The U.S. construction industry saw total 2025 spending climbing to $2.2 trillion, a 2 percent increase from 2024. Alongside this growth, the job market has expanded marginally, with 96,000 new construction jobs added this year, representing a 1.2 percent increase from the previous year.
Astrak, a global supplier of undercarriage and wear parts for heavy machinery, analyzed which U.S. cities offer the best opportunities for construction workers. These rankings considered several factors, including the share of local employment in construction, year-over-year job growth, the number of new housing units authorized per 1,000 existing homes, and median construction salaries.
Based on these criteria, the top five cities for construction workers are:
| City | Percent of Employment in Construction | YoY Change in Construction Employment | New Housing Units Authorized per 1,000 Existing Homes | Median Wage for Construction Employees | Total Points (out of 100) |
| 1. Phoenix | 8.4% | 6.9% | 21.4 | $55,438 | 86.68 |
| 2. Raleigh | 8.4% | 5.5% | 28.8 | $50,802 | 79.19 |
| 3. Austin | 7.7% | 6.4% | 28.6 | $50,799 | 76.69 |
| 4. Sacramento | 9.3% | 2.8% | 11.9 | $66,261 | 75.03 |
| 5. Indianapolis | 6.7% | 6.4% | 12.6 | $65,375 | 66.70 |
Phoenix, Ariz.
Phoenix takes the top spot as the best city for construction employees, with 8.4 percent of its workforce in the industry, tied for the second-highest share overall. The city also leads the nation in year-over-year construction job growth at 6.9 percent, fueled in part by large-scale projects such as the planned $7 billion Halo Vista development. With 21.4 new housing units authorized per 1,000 existing homes and a median construction wage of $55,438, Phoenix offers both opportunity and stability for workers.
Raleigh, N.C.
Ranked second, Raleigh also boasts 8.4 percent of its workforce in construction, tying it with Phoenix for the second-highest percentage. Its construction employment grew 5.5 percent year over year, placing it fifth among U.S. cities, and major projects such as the $1 billion Raleigh Sports and Entertainment District are driving further momentum. Raleigh tops the nation in housing growth with 28.8 new units per 1,000 existing homes, and workers earn a median wage of $50,802.
Austin, Texas
Austin ranks third for construction employees, with 7.7 percent of its workforce in the industry, placing it seventh nationwide. The city recorded a 6.4 percent year-over-year increase in construction jobs, the second highest of any city on the list, driven in part by major initiatives such as the $7.1 billion Project Connect Light Rail. With 28.6 new housing units per 1,000 existing homes, the second highest overall, and a median wage of $50,799, Austin remains a prime destination for construction professionals.
“Construction is in a healthy place right now. Cities like Phoenix, Raleigh, and Austin are seeing steady growth, with plenty of work and good pay on offer. For skilled tradespeople, it is a great time to be in the industry – there is demand, stability, and room to build a proper career,” says Calum Mair, commercial director at Astrak U.S. “Our U.S. distribution network is fully stocked to ensure construction companies have immediate access to the critical machinery parts needed to keep their projects running and America thriving.”
