Finding good construction workers is harder than ever these days. With 92% of construction companies having trouble finding qualified people and needing almost 439,000 more workers in 2025, knowing how to hire construction workers the right way can make or break your business. The old ways of hiring just don't work anymore in today's tough market.
Here's what's making things so difficult: construction jobs are up 9% compared to before COVID, but we still can't find enough skilled workers to do all the work. Workers are now making $38.30 per hour on average - that's more than manufacturing workers who make $34.10. When wages keep going up like this, you need to be smart about how you hire construction workers so you don't waste time or money.
The good news is that there are proven ways to find and hire great workers, even in this crazy competitive market. This guide will walk you through exactly what you need to do, step by step, to build the skilled team your projects need to succeed.
What's Really Happening in Today's Job Market
Before we jump into the hiring steps, let's talk about why finding workers is so tough right now. Understanding the problem helps you deal with it better.
The biggest issue is that construction workers are getting older. By 2030, the average construction worker will be 46 years old. At the same time, younger people aren't as interested in construction jobs as they used to be. This creates a big gap between the workers we need and the workers we have.
To make things worse, changes in immigration laws have made it harder to find workers. About one out of every eight construction workers in America is undocumented, so tighter immigration rules mean fewer available workers.
But here's the thing - construction workers for hire are still out there if you know where to look and how to attract them. Today's workers want different things than workers from 20 years ago. They care more about having a good balance between work and life, getting good benefits, and having chances to grow in their careers.
Step 1: Figure Out Exactly What You Need
The first step to successfully hire construction workers is getting really clear about what you actually need. Too many companies mess this up by not thinking it through properly.
Start by looking at your upcoming projects. Think about things like:
- How long will each project take?
- What specific skills do you need?
- Will you need more people during busy seasons?
- How quickly do you need people to start?
- How much can you afford to pay?
Don't just write generic job ads that say "looking for construction workers." Be specific. If you need someone who can operate a crane, say that. If you need someone with electrical experience, mention that. The more specific you are, the better candidates you'll attract.
Think about creating different types of job openings for different skill levels. For new workers, you might focus more on attitude and willingness to learn. For experienced workers, you'll want specific certifications and years of experience.
Before writing job descriptions, familiarize yourself with popular types of construction worker jobs in 2024 to understand current market demands and skill requirements.
Here's a pro tip: talk to your current workers about what they think you need. They know the job better than anyone and can help you write better job descriptions.
Step 2: Make Your Company Look Good
In today's market where construction workers for hire have lots of options, your company's reputation matters more than ever. Good workers research companies just like you research workers before hiring them.
Start by figuring out what makes your company special. Do you have great safety training? Do you work on really cool projects? Do you treat workers better than other companies? Whatever it is, make sure people know about it.
Your website is super important here. Make sure it clearly shows what it's like to work for your company. Include photos of your projects and quotes from happy employees if you can. Social media like Facebook and LinkedIn are also great ways to show off your company culture.
Safety is a big deal in construction. Workers know that 259 construction workers died on the job in 2018, and new workers are more likely to get hurt. If you have a good safety record, definitely talk about it. Workers want to know they'll go home safe every day.
Don't forget that your current workers are your best advertising. When they're happy, they tell their friends about your company. Focus on making your workers happy, and they'll help you find more good people.
Step 3: Use Multiple Ways to Find Workers
Finding good people takes more than one approach. If you only use one method, you’ll miss out on great candidates. The best construction companies know that when it comes time to hire construction workers, you need a mix of strategies working together.
Job Boards and Websites
Sites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter can bring in applicants, but they often attract people from all industries, not just construction. That means you’ll waste time sorting through the wrong resumes. A staffing agency that specializes in construction workers for hire can cut through the noise and connect you directly with the skilled workers you actually need.
Referral Programs
Your current team knows who’s reliable. Set up a referral program that rewards workers for recommending people who stick around. It’s a simple way to bring in trusted hires without wasting time on people who aren’t serious.
