Alberta’s construction industry is a key economic engine, from housing starts to major non-residential and engineering projects. In 2022 it contributed $17.4 billion to provincial GDP, and in 2023 total construction investment climbed to $28.5 billion. This page also covers labour-market changes, workforce diversity, safety and training, and what upcoming demand may mean for job openings.
Key Takeaways
- Construction GDP contribution in Alberta was $17.4 billion in 2022, 7.2% of provincial GDP
- Total construction investment in Alberta reached $28.5 billion in 2023, up 12% from 2022
- Residential construction added $8.2 billion to Alberta GDP in 2022
- In 2022, the construction industry in Alberta employed 173,200 workers, representing 8.7% of total provincial employment
- Alberta's construction workforce grew by 4.2% year-over-year in 2023, adding 7,100 jobs primarily in residential and non-residential sectors
- Women accounted for 13.5% of Alberta's construction workforce in 2022, up from 11.8% in 2019, with gains in skilled trades roles
- Engineering construction contracts awarded: $15.2 billion, Alberta 2022
- Number of residential building permits issued in Alberta: 45,200 in 2023
- Major oil sands projects under construction: 12 projects valued at $25 billion total, Alberta 2023
- Lost-time injury frequency rate in Alberta construction: 1.2 per 200,000 hours worked in 2022
- Fatalities in construction: 28 incidents in Alberta 2022, 42% fall-related
- Musculoskeletal injuries: 35% of all construction claims in Alberta, 2023 data
- Construction employment forecast: 185,000 workers needed by 2032 in Alberta, +7% growth
- Residential construction outlook: 22,000 annual starts projected 2024-2028 Alberta
- Non-residential investment forecast: $32 billion annually average 2024-2033 Alberta
Alberta’s construction sector is expanding fast, with rising investment and jobs despite ongoing workforce and safety challenges.
Related reading
01 · Category
Economic Impact22 stats
01
Construction GDP contribution in Alberta was $17.4 billion in 2022, 7.2% of provincial GDP
02
Total construction investment in Alberta reached $28.5 billion in 2023, up 12% from 2022
03
Residential construction added $8.2 billion to Alberta GDP in 2022
04
Non-residential construction revenue: $45.6 billion in Alberta, 2023 preliminary
05
Engineering construction GDP impact: $6.9 billion, 2022 Alberta data
06
Construction sector multiplier effect generated $52 billion in total economic output for Alberta in 2022
07
Average construction firm revenue in Alberta: $12.4 million annually, 2023 survey
08
Taxes paid by Alberta construction industry: $3.8 billion in 2022, including GST and corporate
09
Construction exports from Alberta services: $1.2 billion in 2023, mainly to US and BC
10
Oil sands construction spending contributed $9.1 billion to GDP, Alberta 2022
11
Pipeline projects added $2.4 billion economic impact in Alberta construction, 2023
12
Institutional building construction revenue: $4.7 billion, Alberta 2022
13
Industrial construction GDP share: 28% of sector total in Alberta, 2023
14
Commercial construction output: $7.3 billion, Alberta 2022 data
15
Construction productivity growth in Alberta: 1.8% annually 2018-2022
16
Total assets of Alberta construction firms: $156 billion in 2022
17
R&D spending by Alberta construction: $420 million in 2023, 0.9% of revenue
18
Construction inflation rate in Alberta: 6.5% in 2023, driven by materials
19
Sector profit margins averaged 4.2% for Alberta construction firms in 2022
20
Value of construction put-in-place: $26.8 billion in Alberta 2023
21
Residential permits value: $12.1 billion in Alberta, 2023
22
Non-residential building permits: $8.9 billion, Alberta 2023
Interpretation
Economic Impact Interpretation
In Alberta, the construction sector’s economic impact is clear with $17.4 billion in GDP contribution in 2022 and $28.5 billion in total construction investment in 2023, and its multiplier effect expanded that activity into $52 billion of total economic output for the province.
