What Recent Construction Job Growth Means for You
Florida contractors coordinate work on a commercial jobsite.
Construction employment grew significantly in May, with nonresidential firms carrying most of the momentum. According to AGC of America’s latest analysis of federal labor data, construction firms added 17,000 jobs in May, and pay for onsite craft workers rose faster than wages across the broader private sector.
For Florida contractors, the takeaway is not simply that the industry is hiring. The data shows a market where project demand remains strong, skilled labor remains valuable, and firms need to plan carefully for the people and partners required to deliver the work ahead.
Nonresidential Work Is Booming
Nonresidential construction employment increased by 15,700 positions in May and by 101,500 positions over the past 12 months. Specialty trade contractors accounted for much of that growth, adding 11,400 jobs in May and 57,400 jobs year over year.
This trade growth is important because commercial, industrial, civil, and infrastructure projects depend on coordinated teams across multiple scopes of work. When specialty trades are adding workers at this pace, it signals active demand. It also means schedules, subcontractor availability, and workforce capacity need to be planned early in the project cycle.
Competitive Wages Are Shaping the Market
Average hourly earnings for production and nonsupervisory construction employees reached $38.97 in May, which is 20.6% higher than the average for all private-sector production employees. For contractors, rising pay is both a recruiting advantage and a planning responsibility. Competitive wages help attract new talent, but they also need to be reflected in estimates, staffing plans, and long-term retention strategies.
A Florida construction team manages onsite logistics for a commercial build.
Project Demand Needs Support to Continue
As AGC of America noted, the demand for data centers, power projects, manufacturing work, and other nonresidential projects is helping contractors continue to add workers. These projects create opportunity for firms with strong teams, trusted trade partners, and the ability to manage complex work.
However, it’s important to consider that future job growth may stall if community backlash slows data center projects or if Congress does not pass a new highway and transit bill on time. These risks can show up quickly in delayed project starts, equipment planning, hiring decisions, and overall business health.
Next Steps for Florida Contractors
While construction industry growth is a positive sign, contractors should use this moment to make sure their companies are set up for success.
Update labor assumptions: Build current wage trends into estimates.
Secure trade partners earlier: Confirm subcontractor capacity and specialty trade schedules early.
Invest in workforce retention: Treat skilled labor as a long-term business asset, not a short-term project need.
Watch policy updates: Stay connected with us to hear about policy updates that directly affect your work.
The contractors navigating this market best are the ones with access to current data, strong industry relationships, and a voice in the policy decisions that shape future work. This is what an AGC of Greater Florida membership is built to support.
Connect with other Florida contractors navigating these conditions.
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