Trade Schools and Training Programs
Local trade schools and technical programs are training the next generation of workers. Partnering with them gives you access to motivated people who want real-world experience. A staffing agency can help you tap into this pipeline, giving you a steady source of fresh talent when you need to hire construction workers fast.
Industry Networking
Relationships still matter in construction. Trade shows, association meetings, and community events are great for meeting potential workers. But instead of relying only on who you meet, a staffing agency gives you ongoing access to a wide network of pre-screened construction workers for hire, so you’re never scrambling to fill a role when a project kicks off.
Step 4: Write Job Ads That Get Attention
Your job posting is often the first thing potential workers see about your company. Boring, generic postings don't attract good people - they might even push them away.
Good construction job postings should include:
Clear Job Titles: Use titles that people actually search for. "Experienced Commercial Electrician" is much better than "Electrical Professional."
Details About the Project: Tell people about the specific projects they'll work on. Many skilled workers get excited about interesting or challenging work.
Pay and Benefits: Be honest about how much you pay and what benefits you offer. In today's market, people expect this information upfront.
Growth Opportunities: Talk about how people can advance their careers at your company.
Company Culture: Give people a feel for what it's like to work at your company.
Location and Schedule: Be specific about where they'll work and what hours they'll work.
Keep your job postings easy to read. Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs. Remember that many people look at job postings on their phones, so keep things simple.
Step 5: Screen and Interview the Right Way
This is where you separate the good candidates from the ones who won't work out. In construction, you need to check both technical skills and whether someone will fit in with your team.
Start with a Phone Call
Begin with a phone or video call to check basic things like:
- Do they have the experience they claim?
- Do they have the right certifications?
- Can they work the hours you need?
- Do their salary expectations match what you can pay?
- Can they get to your job sites?
Test Their Skills
For skilled jobs, consider having people show you what they can do. This might mean asking them to demonstrate a technique or solve a common job site problem. This helps you make sure they can actually do the work they say they can do.
For specialized positions requiring extensive training and certification, such as learning how to become a crane operator, thorough skills verification becomes even more critical during the screening process.
Meet in Person
Face-to-face interviews are still important in construction. They let you see how professional someone is and whether they'll fit in with your team. Good questions to ask include:
- "Tell me about a tough project you worked on and how you handled problems"
- "How do you make sure you stay safe on the job?"
- "Give me an example of when you worked with a team to solve a problem"
- "What interests you about working for our company?"
Check References
Always call previous employers and do background checks. This is especially important in construction because of safety concerns. Make sure their licenses and certifications are real and up to date.
Step 6: Offer Good Pay and Benefits
In today's competitive market, your pay package can make the difference between getting good workers and losing them to someone else. Construction workers for hire have choices, and they'll usually pick the company that offers the best deal.
Do Your Research
Before making job offers, find out what other companies in your area are paying for similar jobs. Construction wages can be very different depending on where you are and what type of work you do. Check government websites and industry surveys to make sure your offers are competitive.
Think About Total Value
Don't just think about hourly wages. Consider everything you offer:
- Base pay per hour or salary
- Overtime pay and opportunities
- Bonuses for good performance
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off and holidays
- Training and certification help
- Tool allowances or company tools
Benefits That Construction Workers Really Want
Some benefits are especially important to construction workers:
- Good health insurance (because the work can be hard on your body)
- Disability insurance for work injuries
- Flexible schedules when possible
- Training and career development
- Safety bonuses and recognition
- Travel pay for workers who have to drive between job sites
Step 7: Get New Workers Started Right
A good first experience is crucial for keeping new workers. Studies show that almost half of all construction accidents happen to workers with less than one year of experience, so good orientation and training are super important.
Contact Them Before They Start
Reach out to new hires before their first day to welcome them and give them important information like:
- When and where to show up
- What documents to bring
- What to wear and what safety gear they need
- What to expect on their first day
Focus on Safety First
Construction orientation must focus on safety. Cover your company's safety rules, emergency procedures, and specific dangers they might face. Make sure new workers understand that safety is the most important thing.
