Construction Workforce Shortages Continue in the Carolinas

As construction workforce shortages remain a challenge across the U.S., Carolinas AGC (CAGC) and the CAGC Foundation continue investing in workforce development efforts designed to build a stronger pipeline of skilled workers throughout North Carolina and South Carolina.

The latest workforce survey from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC of America) and NCCER shows that finding qualified workers remains difficult even as portions of the construction market soften. Growing data center construction and tighter labor availability are adding additional pressure to an already competitive workforce environment.

According to the 2026 AGC/NCCER Workforce Survey:

• 87 percent of firms report openings for hourly craft positions and 82 percent have openings for salaried positions.

• Half of respondents say available candidates lack the skills, certificates or licenses needed for construction positions.

• 42 percent of firms report project delays caused by shortages of their own workers or subcontractors' workers.

• Nearly half of firms have increased engagement with high schools, colleges and Career and Technical Education programs.

• Data center construction is also increasing competition for skilled workers and putting additional pressure on wages.

South Carolina contractors are experiencing similar challenges as North Carolina as firms compete for skilled workers and navigate a tightening labor supply.

Immigration enforcement is having a particularly significant impact across the South. Forty-two percent of Southern respondents reported at least one direct or indirect workforce impact from immigration enforcement activity, compared with 29 percent nationally.

"The national survey highlights what we know locally: you can't build South Carolina's future without investing in home-grown talent," said Leslie Clark, COO and VP of SC External Affairs, Carolinas AGC. With federal immigration policy tightening labor supply across the South, our state's priority must be expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) in high schools and technical colleges. Construction is a high-paying, first-choice career, and we need to train South Carolinians to fill those positions today."