Best Cities in the Construction Industry in 2025
Understanding regional talent markets is crucial for successful recruitment in the booming 2025 construction industry.
With urban expansion and sustainable building driving growth, skilled workers are in high demand.
We've used U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data to provide hiring managers with key insights into the best cities for construction talent in 2025, analyzing job markets, salary trends, and cost of living.
Factors Considered in Ranking
To determine the best cities for construction workers, we evaluated:
Job demand – The number of open construction jobs and projects in progress.
Salary potential – Average wages for construction workers and specialists.
Cost of living – The affordability of housing, transportation, and everyday expenses.
Infrastructure investment – Cities with major upcoming projects.
Top Cities for Construction Jobs in 2025
1. Phoenix, Arizona
Driven by pro-business policies and an affordable cost of living, Phoenix is experiencing a significant real estate boom, both residential and commercial. This, combined with its favorable year-round construction climate and expanding infrastructure, makes it a leading destination for construction investment.
Why it’s great:
Strong residential and commercial real estate demand.
Rapidly growing transportation and infrastructure projects.
Consistently high wages and strong job security.
According to recent reports, 7.4% of Phoenix’s workforce is employed in construction, one of the highest in the nation.
Average Construction Worker salary: $47,120.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas continues to be a major hub for commercial and hospitality construction, fueled by its tourism-driven economy.
Ongoing casino and resort expansions, along with increased housing developments, make it an attractive option for construction professionals. The city's push for large-scale infrastructure improvements is also creating steady job opportunities.
Why it’s great:
Expanding commercial real estate and infrastructure projects.
Booming residential sector catering to the city's rapid population growth.
Affordable housing compared to other major metro areas.
7.4% of total employment in construction, reflecting a high concentration of industry jobs.
Average Construction Worker salary: $51,900.
3. Houston, Texas
The oil and gas industry is the backbone of Houston's economy, leading to substantial infrastructure and commercial construction projects. This, combined with ongoing residential development and a lower cost of living, makes Houston a prime spot for construction.
Why it’s great:
Major oil, gas, and infrastructure projects provide continuous job opportunities.
Large-scale public and private investment in development projects.
Cost of living remains relatively low for a major metro area.
7.2% employment in construction.
Average Construction Worker salary: $46,520.
4. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, California
This Southern California region is experiencing rapid population growth, which has led to increased demand for housing and infrastructure. Its proximity to major economic hubs makes it a prime area for the construction industry.
Why it’s great:
Strong housing demand and infrastructure expansion.
Competitive wages and proximity to major West Coast hubs.
Expanding public transportation and road improvement projects.
7.2% employment in construction.
Average Construction Worker salary: $62,720.
5. Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, California
Government projects and urban development are propelling Sacramento's construction sector. The city's investment in public transit and sustainable development, coupled with its more affordable housing market, is drawing significant construction activity and workforce to the region.
Why it’s great:
Continued growth in commercial and residential development.
Thriving infrastructure expansion projects.
Increasing focus on environmentally friendly construction projects.
7.2% employment in construction.
Average Construction Worker salary: $62,720.
6. Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina
Raleigh is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Southeast, with a booming housing market and ongoing investments in commercial projects. The city’s economic stability makes it a promising location for construction jobs. Additionally, North Carolina’s low cost of living and favorable business climate add to its appeal.
Why it’s great:
Rapid population growth fueling housing and infrastructure needs.
Strong economic environment and affordability.
Continued investment in high-tech and commercial infrastructure.
7.1% employment in construction.
Average Construction Worker salary: $43,300.
7. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City has become a hub for construction due to its increasing population and business-friendly environment. Major transportation and commercial projects are creating steady job opportunities for construction workers.
Why it’s great:
Expanding infrastructure and commercial developments.
Business-friendly environment leading to job growth.
Strong focus on green building practices and renewable energy projects.
7.0% employment in construction.
Average Construction Worker salary: $47,632.
8. Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colorado
Denver’s construction industry benefits from steady demand in housing, infrastructure, and commercial projects. With a high concentration of skilled labor and growing wages, it remains an excellent location for workers. The city continues to invest in transit and mixed-use developments, enhancing its construction job market.
Why it’s great:
Consistently high wages for construction professionals.
Significant real estate development projects.
Rapid growth in public transportation and smart city initiatives.
6.8% employment in construction.
Average Construction Worker salary: $37,882.
9. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Portland’s increasing focus on sustainable development has made it a leading city for eco-friendly construction.
With continued urban redevelopment projects, skilled construction workers are in high demand. The region is also experiencing growth in infrastructure resilience projects.
Why it’s great:
Strong growth in urban redevelopment and infrastructure projects.
Increasing demand for skilled labor.
Leading city in sustainable and net-zero construction projects.
6.8% employment in construction.
Average Construction Worker salary: $61,155.
10. Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville has one of the fastest-growing housing markets in Florida, with infrastructure improvements creating steady work for construction professionals.
The city’s affordability makes it an attractive option for workers looking to relocate. Additionally, Jacksonville is benefiting from new logistics and port expansion projects.
Why it’s great:
Fast-growing housing market and infrastructure investments.
High demand for specialized construction trades.
Expanding shipping and logistics infrastructure boosting job opportunities.
6.7% employment in construction.
Average Construction Worker salary: $37,080.
To effectively build your construction workforce, consider cities experiencing economic growth, infrastructure investment, and housing market expansion. These areas offer the strongest talent pools. Factors like competitive wages, high demand, and cost of living significantly influence worker location decisions.
Talent Traction can strategically connect your company with top-tier construction professionals in these high-growth cities, ensuring your projects are staffed with the best.
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