02 · Category
Employment29 stats
01
In 2022, the construction industry in Alberta employed 173,200 workers, representing 8.7% of total provincial employment
02
Alberta's construction workforce grew by 4.2% year-over-year in 2023, adding 7,100 jobs primarily in residential and non-residential sectors
03
Women accounted for 13.5% of Alberta's construction workforce in 2022, up from 11.8% in 2019, with gains in skilled trades roles
04
Indigenous workers made up 7.2% of Alberta construction employees in 2021, concentrated in trades like carpentry and equipment operation
05
Average hourly wage for construction workers in Alberta reached $35.67in Q4 2023, 15% above national average due to oil sands demand
06
Construction apprentices in Alberta numbered 28,400 in 2022, with 65% in industrial and commercial trades
07
Youth aged 15-24 comprised 22.3% of Alberta's construction hires in 2023, driven by entry-level labourer positions
08
Self-employed construction workers in Alberta totaled 42,500 in 2021, 24% of total sector employment
09
Unionized construction workers represented 38.4% of Alberta's sector workforce in 2022, highest in heavy civil engineering
10
Immigrants filled 19.6% of Alberta construction jobs in 2023, with peaks in welding and electrical trades
11
Visible minorities accounted for 25.1% of Alberta construction employees in 2021 census data
12
Construction unemployment rate in Alberta was 6.8% in 2023, below national 7.5% due to infrastructure boom
13
Alberta construction firms reported 12,400 job vacancies in Q3 2023, vacancy rate of 7.2%
14
Older workers (55+) made up 18.9% of Alberta construction workforce in 2022, facing retirement wave of 15,000 by 2025
15
Electrical trade employment in Alberta construction hit 15,200 in 2023, up 8% YoY
16
Plumbers and pipefitters numbered 12,100 in Alberta construction, 2022, with 3,200 apprentices
17
Heavy equipment operators in construction reached 18,500 employed in Alberta, 2023
18
Carpenters employed 22,400 in Alberta construction industry, 2022 data
19
Labourers in construction totaled 45,600 in Alberta, representing 26% of workforce, 2023
20
Supervisors in construction management: 9,800 employed in Alberta, 2022
21
Welders in construction: 14,300 jobs in Alberta, 2023, driven by pipeline projects
22
Construction estimators and managers: 7,200 employed, average salary $105,000,Alberta 2023
23
Ironworkers: 4,100 in Alberta construction, 2022
24
Painters and decorators: 8,500 employed in Alberta construction sector, 2023
25
Roofers: 3,200 jobs in Alberta construction, vacancy rate 5.8%, 2023
26
Sheet metal workers: 5,600 in Alberta, 2022
27
Bricklayers: 2,900 employed, Alberta construction 2023
28
Insulators: 2,400 in construction workforce, Alberta 2022
29
Glaziers: 1,800 jobs, Alberta construction industry 2023
Interpretation
Employment Interpretation
In 2022, Alberta’s construction industry employed 173,200 people and expanded again in 2023 with a 4.2% year over year workforce increase, adding 7,100 jobs mainly in residential and non residential areas.
03 · Category
Projects20 stats
01
Engineering construction contracts awarded: $15.2 billion, Alberta 2022
02
Number of residential building permits issued in Alberta: 45,200 in 2023
03
Major oil sands projects under construction: 12 projects valued at $25 billion total, Alberta 2023
04
Highway and road construction contracts: $3.4 billion awarded in Alberta 2023
05
New single-family home starts: 18,500 units in Alberta 2023
06
Multi-family starts: 12,400 units, Alberta 2023
07
Hospital and healthcare construction projects: 8 active, $2.1 billion value, Alberta 2022-2023
08
School construction investments: $1.8 billion for 25 new facilities, Alberta 2023
09
Renewable energy construction (wind/solar): $4.2 billion in projects, Alberta 2023
10
TMX pipeline construction phase completion: 98% complete, $30.9 billion total cost impact to Alberta, 2023
11
Industrial expansions in petrochemicals: 5 projects worth $6.5 billion, Alberta 2023
12
Data center constructions: 3 new facilities, $1.2 billion investment, Alberta 2022-2024
13
Retail commercial developments: 42 projects, $900 million value, Alberta 2023 permits
14
Bridge and culvert projects: 150 contracts, $850 million, Alberta transportation 2023
15
Water treatment plant upgrades: 22 projects, $1.1 billion total, Alberta municipalities 2023
16
Affordable housing initiatives: 5,200 units under construction, $1.4 billion funded, Alberta 2023
17
Stadium and arena builds/renos: 7 projects, $650 million, Alberta 2022-2023
18
Mining infrastructure projects: 9 sites, $3.2 billion, Alberta 2023
19
Airport expansions: Edmonton and Calgary terminals, $1.5 billion combined, 2023
20
Total value of construction starts: $31.2 billion in Alberta 2023
Interpretation
Projects Interpretation
From the projects perspective, Alberta is actively scaling delivery with $15.2 billion in engineering construction contract awards in 2022 alongside ongoing mega oil sands work with 12 projects worth $25 billion in 2023, while residential construction remains robust with 18,500 new single-family starts and 12,400 multi-family starts in the same year.
