UPDATED 5 Jun 2026
"Key Business Trends for US Contractors in 2026," a new research study from CMiC and Dodge Construction Network, reveals how contractors are navigating economic uncertainty, workforce shortages, and policy disruption based on real-world survey data from 262 US general and trade contractors.
With 91% of contractors already feeling the cost impact of tariffs, 72% losing skilled workers, and only 36% reporting effective use of technology on their projects, the margin for error has never been smaller. Yet 74% remain optimistic. This report delivers the benchmarking data construction executives need to understand where the industry stands and what it takes to stay competitive.
What You'll Learn:
The pressures shaping contractor priorities in 2026:
Why aggressive competitive pricing is the top challenge for 84% of contractors
How 82% report compressed schedules and 80% face post-bid material cost increases
What's driving backlog uncertainty, with small contractors hit hardest: only 8% report feeling very positive about current backlog levels
How contractors are responding to workforce and policy challenges:
Why 72% are losing skilled workers, with 76% citing retirement and 58% citing competitor poaching
How 78% believe ongoing tariffs will negatively affect overall US construction volume
Which policy actions the 72% of contractors anticipating negative impacts fear most
What the most resilient contractors are doing differently:
How large firms outpace small ones on financial health, with 58% reporting excellent standing versus just 20% of small firms
Why 64% are shifting to more selective bidding as their primary growth strategy
Where the biggest opportunity gaps remain, including technology adoption, where only 36% report effective use on projects
Complete the form to download the report: Key Business Trends for US Contractors in 2026.