AGC survey: More than 90% of NC contractors
having trouble filling skilled craft positions
North Carolina Construction News staff writer
More than nine in 10 North Carolina contractors re-
port they are having “a hard time filling some or all po-
sitions” for construction tradespeople, according to a
survey from the Associated General Contractors (AGC)
of America and
Autodesk. The story for salaried positions is a little less severe
— with 73 percent saying they are having trouble filling
openings, but that discrepancy is explained by the fact
that many contractors simply don’t need more salaried
workers right now.

2019 Workforce Survey Results
North Carolina Results
Total responses: 33, but number varies by question. Percentages are based on responses other than “Don’t know”
for each question.

1. In the next 12 months, do you expect your firm will hire additional or replacement:
Yes, for expansion
100% 90%
80% The sample size isn’t huge — only 33 — but the data
suggests only six percent of contractors are having “no
difficulty in filling any positions.”
The AGC data suggests that the labor shortage in
North Carolina is sightly more severe than the nation as
a whole at 80 percent.

AGC officials said the industry was taking a range of
steps to address the situation but called on federal offi-
cials to takes steps to assist those industry efforts.

4 — AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 — The North Carolina Construction News
23% 25%
25% 24%
7% 70%
60% 31%
36% 50%
40% The detailed 2019 AGC workforce
survey results for North Carolina
No 3%
30% 72%
70% 20%
45% 39%
10% 0%
Hourly craft personnel
Hourly office personnel
Salaried field personnel
Salaried office personnel
2. How would you describe your current situation in filling salaried and hourly craft positions?
91% We are having a hard time filling some or all
positions 73%
6% 6%
We are having no difficulty filling any positions
3% We have no openings for positions
21% 0%
10% 20%
Craft 30%
Salaried 40%
50% 60%
70% 80%
90% 100%