More related reading
04 · Category
Safety20 stats
01
Lost-time injury frequency rate in Alberta construction: 1.2 per 200,000 hours worked in 2022
02
Fatalities in construction: 28 incidents in Alberta 2022, 42% fall-related
03
Musculoskeletal injuries: 35% of all construction claims in Alberta, 2023 data
04
Safety training certifications: 145,000 CSTS tickets issued to Alberta construction workers in 2023
05
Heat-related incidents: 450 cases reported in Alberta construction summer 2023
06
Crane-related incidents: 12 serious events, Alberta construction 2022
07
PPE compliance rate: 92% in audited Alberta construction sites, 2023 OHS inspections
08
Fall protection violations: 1,800 citations issued in Alberta construction, 2022
09
Trenching collapse incidents: 5 fatalities, Alberta construction 2020-2023 average
10
Drug and alcohol testing positive rate: 4.1% in Alberta construction sites, 2023
11
Mental health claims: 12% increase to 2,800 cases in Alberta construction, 2022-2023
12
Silica exposure violations: 320 notices, Alberta construction 2023
13
Electrical shock incidents: 67 reported, 3 fatalities, Alberta construction 2022
14
Vehicle incidents on site: 1,200 claims, $45 million cost, Alberta construction 2023
15
Confined space entries: 2 fatalities, 45 injuries, Alberta construction 2022
16
Hearing loss claims: 890 accepted, Alberta construction workers 2023
17
OHS inspections conducted: 18,500 on Alberta construction sites in 2023
18
Stop-work orders issued: 2,100 to construction firms, Alberta 2022
19
Administrative penalties: $12.5 million levied on construction sector, Alberta 2023
20
Near-miss reporting: 15,400 incidents logged via Alberta construction safety app, 2023
Interpretation
Safety Interpretation
Alberta’s construction safety picture shows progress but clear risk areas, with a lost-time injury frequency rate of 1.2 per 200,000 hours in 2022 while musculoskeletal injuries account for 35% of claims in 2023 and heat and crane events still produced 450 and 12 serious cases respectively in recent summers.
05 · Category
Trends15 stats
01
Construction employment forecast: 185,000 workers needed by 2032 in Alberta, +7% growth
02
Residential construction outlook: 22,000 annual starts projected 2024-2028 Alberta
03
Non-residential investment forecast: $32 billion annually average 2024-2033 Alberta
04
Labour shortage projected: 22,000 unfilled construction jobs by 2029 in Alberta
05
Modular construction adoption: Expected 25% of residential by 2027 in Alberta
06
Green building certifications: 15% increase to 450 LEED projects in Alberta by 2025 forecast
07
Digital twin tech adoption: 40% of large Alberta projects by 2026
08
Prefab component use: Rising to 35% in commercial construction Alberta 2024-2028
09
EV charging infrastructure builds: 5,000 stations planned 2024-2027 Alberta construction
10
BIM software usage: 78% of Alberta contractors by 2025 projection
11
Carbon capture projects: 10 new in construction phase by 2030, Alberta forecast
12
Workforce aging trend: 25% retirement by 2031, needing 45,000 replacements Alberta construction
13
Skilled trades demand growth: 12% for electricians 2023-2032 Alberta
14
Infrastructure spending forecast: $45 billion public 2024-2029 Alberta
15
Housing shortage driving: 250,000 units needed by 2030, construction boom Alberta
Interpretation
Trends Interpretation
Under the Trends lens, Alberta’s construction sector is set to expand quickly with 185,000 workers needed by 2032 and a projected 22,000 unfilled jobs by 2029, even as growth also shifts toward solutions like modular building reaching 25% of residential by 2027 and a 15% rise to about 450 LEED projects by 2025.
