Commercial construction jobs play a critical role in keeping property development and maintenance projects moving forward. When contractors are hiring, it means projects are being greenlit, funded, and built. For commercial property managers and contractors alike, understanding labor trends offers valuable insight into the broader health of the industry.
According to a recent report from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the commercial construction sector added thousands of new jobs in April 2025 despite economic headwinds. This blog breaks down what those numbers mean, why they matter, and what property managers should watch moving forward.
Recent Job Growth in Commercial Construction
In April 2025, the U.S. construction industry added 11,000 jobs overall. Out of these, 8,000 jobs came from the nonresidential, or commercial, side of the construction market. This is a meaningful increase considering the challenges contractors are facing.
The data showed the following breakdown within nonresidential construction:
- Nonresidential specialty trade contractors added 4,900 jobs
- Nonresidential building construction added 3,600 jobs
- Heavy and civil engineering construction lost 500 jobs
This growth in commercial construction jobs reflects active investment and continued development in key markets such as office buildings, retail centers, and mixed-use properties.
Why the Growth Continues Despite Headwinds
Job gains in April came during a time when many contractors are navigating higher interest rates, restricted lending standards, and supply chain concerns. Yet hiring continues because of strong backlogs and stable demand for commercial work.
ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu noted that the April data likely reflects conditions before the full effects of recent trade policy decisions set in. He also mentioned that most contractors remain optimistic about near-term growth based on backlog levels and project pipelines.
This outlook is supported by ABC’s Construction Confidence Index, which consistently shows positive readings for sales, staffing, and profit margins. This signals that even with external economic challenges, many contractors expect to stay busy.
Unemployment Trends in Construction
One potential concern is the construction unemployment rate, which rose to 5.6% in April. For comparison, the national unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%.
That gap doesn’t necessarily signal a downturn. Construction employment often fluctuates due to seasonality. For example, some outdoor projects pause or slow in colder climates and pick up again in spring and summer months. April’s increase in commercial construction jobs could represent the start of seasonal hiring trends.
It’s also important to look at unemployment figures alongside job creation. An industry can have rising unemployment and still be adding jobs if the workforce is growing and more people are entering the sector.
Regional Differences and Sector-Specific Insights
While national numbers provide a helpful overview, construction job trends can vary by region. States with large-scale infrastructure spending, population growth, or warehouse and data center demand are seeing faster gains in commercial projects.
For instance, the Sun Belt region continues to experience steady growth in distribution centers and mixed-use developments. In the Pacific Northwest, commercial tech hubs and health care expansion are fueling job creation.
The Dodge Construction Network reported earlier in 2025 that manufacturing-related construction remains a strong driver of commercial activity. Projects such as semiconductor facilities and electric vehicle plants are creating long-term demand for both skilled labor and project managers.
Future Outlook for Commercial Construction Jobs
Several long-term trends are expected to support continued growth in commercial construction jobs. These include:
- Federal Infrastructure Spending: The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is still producing significant funding opportunities for commercial contractors. As funds flow into transportation, energy, and broadband projects, many firms are hiring to keep up with demand.
- Green Building and Energy Retrofits: More commercial property owners are pursuing LEED certification or installing energy-efficient systems. These upgrades often require specialized contractors and are helping sustain job growth.
- Labor Shortages: Despite positive hiring trends, many contractors report difficulty filling open roles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that construction will remain one of the top job-producing sectors through 2032.
- Technology Adoption: The use of project management software, drones, and 3D modeling is creating new types of roles on commercial job sites. While some of this tech can improve efficiency, most commercial projects still require hands-on labor from licensed professionals.
What This Means for Property Managers
For commercial property managers, hiring trends in construction can affect everything from scheduling to budgeting. When the labor market is strong, it may be easier to find contractors but harder to schedule them quickly. Delays can push project timelines and impact tenant satisfaction.
Managers may also see price increases due to higher wages or workforce shortages. These costs should be factored into planning for buildouts, repairs, or major upgrades.
Property managers can benefit by securing contractors early and using networks that connect them directly with professionals ready to work. Job boards or services that focus on commercial projects help reduce the risk of delays or quality concerns.
What This Means for Commercial Contractors
For contractors, a growing job market signals opportunity. Increased demand can lead to bigger crews, larger bids, and stronger revenue. But it also creates pressure to compete for talent.
Contractors that invest in workforce development or training programs may be better positioned to win jobs. By having crews ready to go, they can take advantage of fast-moving opportunities.
The rise in commercial construction jobs also reflects how contractors are responding to new building codes, technology changes, and client expectations. Firms that adapt quickly will likely gain market share.
How Property Managers Can Find Contractors
With commercial construction activity on the rise, finding qualified contractors is more important than ever. Platforms like Property Manager Insider make this easier by giving property managers direct access to a network of professionals who are available and qualified for the job.
Our BidSource tool lets managers post projects and get matched with contractors based on scope, location, and availability. This helps avoid delays, simplifies procurement, and connects managers with reliable partners who are already working in commercial spaces.
Especially during a tight labor market, using a tool like BidSource can reduce risk and keep projects on schedule.
Visit Property Manager Insider for More of the Latest Industry Insights
Commercial construction jobs are on the rise in 2025. April brought encouraging signs that contractors are hiring and staying busy, even with economic challenges. Property managers should take note of these trends and plan accordingly.
From national job data to regional shifts in demand, everything points to continued strength in the construction labor market. That means more opportunities, but also more competition for skilled workers.
To stay ahead, property managers can use digital tools like Property Manager Insider to find and connect with trusted contractors. Staying informed and planning early will help keep commercial projects moving forward.
Visit Property Manager Insider for the latest industry news. If you’re ready to start a new project, use our BidSource tool to connect with qualified commercial contractors who are ready to get to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are commercial construction jobs increasing despite higher interest rates and tighter lending?
Many contractors have strong backlogs and active project pipelines, which help sustain hiring even amid economic challenges. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the Construction Confidence Index shows positive readings for sales, staffing, and profit margins, indicating that contractors expect to stay busy despite external economic challenges.
2. What does the rise in construction unemployment mean for property managers?
In April 2025, the construction unemployment rate rose to 5.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.2%. This increase doesn’t necessarily indicate a downturn, as construction employment often fluctuates due to seasonality. For instance, outdoor projects may pause in colder climates and resume in warmer months. The rise could also reflect more workers entering the industry, which can be a sign of growth.
3. How can property managers secure contractors during a tight labor market?
With increased demand for commercial construction, finding qualified contractors can be challenging. Property managers can benefit by securing contractors early and using networks that connect them directly with professionals ready to work. Platforms like Property Manager Insider’s BidSource tool allow managers to post projects and get matched with contractors based on scope, location, and availability, helping to avoid delays and simplify procurement.
