There is no doubt that the construction industry continues to face various challenges, with a workforce that is aging and shrinking being at the top of the list. The fact that Gen Z and millennials are shying away from building careers in this field is making it harder for construction companies to fill vacant positions. Addressing the problem requires that you start by looking at why younger generations are less interested in the construction industry.
The Pay Factor
The top answer to, “Why does nobody want to work in construction?” is that many people outside the industry feel it does not pay well. This is far from the truth and something you need to highlight to the younger generations. Consider this – according to the ADP Research Institute (ADPRI), the construction industry’s average pay level stands at $68,700 in 2024, which is 4.9% higher than in 2023.
It is common for project managers of large companies to make over $100,000 per year, and construction superintendents can make upward of $200,000 per year. When it comes to construction laborers, mean wage estimates released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that they make a little over $49,000 per year.
Many Look Down Upon Manual Labor
One reason why younger generations are less interested in the construction industry is the misconception they hold, believing that construction work is very laborious. This is why you need to highlight that working on construction projects requires creativity as well as teamwork. You should also draw attention to the different roles on offer to show that there’s more to the industry than laying bricks and using wrecking balls. Examples can include:
- Project managers
- Procurement managers
- Finance managers
- BIM managers
- Construction superintendents
- Architects
- Engineers
- Estimators
- Surveyors
Lack of Technology
Another common reason why younger generations are less interested in the construction industry is that they feel it’s not technology-driven. Many remain unaware that this field has embraced innovation and digital integration for a long time, and that it relies heavily on modern technology. If you look at any leading construction company now, you’ll see that it uses artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality simulations, and building information modeling (BIM).
Not Flexible Enough
Gen Z and millennials tend to view flexibility in scheduling as an important factor when making career decisions. Given that remote work is not possible with most roles in the construction industry, younger generations are looking for other alternatives. As a result, attracting them requires offering appealing perks that include sick leaves and paid time off as well as maternity and paternity leaves. In addition, construction companies should try to create flexible work arrangements and integrate remote work options when possible.
Conclusion
Now that you know why younger generations are less interested in the construction industry, take time to understand what attracts people to the construction industry. For instance, since many still view construction as a man’s job, make sure your job postings are gender-inclusive and highlight that your company values diversity. In addition, you must showcase the earning potential, diverse career paths, and the ability to see tangible results.
