Immigrant workers now account for a record share of the U.S. construction workforce, underscoring their growing importance as the industry continues to grapple with persistent labor shortages.
.jpg)
According to new data from the National Association of Home Builders, foreign-born workers made up 26.3% of the construction labor force in 2024. That share climbs to roughly one in three when focusing specifically on construction craft workers, the core of the industry’s skilled labor base.
The report, authored by Natalia Siniavskaia, assistant vice president for housing policy research at NAHB, highlights how immigrant labor has become a critical component in sustaining construction activity across the country.
The data shows that immigrant workers are particularly concentrated in essential building trades. In several occupations, they now represent the majority of the workforce.
Drywall and ceiling tile installers lead the way, with immigrants accounting for 57% of workers, followed by plasterers and stucco masons at 56% and roofers at 53%. Carpet, floor and tile installers also rely heavily on foreign-born labor, with a 51% share.
In the two largest construction occupations — laborers and carpenters — immigrants represent 43% and 35% of the workforce, respectively. Together, these roles account for roughly a quarter of all construction jobs.
While the broader construction industry includes approximately 390 occupations, only 28 are classified as “construction trades.” Despite this, these trades account for about 60% of the total workforce, amplifying the impact of labor shortages in these critical roles.
More than half of the nation’s approximately 3 million immigrant construction workers are concentrated in four states: California, Texas, Florida and New York.
California and Texas each employ more than 500,000 foreign-born construction workers. Immigrants make up 42% of the construction workforce in California, followed by 41% in Florida, 39% in Texas and 37% in New York.
However, the reliance on immigrant labor is spreading beyond traditional high-growth states. Nevada reported a 38% share of immigrant construction workers in 2024, with New Jersey and Maryland close behind at 37%.
In contrast, states such as New Hampshire, Montana, Alaska, West Virginia and Vermont report immigrant workforce shares below 5%.
.jpg)
The rising share of immigrant workers reflects broader labor challenges facing the construction and housing sectors. Builders and contractors have struggled for more than a year with workforce shortages that have slowed project timelines and increased costs.
Previous research cited by NAHB, conducted in partnership with the University of Denver and the Home Builders Institute, estimates the industry loses approximately $10.8 billion annually due to a lack of skilled workers.
As construction demand fluctuates and workforce gaps persist, industry leaders increasingly view immigrant labor as a key factor in maintaining project pipelines and supporting future growth.
Originally reported by Daniel Banta in Scotsman Guide.
.png)
.png)
