SMACNA: 90% of Member Contractors Report Labor Shortages
CATEGORY
Workforce
BODY
The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association reported in April 2026 that 90% of its member contractors are facing labor shortages. SMACNA noted the workforce pipeline is not keeping pace with demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady need for HVAC and sheet metal workers. Growth is driven by infrastructure investment, green energy retrofits, and increasingly complex modern construction projects.
If you're struggling to fill positions, you're not alone. The problem won't solve itself as demand continues to grow.
Start tracking how long it takes your existing crews to complete common jobs. Then identify one bottleneck you can eliminate with better scheduling, prefabrication, or field technology. This increases output without adding headcount.
Key Takeaways:
- 90% of SMACNA contractors currently face labor shortages
- BLS projects continued steady demand for HVAC and sheet metal workers
- Infrastructure spending and green retrofits are driving increased labor needs