Help Them Fit In
Help new workers understand your company culture and what you expect from them. Give them a mentor or buddy to help them through their first few weeks. This personal connection helps new people feel welcome and supported.
Set Clear Expectations
Make sure new workers know exactly what you expect from them from day one. This includes quality standards, how much work they should get done, how to communicate with supervisors, and how to behave professionally.
Step 8: Keep Good Workers Happy
Hiring people is only half the job - keeping them is just as important. High turnover costs money and messes up projects, so you need to think about keeping workers when you hire them.
Help Them Grow Their Careers
Give people clear ways to advance at your company. This might include:
- Skills training and certification programs
- Leadership training for promising workers
- Cross-training in different areas
- Help paying for relevant education
Recognize Good Work
Set up ways to recognize and reward good performance:
- Safety awards and bonuses
- Raises and promotions based on performance
- Employee of the month programs
- Celebrations when projects are completed
Work-Life Balance
While construction work can be demanding, look for ways to give people better work-life balance:
- Flexible scheduling when possible
- Predictable time off
- Less weekend work when you can manage it
- Family-friendly company events
Talk to Your Workers Regularly
Keep communication open with your team. Regular check-ins and performance reviews help you catch and fix problems before people decide to quit.
Advanced Strategies for Really Tough Hiring Situations
When it's especially hard to find workers, try these advanced strategies:
Hire-Train-Deploy Programs
Partner with schools to create programs where you hire people before they're fully trained, teach them what they need to know, and then put them to work on your projects. This gives you access to more people while making sure they have exactly the skills you need.
Look Beyond Your Local Area
Don't just look for local workers. Many skilled people are willing to move for the right job, especially if you help with moving costs or temporary housing.
Use Technology to Help
Use technology to make hiring easier:
- Software to track job applications
- Mobile-friendly application processes
- Video calls for first interviews
- Online skills testing
- Automated background checks
Partner with Staffing Companies
While building your own hiring process is important, working with construction staffing agencies can give you extra help during busy times or when you need to fill particularly hard positions.
When traditional methods fall short, specialized agencies can help you find skilled workers fast for your next project through their established networks and streamlined processes.
How to Tell If Your Hiring Is Working
Keep track of important numbers to see if your hiring efforts are working:
How Long It Takes to Fill Jobs
Track how long it takes from posting a job to someone starting work. For skilled positions, 30-45 days is typical.
How Much Hiring Costs
Add up all the costs of hiring including ads, time spent interviewing, background checks, and training new people.
Quality of New Hires
Look at how well new people perform, how long they stay, and how satisfied their supervisors are to see if you're attracting the right people.
Which Methods Work Best
Keep track of which ways of finding people give you the best candidates so you can focus on what works.
Your Action Plan for Hiring Success
Learning how to hire construction workers in today's tough market takes a smart, well-planned approach. With the construction industry needing almost half a million more workers in 2025, having good hiring practices is more important than ever for business success.
But here's the thing - you don't have to figure this out all by yourself. Let's break down exactly what you need to do to start winning the hiring game, step by step.
The 8 Essential Steps You Can't Skip
The most important things to remember from this guide are built around eight key areas that successful construction companies focus on:
- Know exactly what you need - Don't just post "looking for construction workers" and hope for the best
- Make your company look attractive to workers - Your reputation is everything in this tight market
- Use multiple ways to find people - One job board isn't enough anymore
- Write great job postings - Generic ads get generic results
- Screen candidates thoroughly - The wrong hire can cost you big time
- Offer competitive pay and benefits - Good workers have options, so give them reasons to choose you
- Focus on keeping good workers happy - Hiring is expensive, so retention saves money
- Track what's working - Measure your results so you can keep improving
Why This Approach Actually Works in Today's Market
You might be wondering, "Will all this extra effort really make a difference?" The answer is absolutely yes, and here's why:
Companies that master these eight steps will have big advantages over competitors who still use old-fashioned hiring methods. With construction workers for hire having more choices than ever, the businesses that provide the best hiring experiences, competitive packages, and growth opportunities will get the best workers.
