Construction Employment Hits Record 8.34M in 2026; Midwest Leads in Cost-Adjusted Wages

NewsData.io · United States · Sep 21, 2026

A new Construction Coverage analysis finds U.S. construction employment reached an all-time high of 8.34 million workers by mid-2026, rebounding after a plateau through 2025. Construction workers earn a national median of $59,540 annually — nearly 17% above the all-occupation median — but real purchasing power varies sharply by region. Midwestern states dominate the top of the cost-adjusted wage rankings, with Illinois leading at $80,604, while Southern states including Florida ($47,740) and Texas ($50,661) rank at the bottom. Staffing firms serving the construction sector should note both the strong demand signal and regional wage disparities when pricing placements and advising clients.