New York remains a solid construction market in the U.S., and while skyscrapers and often steal the spotlight, it’s the heavy civil construction sector that forms the backbone of the state’s infrastructure. From roads and bridges to tunnels and rail, heavy civil contractors are busier than ever, and the demand for skilled workers is reaching critical levels.
According to the New York Building Congress, total construction spending across all sectors in New York City was forecast to reach $83 billion in 2023 alone. Over the three-year period from 2023 to 2025, the Building Congress projects total spending to hit $261 billion, proving just how intense the demand will be for civil contractors and skilled labor.
Major Projects Increasing Hiring Demand
A range of large-scale projects across the state highlight why contractors are scrambling for talent:
1. Gateway Program: A $16 billion program that will construct new Hudson River rail tunnels and rehabilitate existing ones, directly impacting thousands of civil construction jobs and due to be completed around 2035.
2. Metro-North Penn Station Access: This $3 billion project will extend Metro-North service to Penn Station, requiring extensive bridge, track, and tunnel work. Completion is due for 2028-2029.
3. I-81 Viaduct Project (Syracuse): Involves removing the elevated highway and replacing it with a street-level boulevard, this $2.25 billion project will keep heavy civil crews busy till summer 2026.
These projects and more, combined with Governor Kathy Hochul’s record-setting $32.8 billion five-year capital plan for the NYS Department of Transportation, ensure that civil contractors will be at capacity for the foreseeable future.
The Labor Shortage
While opportunities are prevalent, the availability of experienced heavy civil professionals is falling short of demand. A 2024 survey by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) found that 52% of New York contractors reported difficulty finding available candidates that are not qualified to work in the industry.
This shortage has ripple effects like delays, higher project costs, and increased pressure on existing teams. As older workers retire, the talent gap is growing, especially in civil specialties that require years of experience with complex infrastructure work.
Louis Malcher, Head of the Northeast for Civil Construction at MKH Search, explains:
“Right now, the competition for skilled heavy civil workers in New York is more intense than I’ve ever seen and I’ve worked the market for years. Clients are desperate for Superintendents, Project Managers, and Estimators who know bridges, roads, and underground utilities - firms that don’t move quick enough on strong talent and risk losing them.”
Rising Wages and Opportunities
To attract and retain talent, contractors are offering competitive salaries and benefits. According to our latest 2025 New York Civil Construction Salary & Talent Insights Guide, average base salaries for experienced heavy civil Superintendents in upstate NY range from $90,000 to $125,000 and in NYC from $130,000 to $180,000.
Beyond compensation, many firms are also offering:
1. Flexible schedules to reduce burnout.
2. Training programs for young professionals to learn heavy civil skills.
3. Retention bonuses for experienced workers to stay through the duration of multi-year projects.
How Contractors and Workers Can Respond
While the shortage of skilled civil workers causes challenges, there are clear steps both employers and professionals can take:
For Contractors:
1. Streamline hiring processes to secure talent before competitors do - delays of even a few days can result in losing favorite candidates.
2. Invest in training and mentorship programs to build your own pipeline of heavy civil talent, especially for junior engineers and foremen who can be upskilled into critical roles.
3. Consider partnering with search firms like MKH Search, which specialize in civil construction recruitment and have access to passive candidates not actively looking but open to the right opportunity.
For Construction Professionals:
1. Take advantage of the high demand by exploring projects that align with your career goals and by understanding the booming civil construction sectors.
2. Focus on expanding your skills in safety management, DOT specifications, and advanced construction technology, which are increasingly sought after on major civil projects.
3. Stay informed about compensation trends and regional hiring activity so you can negotiate effectively and make well-timed career moves.
The State of the Market
Sector performance has been uneven over the past five years. Highway and transportation infrastructure continues to thrive, buoyed by sustained state and federal investment — including $2.4B spent in 2024 alone on lane miles and bridge rehabilitation. Water and wastewater treatment is also booming, driven by population growth and environmental funding. Site development is active, particularly for data centers and clean energy infrastructure, though it's challenged by rising land costs and permitting delays. Solar had a surge during the pandemic and is still showing momentum, with landmark projects like the 10 MW solar + battery system at Wards Island. Meanwhile, aviation is rebounding from a steep pandemic decline, helped by major upgrades like JFK’s $19 billion transformation. In contrast, paving and dam construction remain under pressure due to high material costs and shifting funding priorities. In 2025, the market rewards contractors with strategic foresight — those aligned with growth areas are gaining ground, while others face headwinds from tariffs, financing constraints, and volatility in private development.
What next?
To help both companies and professionals navigate New York’s booming civil construction market, our latest 2025 New York Civil Construction Salary & Talent Insights Guide offers actionable data on salaries, market trends, and hiring challenges. Download your copy today for the insights you need to build smarter teams or plan your next career move.
Download today from our MKH Insights page.
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