Construction Statistics

In 2019, 11.4 million U.S. workers were employed in construction, a 25% increase since 2011.1 Employment growth was even more pronounced among Hispanic construction workers, rising by more than half (55%) during this period.1 Construction workers are more likely to be male (90.8% versus 53.2%), Hispanic (28.6% versus 16.4%), and foreign-born (24.7% versus 17.1%) than the general U.S. workforce.2 Falls remain the leading cause of work-related deaths in construction, accounting for more than one in three (36.4%) of the total number of fatalities in this industry (401 of the 991 construction fatalities recorded in 2019 were falls to a lower level).1 The number and proportion of fatalities from struck-by incidents (170; 15.4%) and electrocutions (79; 7.2%) decreased from 2018 to 2019, while the number of fatalities due to caught-in/between incidents (59; 5.4%) remained relatively constant.1 Fatalities among Hispanic construction workers are particularly concerning, with the number of fatal injuries rising about 90% from 2011 to 2019, outpacing their employment growth in the industry during the period.1 Small employers with fewer than 20 employees accounted for 75% of fatal falls between 2015 and 2017, despite making up only 39% of construction payroll employment.3

CPWR—The Center for Construction Research and Training Data Reports

CPWR’s Data Center works to share timely, relevant, and data-driven information with the construction industry. Their newest publication is the Data Bulletin, published six times a year. Click here to access CPWR’s Data Reports.

CPWR Chart Book

The sixth edition of The Construction Chart Book – The U.S. Construction Industry and Its Workers continues to present the most complete data available on all facets of the U.S. construction industry: economic, demographic, employment/income, education/training, and safety and health issues, plus much more all in one place.

This new edition not only offers on-demand access to the charts and data, but also includes interactive features that enhance the user’s experience. Users can click on terms to access definitions instantly, and easily enlarge charts and tables within each page. References, citations, and databases are also hyperlinked to enable users to further explore these sources.

Cover page of the Construction Chart Book, 6th edition