2026 CBIZ National Construction Industry Survey is Released

Last month CBIZ released its 2026 CBIZ National Construction Industry Survey,  providing valuable insights from construction executives across the country regarding the opportunities and challenges shaping our industry today.

The survey reveals a sector that remains remarkably resilient, with strong backlogs and continued growth opportunities in infrastructure, energy, and data center markets. At the same time, contractors continue to navigate labor shortages, increasing competition, tariff-related challenges, and evolving technology—including the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence.

Some of the key findings include:

• 74% of contractors reported stable or growing backlogs
• Labor shortages remain the industry’s top concern
• Operational efficiency is the leading strategic priority
• Nearly half of firms are actively implementing or piloting AI
• Concerns over project cancellations and competitive bidding continue to rise
• Succession planning and ownership transition strategies remain important topics for business leaders

Whether you’re focused on growth, profitability, workforce planning, technology adoption, or preparing your business for transition, this year’s survey provides valuable benchmarking data and practical insights from your peers across the construction industry.

The findings reinforce what many of us are seeing firsthand: the most successful contractors are investing in operational excellence, financial visibility, technology, and strategic planning to position themselves for long-term success.