exist 3D-printed houses already, many don’t comply with building regulations. Thus, we can expect a long but steady growth towards adopting this technology in the future. (The B1M)
Experts predict the normalization of using advanced materials like “self-healing concrete” that uses bacteria to repair itself. Technologies like these will help cut down on maintenance costs. However, advanced materials are still quite expensive thus we won’t see them used in most of our neighborhoods or cities anytime soon. (Ingenia)
Autonomous electric machines are likely the future in construction. Not only that they can cut costs by 40%, but they can also reduce CO2 emissions by 98%. Moreover, in a test program conducted they found that conventional vehicles use 3,360 liters of diesel a day. On the other hand, hybrid wheel loaders only use 64 liters. (The B1M)
In one future scenario, factories may run the world in terms of building constructions. This possibility became more probable in 2009 when BROADGroup, a Chinese company, opened a subsidiary for prefabrication and assembling of high-rise buildings. Moreover, the company shifted 90% of its construction work to factories. This may not be accepted in the near future. However, we should expect more adoption of this type of approach. (World Economic Forum)
CEOs and ministers working in the Infrastructure and Urban Design (IU) industry found three imperatives for future building. 74% of respondents believe that the top priority should be the attracting of new talent and to build up requisite skills. Moreover, 65% want to integrate and increase collaboration across the value chain. Also, 61% want to adopt advanced technologies at scale while 39% want to maximize the use of digital models and data throughout processes. (World Economic Forum)
68% of engineering and construction executives are somewhat or very positive in their 2021 outlook despite the pandemic. (Deloitte, 2021)
70% of engineering and construction experts believe that infrastructure projects can help revive the economy from the effects of Covid-19 restrictions. (Deloitte, 2021)
46% of E&C executives relay that they will be focusing more on infrastructure works in 2021. (Deloitte, 2021)
Spending on US infrastructure is predicted to reach $1 trillion in 2021. (Deloitte, 2021)
60% of E&C leaders are looking to diversify in the coming years to lessen their exposure in underperforming segments, because of the ravages of Covid-19. (Deloitte, 2021)

Additional Insights

We should expect the future of the construction industry to be very exciting. On the design and materials front, new innovations can help decrease costs such as self-healing roads and structures. Also, on the construction automation side, we should expect robots to make a grander entrance into construction projects. Of course, they’d likely start out with easier ones and maybe scale up to provide assistance for more complex structures like high-rise buildings and underwater repairs.

Moreover, for the productivity side, we should expect construction companies big and small to adopt modern productivity technologies like project management solutions. These would help smoothen out business processes that support construction proper.

7. Construction Industry Key Challenges

The construction industry faces several challenges affecting project timelines, budgets, and operational efficiency. Addressing these challenges is critical for businesses looking to stay competitive and ensure long-term success.

Rising Material Costs: The cost of construction materials, such as steel, lumber, and concrete, has surged significantly in recent years. This price increase is often due to supply chain disruptions, raw material shortages, and inflationary pressures. For construction companies, these rising costs directly impact their profitability and can cause delays in project completion.
Labor Shortages: The construction sector is experiencing a severe shortage of skilled labor, expected to persist for the foreseeable future. Many workers are aging out of the industry, while fewer young people enter the trade. This shortage can lead to slower project timelines, increased labor costs, and reduced capacity for new developments.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety Standards: Construction companies must navigate a complex regulatory landscape that includes environmental, safety, and zoning laws. Compliance with these regulations often requires significant time and resources, especially in jurisdictions with stringent building codes. Maintaining worker safety is also a critical challenge, as construction remains one of the most hazardous industries.
Technological Integration: While new technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), drones, and automation are transforming the industry, integrating these tools can be complex. Many construction firms, especially smaller ones, struggle with the cost and expertise required to implement these advanced technologies.
Environmental Impact: Construction companies are under increasing pressure to minimize their environmental footprint. With increasing demand for green building practices, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient designs, companies must adapt to meet regulatory requirements and client expectations.

Make these numbers work for you

Experts believe that the construction industry will be a hotbed for dramatic shifts in the future. Construction industry data suggests that some conventional structures and practices may be phased out and new ones would come to take over. This may not happen fairly quickly though. However, many technological advances from many fronts are going to affect how construction professionals do their jobs. Robots may eat up some workforce share in five to ten years. But, there is still a strong demand for good people.

Remember, most CEOs and ministers at the World Economic Forum have set recruitment and development as their highest priority. Sure, the jobs may be different in the future like less manual labor but good human-based decisions, instincts, and soft skills are still needed. Furthermore, with the current focus on climate change and how to decrease carbon emissions, professionals from other disciplines are needed to come to the fold.

More environmental scientists and engineers would later find their way to the construction industry. Also, community development professionals are likely to join the fold as well. Thus, you should also keep up with news, technological development and projections about the HR industry to stay competitive.

Finally, the shift, as alluded to, is not so much on the number of construction demand in whatever sector. We all know that this will rise and fall due to building decays and the need for improvements wane and rise as well. However, the main shift that’s going to happen is likely with mindsets and technology. Thus, it’s best to keep up with construction industry market research and news from time to time.

