Construction workers who change jobs are earning higher pay increases than those in any other sector, highlighting the growing value of specialized trade skills amid ongoing labor shortages. An analysis by human resources and payroll company ADP, based on payroll transaction data from more than 14.8 million employees over a 12-month period, found that construction job-switchers posted year-over-year pay growth of 12.9% in June 2026, the highest among all industries. The median gross salary for these workers reached over $59,100, significantly above the $43,200 median for all job changers during the same month.

The surge in construction wages stems from longstanding supply and demand dynamics. Construction hiring has outpaced overall job growth since at least 2014, making the sector one of the fastest-growing in terms of employment outside trade, transportation, and utilities, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite gains in employment, the construction industry continues to face a worker shortage, giving employees leverage to negotiate substantial pay raises when moving between jobs. Nela Richardson, ADP’s chief economist and head of research, noted that this trend underscores how developing specialized trade expertise can serve as a lucrative career path.

Several factors contribute to the labor scarcity. A notable decline in the median age of core trades such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and HVAC technicians indicates that older workers are retiring or leaving the profession. Since January 2020, the median age of these tradespeople has dropped by as much as five years, while the overall median age for U.S. workers has only declined by one year. This attrition puts additional pressure on the industry to replenish its workforce.

The recent boom in data center construction projects has further amplified demand for skilled labor. Although these projects represent less than 2% of the overall construction industry, they have a strong “halo effect,” creating spillover demand for workers in residential and infrastructure segments. The American Institute of Architects and the Brookings Institution cite data centers as driving an 11% increase in local construction employment over five to six years in some regions.

Looking ahead, the construction sector is expected to maintain strong hiring trends and rising wages. ADP’s analysis shows an increase in the proportion of new hires in the industry—from 3.6% of total employment between 2019 and 2025 to 4.6% so far in 2026—reflecting growing efforts by both public and private entities to expand apprenticeship and training programs. Employers outside construction are also establishing initiatives to address the talent deficit.

With these developments, experts suggest that pursuing trade skills offers a viable and financially rewarding alternative to traditional college education pathways. As Richardson summarized, specialized trades have emerged as the “it” career in terms of pay growth during this period, making skilled labor an increasingly attractive option for job seekers.