Construction sector drives job growth amid skilled labor shortages

The construction sector is driving significant employment growth in Brazil, particularly in the state of Bahia. Between January and July 2026, Bahia created 56,291 new formal jobs, with the construction industry accounting for 13,436 of them—approximately 24% of the total. In Salvador and its metropolitan region, real estate activity has surged, with new launches increasing by 68% in Salvador compared to July 2025.

Despite this expansion, the industry faces a critical shortage of skilled labor. Data from the CBIC indicates that roughly 90% of construction companies report difficulties in hiring qualified workers, such as civil engineers, technicians, foremen, and electricians. Furthermore, a survey by FGV found that 40% of companies experience “much difficulty” filling specialized roles, particularly in finishing and installation phases. This labor gap has led to project delays, increased costs, and challenges in maintaining service quality.