Key Insights

Global Construction Industry:
- Global revenue growth for Moody’s rated construction companies will grow at an average of 5% annually.
- The global construction market is projected to grow to $8 trillion by 2030.
- The Asia-Pacific region, including major markets like India, Japan, and China, accounts for the largest share of the global construction industry.
- Advanced economies like North America and Western Europe are experiencing sluggish growth compared to emerging markets.
US Construction Industry:
- The US construction industry has shown consistent growth, with a total revenue of $239 billion in 2019.
- Nonresidential sectors like transportation and office spaces are leading growth, with significant contributions from segments like single-family housing and improvement constructions.
- The pandemic impacted the industry, but segments like single-family housing construction saw an increase.
Employment in Construction:
- The US construction industry employs over 7.21 million professionals, with laborers and carpenters being the largest segments.
- There is a notable gender pay gap, with males earning more on average than females in the industry.
- The construction sector faces a shortage of skilled workers, partly due to tighter immigration policies.
Environmental Impact:
- Buildings account for around 40% of global energy-related CO2 emissions.
- Green buildings reduce carbon emissions by 34% and can consume up to 25% less energy.
- LEED-certified buildings have lower maintenance costs and higher resale values.
Technology Adoption:
- There is increasing investment in digital technologies, with a focus on connected technologies, drones, robotics, and autonomous equipment.
- Construction management software adoption is growing, with features like project tracking, job costing, and improved accuracy being highly sought after.
- Innovations like 3D printing and advanced materials like self-healing concrete are expected to shape the future of the industry.
Future Outlook:
- Robotics and AI are anticipated to play a significant role in addressing workforce issues and improving efficiency.
- Infrastructure projects are expected to help revive the economy, with a predicted spending of $1 trillion in 2021.
- Diversification and adoption of advanced technologies at scale are key strategies for future growth.

FAQ

How is the global construction industry expected to grow in the coming years? The global construction industry is projected to grow steadily, with an expected market size of $8 trillion by 2030. Major growth drivers include the markets in China, the US, and India, with the Asia-Pacific region leading the market share.
What sectors are leading the growth in the US construction industry? Nonresidential sectors such as transportation and office spaces are leading growth in the US construction industry. Additionally, segments like single-family housing construction and improvement projects have shown significant contributions to the industry’s revenue.
What are the employment trends in the US construction industry? The US construction industry employs over 7.21 million professionals, with laborers and carpenters being the largest segments. However, the industry faces a shortage of skilled workers, partly due to tighter immigration policies and the increasing need for familiarity with digital technologies.
How is the construction industry addressing environmental concerns? The construction industry is increasingly adopting green building practices to reduce environmental impact. Green buildings can reduce carbon emissions by 34% and consume up to 25% less energy. LEED-certified buildings also have lower maintenance costs and higher resale values.
What technological advancements are being adopted in the construction industry? The construction industry is seeing increased investment in digital technologies, including drones, robotics, autonomous equipment, and construction management software. Innovations like 3D printing and advanced materials are expected to significantly influence the industry’s future.
What is the future outlook for the construction industry? The future of the construction industry looks promising with advancements in robotics and AI, increased infrastructure spending, and the adoption of advanced technologies. The industry is expected to see diversification and a focus on improving efficiency and sustainability.

References:

Afable, M.V. (2019). Building Green – Minimizing The Environmental Impact of Construction. Retrieved from Bold Business
Budiac, D. (2018). Construction Technology Trends – 2018 Report. Retrieved from SoftwareConnect
Contractor (2021). Construction Data: 2021 Industry Forecast. Retrieved from Contractor
Data USA (n.d.). Data USA: Construction. Retrieved from Data USA
Deloitte (2021). 2021 engineering and construction industry outlook. Retrieved from Deloitte
Dodge Data & Analytics (2018). World Green Building and Construction Trends 2018. Retrieved from Dodge Data & Analytics
FMI (2018). 2018 FMI Overview . Retrieved from FMI
FMI (2019). 2019 FMI Overview. Retrieved from FMI
ICE (n.d.). Global construction market to grow $8 trillion by 2030: driven by China, US and India . Retrieved from ICE
IBISWorld (2020). Commercial Building Construction Industry in the US – Market Research Report. Retrieved from IBISWorld
Ingenia (n.d.). Self-Healing Concrete. Retrieved from Ingenia
Market Research Future (n.d.). Global Green Buildings Market: Information by Product (Interiors, Exteriors), Application (Residential, Non-residential), and Region – Forecast Till 2023. Retrieved from Market Research Future
Mills, F. (2018). Volvo Cuts CO2 Emissions by an Electrifying 98% at Sweden’s Largest Quarry. Retrieved from The B1M
Moodys (2018). Moody’s Global Construction Sector Outlook – October 2018. Retrieved from For Construction Pros
ReportLinker (2020). Global Construction Outlook to 2024 (Q2 2020 Update). Retrieved from ReportLinker
Slowey, K. (2018). Percentage of immigrant construction workers on the rise. Retrieved from Construction Dive
Smisek, P. (2018). Dutch City to 3D Print a Neighbourhood. Retrieved from The B1M
Sonetics (2018). Construction News: 5 Boom Cities of 2018. Retrieved from Sonetics
USGBC (n.d.). Benefits of green building. Retrieved from USGBC
USGBC (2015). 2015 Green Building Economic Impact Study: Key Findings. Retrieved from USGBC
USGBC (2020). Country Market Brief. Retrieved from USGBC
World Economic Forum (2018). Future Scenarios and Implications for the Industry. Retrieved from World Economic Forum

By James Anthony

A senior FinancesOnline writer on SaaS and B2B topics, James Anthony passion is keeping abreast of the industry’s cutting-edge practices (other than writing personal blog posts on why Firefly needs to be renewed). He has written extensively on these two subjects, being a firm believer in SaaS to PaaS migration and how this inevitable transition would impact economies of scale. With reviews and analyses spanning a breadth of topics from software to learning models, James is one of FinancesOnline’s most creative resources on and off the office.