Phoenix, Ariz.; Raleigh, N.C.; and Austin, Texas, have emerged as the top destinations for construction workers in 2025, offering the best combination of job growth, employment opportunities, and competitive wages in the industry, according to a new analysis by heavy machinery parts supplier Astrak.

The rankings come as the broader U.S. construction sector experiences robust expansion. Total U.S. put-in-place construction spending is forecast to reach approximately $2.23 trillion in 2025, according to ConstructConnect. That is up about 2% year-over-year in 2025, according to FMI Corp. 

In contrast, the U.S. construction industry reported 188,000 job openings at the end of August, marking the lowest level in more than a decade, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey.

With construction demand on the rise, Astrak analyzed which U.S. cities offer the best opportunities for construction workers. Their ranking considered several factors, including the share of local employment in construction, year-over-year job growth, new housing units authorized per 1,000 existing homes, and median construction salaries. 

Chart: Astrak

Phoenix takes the top spot as the best city for construction employees, with 8.4% 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%, fueled in part by large-scale projects like 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. 

Ranked second, Raleigh also boasts 8.4% of its workforce in construction, tying it with Phoenix for the second-highest percentage. Its construction employment grew 5.5% year over year, placing it fifth among U.S. cities, and major projects like 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 ranks third for construction employees, with 7.7% of its workforce in the industry, placing it seventh nationwide. The city recorded a 6.4% year-over-year increase in construction jobs, the second highest of any city on the list, driven in part by major initiatives like 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," said Calum Mair, commercial eirector at Astrak U.S. "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. 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.” 

Infographic: Astrak