report visual · Key figures
Alberta construction’s economic impact is rising
Construction investment and activity are expanding, amplifying GDP contribution and total economic output.
12%
Total construction investment in Alberta reached $28.5 billion in 2023, up 12% from 2022
7.2%
Construction GDP contribution in Alberta was $17.4 billion in 2022, 7.2% of provincial GDP
$52 billion
Construction sector multiplier effect generated $52 billion in total economic output for Alberta in 2022
report visual · Key figures
Alberta construction employment: growth into 2023
The construction workforce in Alberta expanded in 2023, reflecting rising hiring after earlier workforce composition benchmarks.
8.7%
In 2022, the construction industry in Alberta employed 173,200 workers, representing 8.7% of total provincial employment
4.2%
Alberta's construction workforce grew by 4.2% year-over-year in 2023, adding 7,100 jobs primarily in residential and non
6.8%
Construction unemployment rate in Alberta was 6.8% in 2023, below national 7.5% due to infrastructure boom
7.2%
Alberta construction firms reported 12,400 job vacancies in Q3 2023, vacancy rate of 7.2%
report visual · Comparison
Alberta construction: major project segments by investment/value
Construction value is concentrated across several key segments, led by large-scale engineering and major energy projects.
Total value of construction starts: $31.2 billion in Alberta 2023$31.2 billion
Major oil sands projects under construction: 12 projects valued at $25 billion total, Alberta 2023$25 billion
Engineering construction contracts awarded: $15.2 billion, Alberta 2022$15.2 billion
Industrial expansions in petrochemicals: 5 projects worth $6.5 billion, Alberta 2023$6.5 billion
Renewable energy construction (wind/solar): $4.2 billion in projects, Alberta 2023$4.2 billion
Highway and road construction contracts: $3.4 billion awarded in Alberta 2023$3.4 billion
report visual · Key figures
Alberta construction safety signals (recent years)
Safety-related indicators show a mix of reported incident types and prevention activity across 2022–2023.
200,000
Lost-time injury frequency rate in Alberta construction: 1.2 per 200,000 hours worked in 2022
92%
PPE compliance rate: 92% in audited Alberta construction sites, 2023 OHS inspections
4.1%
Drug and alcohol testing positive rate: 4.1% in Alberta construction sites, 2023
12%
Mental health claims: 12% increase to 2,800 cases in Alberta construction, 2022-2023
2,100
Stop-work orders issued: 2,100 to construction firms, Alberta 2022
15,400
Near-miss reporting: 15,400 incidents logged via Alberta construction safety app, 2023
report visual · Key figures
Alberta Construction Outlook: Growing Demand, Skills Pressure, and Digital Adoption
Forecasts and technology adoption point to steady demand growth alongside a growing labour and workforce replacement challenge.
7%
Construction employment forecast: 185,000 workers needed by 2032 in Alberta, +7% growth
22,000
Labour shortage projected: 22,000 unfilled construction jobs by 2029 in Alberta
78%
BIM software usage: 78% of Alberta contractors by 2025 projection
40%
Digital twin tech adoption: 40% of large Alberta projects by 2026
25%
Workforce aging trend: 25% retirement by 2031, needing 45,000 replacements Alberta construction
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Samuel Norberg. (2026, February 13). Alberta Construction Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/alberta-construction-industry-statistics
MLA
Samuel Norberg. "Alberta Construction Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/alberta-construction-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Samuel Norberg. 2026. "Alberta Construction Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/alberta-construction-industry-statistics.
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