Hispanic workers drive growth in U.S. construction labor force

The U.S. construction industry is facing a significant labor shortage, with the Associated Builders and Contractors estimating a need for approximately 349,000 net new workers this year. A survey by the Associated General Contractors of America and the National Center for Construction Education and Research indicates that 92 percent of contractors are struggling to fill open positions.

Data from the 2024 American Community Survey shows that Hispanic workers now represent 32.8 percent of the construction labor force, nearly one-third of the industry. This is significantly higher than their 19.9 percent share of the overall U.S. workforce. Between 2010 and 2024, the number of Hispanic workers in construction rose from 2.5 million to nearly 4 million.

Participation varies by region, with the highest concentrations in the South and West. In New Mexico, Hispanic workers make up 65.6 percent of the construction workforce, followed by Texas at 61.3 percent and California at 59.7 percent. Together, Texas, California, and Florida employ 51 percent of the nation’s Hispanic construction labor force.