News Summary
Eagle Woodworking’s recent survey ranks Illinois, Washington, and New Jersey as the leading states for contractors, based on adjusted wages, employment demand, and new construction activity. Illinois tops the list with the highest number of active projects and wages for skilled trades, followed closely by Washington and New Jersey. This trend highlights the evolving landscape of the construction industry as public sector initiatives gain prominence over private projects.
Recent Survey Names Top States for Contractors
A recent survey by Eagle Woodworking has identified Illinois, Washington, and New Jersey as the best states for contractors, evaluating factors such as adjusted wages, employment demand, and new construction activity. The study reflects a shifting construction landscape, highlighting a notable decline in private sector projects while public sector initiatives are on the rise.
Illinois Takes the Lead
Illinois emerged as the top state with a perfect score of 100, boasting over 5,000 active construction projects. The state’s wages for plumbers, electricians, and carpenters are among the highest in the nation. Plumbers in Illinois earn over $93,000, electricians make nearly $77,000, and carpenters earn just below $65,000.
Demand for skilled labor remains robust in Illinois, with job demand for carpenters standing at 3.99 per 1,000 jobs, followed closely by electricians at 3.64 and plumbers at 2.82. This strong demand, along with competitive wages, reinforces Illinois as a desirable location for professionals in the construction industry.
Washington Secures Second Place
Just behind Illinois, Washington ranked second with a score of 98.29 and more than 10,500 active projects. Electricians in Washington earn approximately $77,330, while plumbers see earnings of just over $72,000, and carpenters make about $65,576.
The demand for carpenters is particularly impressive in Washington, reported at 8.2 per 1,000 jobs. In comparison, electricians are in demand at 5.38 and plumbers at 3.1. This high level of demand for carpenters indicates a thriving construction sector committed to building new projects.
New Jersey Rounds Out the Top Three
New Jersey secured third place with a score of 94.24 and has over 11,000 active projects underway. In the Garden State, plumbers earn more than $85,000, while electricians and carpenters earn just under $70,000. The state offers a competitive environment for skilled trades, with ample opportunities for job seekers.
Nationwide Trends in Demand and Wages
Nationwide, carpenters are the most in-demand trade, leading in nearly 30 states overall. A significant demand for plumbers and electricians is also apparent across various states, indicating that skilled labor is highly sought after.
Texas stands out with more than 74,000 ongoing construction projects, primarily focusing on commercial construction and energy-related work. Meanwhile, both California and Florida are emerging leaders in urban development, infrastructure, and housing projects, which has further fueled the demand for skilled labor across these states.
Factors Influencing Contractor Appeal
The construction industry rankings were influenced primarily by wage power. Each of the top three states exhibited different trades leading in adjusted wages, underscoring the economic vitality of these regions. Certain states have also enhanced their training programs, placing a focus on safe working conditions, fair wages, and strong benefits, especially in union apprenticeship programs.
Future Outlook
Despite a downturn in the construction industry as projected for 2025, areas like California and Texas maintain strong job demand for skilled workers. This indicates a potential resilience in certain segments of the industry that may mitigate broader trends of decline.
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Additional Resources
- Kiro 7: Top States for Contractors
- Wikipedia: Construction Industry
- The Missouri Times: Building Missouri’s Workforce
- Google Search: Construction Workforce Training
- Roofing Contractor: OSHA Safety Changes
- Google Scholar: OSHA Safety Changes
- Frost Brown Todd: Ohio Construction Contractor Selection
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
- Herald-Dispatch: Contractor for Cyber Security Facility
Author: Construction CA News
The CALIFORNIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructioncanews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in California and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rose Parade, Coachella, Comic-Con, and the California State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the California Building Industry Association and Associated General Contractors of California, plus leading businesses in technology and entertainment that power the local economy such as Apple and Alphabet. As part of the broader network, including constructionnynews.com, constructiontxnews.com, and constructionflnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape across multiple states.
