The 2025 Hispanic Construction Report from the Hispanic Construction Council (HCC) sheds light on the current challenges and future trajectory of the U.S. construction industry, focusing on the critical issues of labor shortages, economic pressures, and the impact on the Hispanic workforce. The report underscores the essential role Hispanic workers play in the sector, both in terms of the labor force and as business owners driving innovation and economic growth.
The U.S. construction industry, valued at $2.5 trillion annually, continues to face a severe labor shortage, with over 500,000 open jobs and projections indicating the gap will exceed one million by 2030. This shortfall is exacerbated by an aging workforce and a lack of adequately trained workers, particularly in skilled trades like carpentry, electrical work, and construction management.
Hispanic workers currently make up 33.8% of the construction workforce, a share expected to increase significantly in the coming years. In 2023, Hispanic-owned construction businesses contributed nearly $779 billion in revenue, employing almost 4 million workers. However, these workers continue to face challenges, including wage disparities and unsafe working conditions, with Hispanic workers accounting for a significant portion of construction-related fatalities.
The report also highlights the economic pressures faced by the industry, particularly due to rising costs from tariffs on essential materials like steel and aluminum, which have driven up project costs. This has strained both large and small construction companies, particularly minority-owned businesses. Moreover, the potential loss of undocumented workers due to immigration policy changes poses a further threat to the sector’s stability.
The report calls for greater support for Hispanic workers and businesses, urging policymakers and industry leaders to address these issues by creating equitable opportunities, improving working conditions, and removing barriers to success. The HCC emphasizes the importance of a united effort to ensure Hispanic workers continue to thrive in the construction industry and contribute to its long-term growth and innovation.
Key findings of the 2025 Hispanic Construction Report
- Over 500,000 job openings in U.S. construction, projected to surpass one million by 2030.
- Hispanic workers account for 33.8% of the construction workforce, expected to rise to 35.2% by 2025.
- Hispanic-owned businesses generate $779 billion in revenue and employ nearly 4 million workers.
- Economic pressures, including rising construction costs due to tariffs, and challenges in workforce availability are significant barriers.
- The report urges coordinated action to address labor shortages, ensure safety, and promote diversity within the industry.
As Hispanic workers are expected to lead the construction industry in both employment and entrepreneurship by 2030, the report calls for strategic investments in workforce development, policies that address wage disparities, and improvements in labor conditions to support the growth and sustainability of the industry.
Originally reported by CBS 4 News.