Construction Needs 349,000 New Workers in 2026. The Data Center Boom Can't Wait for Them
- Posted on September 8, 2026
- By International Business Times
- 1 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
The construction industry faces a critical labor shortage, with demand for 349,000 additional workers expected by 2026. According to Deloitte's latest research, failing to address this gap could result in $124 billion in economic losses and a deficit of over two million skilled tradespeople by 2028. The data center sector's rapid expansion intensifies this challenge, as competing industries scramble for limited workforce resources, threatening project timelines and infrastructure development across multiple sectors.
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Construction Needs 349,000 New Workers in 2026. The Data Center Boom Can't Wait for Them
Deloitte puts the cost of not closing the workforce gap at $124 billion in lost output and a shortfall of more than two million skilled trade workers by 2028.