Common Questions About This Hiring Approach:
"This sounds like a lot of work. Do I really need to do all eight steps?" Think of it this way - would you start a construction project without a complete plan? Hiring is the same. Skipping steps might save time upfront, but it usually costs more money and headaches later. You don't have to do everything perfectly right away, but having a plan for all eight areas gives you the best chance of success.
"How long will it take to see results from this approach?" Most companies start seeing better candidates within 2-3 weeks of improving their job postings and expanding their sourcing methods. Building a strong employer brand takes 2-3 months, but the investment pays off with higher-quality applicants and better retention rates.
"What if I'm a small company competing against bigger construction firms?" Small companies actually have some advantages here. You can move faster, make decisions quicker, and often provide more personal attention to workers. Focus on what makes your company special - maybe it's interesting projects, better work-life balance, or opportunities to learn different skills.
"How much should I budget for implementing these hiring strategies?" The cost varies depending on your company size and needs, but most small to medium construction companies spend about $2,000-5,000 per month on effective hiring efforts. This includes job board fees, referral bonuses, and maybe some help from a recruiter. Remember, the cost of a bad hire or not finding workers at all is usually much higher.
What Happens When You Get This Right
When you follow this systematic approach to hire construction workers, several good things start happening:
- Your projects stay on schedule because you have the right people when you need them
- Word spreads that you're a good company to work for, making future hiring easier
- You spend less time scrambling to find workers and more time managing successful projects
- Your existing workers stay happier because they're not constantly overworked due to short staffing
- You can take on bigger projects with confidence, knowing you can staff them properly
The Competitive Edge You'll Gain
Here's what really sets apart companies that get hiring right from those that don't:
- Speed: While competitors are still posting generic job ads, you'll have multiple sourcing channels bringing you qualified candidates
- Quality: Your thorough screening process means you get skilled, reliable workers instead of just warm bodies
- Retention: Your focus on employee satisfaction means workers stay longer, reducing costly turnover
- Reputation: Happy workers become your best recruiters, creating a positive cycle of quality referrals
- Growth: With reliable access to skilled labor, you can confidently bid on larger, more profitable projects
Your Next Steps Starting Today
Don't try to do everything at once. Pick one or two areas to focus on first:
- If you need workers immediately: Start with Step 3 (multiple sourcing strategies) and Step 6 (competitive compensation)
- If you're planning for the future: Begin with Step 1 (defining needs) and Step 2 (employer branding)
- If you're having retention problems: Focus on Step 7 (onboarding) and Step 8 (keeping workers happy)
The key is to start somewhere and keep building. Every improvement you make puts you ahead of competitors who are still hiring the same old way they did 10 years ago.
Remember, in today's market where construction workers for hire can be picky about where they work, being good at hiring isn't just nice to have - it's essential for survival and growth.
The Bottom Line: Your Investment in Better Hiring Pays Off
Investing time and effort into developing good hiring processes pays off through less turnover, better project results, and stronger competitive position. As finding workers gets even harder, companies with effective hiring strategies will be better able to take on bigger projects and grow their businesses.
Tower Eight Staffing knows exactly how challenging construction hiring is in today's competitive Florida market. Our special approach to help you hire construction workers combines deep knowledge of the industry with proven strategies that help construction companies build strong, skilled teams quickly and efficiently. Whether you need temporary help for projects or long-term workforce solutions, our complete staffing services can help you navigate the complex hiring landscape and get the skilled workers your projects need.
Contact us today to see how our construction staffing expertise can give your company the competitive edge you need to succeed in this challenging market.
This article was originally published on June 30, 2023 and has been updated on September 5, 2025 to provide the most accurate and relevant information.