As the U.S. construction sector continues to surge, a new analysis from heavy machinery parts supplier Astrak highlights the cities best positioned to support and attract skilled workers in 2025. Phoenix, Ariz.; Raleigh, N.C.; and Austin, Texas top the list, offering the strongest mix of employment opportunities, wage momentum and long-term project pipelines.
.jpg)
The report arrives at a time of rapid expansion across the industry. Total U.S. put-in-place construction spending is expected to reach roughly $2.23 trillion in 2025, according to ConstructConnect’s latest outlook. FMI Corp. projects an approximately 2% year-over-year increase, signaling continued steady investment despite economic pressure from interest rates and inflation.
However, workforce availability remains tight. Associated Builders and Contractors reports the U.S. construction sector had 188,000 job openings at the end of August — the lowest level in more than a decade based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Even with demand rising, firms face significant challenges hiring enough skilled professionals to meet schedules and project volume.
To determine the strongest markets for construction labor, Astrak evaluated cities based on construction’s percentage of the local workforce, year-over-year job growth, housing permit activity and median salaries. The findings reveal several regions — particularly in the Sun Belt — where construction careers are thriving.
Phoenix leads the ranking thanks to its robust labor market and major private development activity. 8.4% of its workforce is employed in construction, tied for the second-highest share nationally. The city also posted 6.9% annual job growth, the highest of any market analyzed.
Much of that demand is connected to megaprojects such as the $7 billion Halo Vista development, expansive semiconductor manufacturing investments and ongoing residential growth. With 21.4 housing units per 1,000 existing homes permitted and median wages at $55,438, Phoenix is offering both “opportunity and stability” for workers.
.png)
Raleigh ranks second, also with 8.4% of its workforce in construction. Employment grew 5.5% year-over-year, supported by major commercial and infrastructure efforts, including the $1 billion Raleigh Sports and Entertainment District.
The city leads the country in new housing, with 28.8 authorized units per 1,000 existing homes — a sign of its rapid population growth. The median construction wage sits at $50,802, keeping Raleigh competitive with larger metros.
Austin continues to draw construction professionals thanks to its strong economy and large transit, residential and mixed-use builds. 7.7% of its workforce is employed in the industry, while 6.4% job growth ranks second nationwide.
Housing permitting remains high as well, with 28.6 new units per 1,000 homes — the second-highest rate among U.S. cities. Its median wage of $50,799 keeps pace with regional peers as companies scale up to support the region’s influx of residents and employers.
With all three leading cities positioned for years of expansion, Astrak U.S. commercial director Calum Mair said momentum in the trades isn’t slowing:
“Construction is in a healthy place right now. Cities like Phoenix, Raleigh, and Austin are seeing steady growth, with plenty of work and good pay on offer. For skilled tradespeople, it is a great time to be in the industry—there is demand, stability, and room to build a proper career. Our U.S. distribution network is fully stocked to ensure construction companies have immediate access to the critical machinery parts needed to keep their projects running and America thriving.”
Economists say attractive wages and accelerated project schedules could drive more career-seekers into the trades — a workforce investment that will be critical as cities continue expanding through 2030 and beyond.
Originally reported by Tanja Kern, Senior Strategic Content Editor in Roofing Contractor.
