The construction industry is a cornerstone of the US economy, employing more than 7 million people and delivering structures valued at approximately $1.7 trillion each year.
Despite its economic importance, the industry is facing a growing and persistent skilled labor shortage. According to data from the US Census Bureau, the construction sector is short nearly half a million workers, particularly those with experience in skilled trades.
This shortage affects every level of the industry, from on-site builders and subcontractors to supervisors and construction managers.
Why the construction skills shortage is worsening
Several factors are driving the shortage of skilled construction workers. One major contributor is the high number of experienced workers reaching retirement age, combined with a limited pipeline of younger workers entering the trades.
Over recent decades, increasing emphasis on college degrees and academic career paths has reduced interest in vocational training and skilled trades, often undervaluing these career options.
At the same time, the United States is experiencing a construction boom fueled by rapid urbanization, housing demand, and major public infrastructure investments.
This surge in activity has intensified competition for skilled labor, leading to project delays, rising labor costs, and slower overall industry growth.
Veterans as a workforce solution
Each year, more than 200,000 US military service members transition to civilian life, according to the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS).
For many transitioning veterans, the construction industry offers a natural career pathway. Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that more than 528,000 veterans are currently employed in construction.
Veterans already make up approximately 6.5% of the construction workforce, and many employers actively seek them out. According to US Veterans Magazine, construction companies value veterans for their leadership skills, adaptability, hands-on experience, teamwork, and ability to perform under pressure.
These qualities, along with a strong work ethic, problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to learn, translate well from military service to construction environments.
With targeted training and a few years of experience in entry-level roles, veterans can advance into leadership positions such as safety officers, quality control specialists, site supervisors, or construction project managers.
How the industry can better support veteran transitions
To fully leverage veterans to address the construction skills gap, industry leaders can take several practical steps.
First, construction companies can partner with veteran service organizations and government agencies that already provide workforce training and transition support. These partnerships can help align military skills with civilian construction roles.
Second, expanding apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs can give veterans the technical skills and certifications needed to succeed.
Finally, creating a supportive and inclusive work environment, one that recognizes military experience and offers clear career progression, can improve long-term retention.
As skilled labor becomes increasingly difficult to find, veterans represent a ready and capable workforce. Construction jobs demand alertness, resilience, problem-solving, and teamwork qualities deeply ingrained through military service.
By welcoming veterans into the industry, construction companies can address workforce shortages while helping service members find meaningful and sustainable civilian careers.
Sources:
White, J. (2022). Four Ways Veterans’ Skills Benefit the Construction Industry. CMAA. Retrieved from https://www.cmaanet.org/sites/default/files/resource/Veterans%27%20Skills.pdf
Transition Assistance Program. (n.d.) U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved from https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/tap
Why Veterans in the Construction Industry Are Essential. (2025, February 10). Texas A&M College of Architecture. Retrieved from https://www.arch.tamu.edu/news/2025/02/10/why-veterans-in-the-construction-industry-are-essential/
Building America: Stepping into a career in construction. (2025, February 12). VA News. Retrieved from https://news.va.gov/138272/building-america-stepping-career-construction/
Barnes, B. (2025, November 29). Veterans Strengthen the Construction Industry Amid Skilled Worker Shortages. For Construction Pros.com. Retrieved from https://www.forconstructionpros.com/business/labor-workforce-development/article/22955492/hardaway-construction-veterans-strengthen-the-construction-industry-amid-skilled-worker-shortages
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