GITNUXREPORT 2026

Heavy Civil Construction Industry Statistics

The heavy civil construction industry is experiencing significant global growth and strong U.S. investment.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

U.S. construction employment totaled 8.1 million in September 2024, with heavy civil accounting for 1.2 million workers.

Statistic 2

Heavy civil construction workforce grew 4.2% YoY in 2023, adding 45,000 jobs.

Statistic 3

Average hourly wage in U.S. heavy civil construction: $38.50 in 2023.

Statistic 4

Labor shortage in heavy civil: 500,000 unfilled positions projected by 2026.

Statistic 5

Women represent 10.9% of heavy civil construction workforce in 2023, up from 9.5% in 2020.

Statistic 6

Union membership in U.S. heavy construction: 25.3% of workers in 2023.

Statistic 7

Average age of heavy civil workers: 42.7 years in 2023 survey.

Statistic 8

Turnover rate in heavy civil construction: 22% annually in 2023.

Statistic 9

Hispanic workers: 34% of U.S. heavy civil workforce in 2023.

Statistic 10

Training hours per heavy civil worker: 40 hours annually mandated in OSHA-compliant firms.

Statistic 11

Global heavy civil workforce: 15 million in 2023.

Statistic 12

U.S. heavy civil apprenticeships: 50,000 active in 2023.

Statistic 13

Overtime hours in heavy civil: average 5 hours/week per worker in 2023.

Statistic 14

Veteran employment in construction: 12% of heavy civil workforce.

Statistic 15

Productivity loss due to labor shortage: 15% in heavy civil projects 2023.

Statistic 16

Entry-level wage for heavy civil laborers: $22/hour in 2023 U.S. average.

Statistic 17

Canada heavy civil employment: 450,000 in 2023.

Statistic 18

EU heavy civil workers: 2.8 million in 2023.

Statistic 19

India construction workforce heavy civil: 8 million in 2023.

Statistic 20

Australia heavy civil jobs: 250,000 in 2023.

Statistic 21

Project managers in heavy civil: median salary $125,000 in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 22

Heavy equipment operators employment: 450,000 in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 23

Diversity index in heavy civil: improved to 0.45 in 2023 from 0.38 in 2020.

Statistic 24

Remote work adoption in heavy civil offices: 15% of management roles 2023.

Statistic 25

Injury-related absenteeism: 12 days/year average per heavy civil worker.

Statistic 26

U.S. spent $92 billion on highway infrastructure projects in 2023.

Statistic 27

48,000 bridges in U.S. classified as structurally deficient in 2023.

Statistic 28

Global tunnel length added in 2023: 1,200 km, mostly heavy civil.

Statistic 29

U.S. dam inventory: 91,000 structures, 2,500 high-hazard in 2023.

Statistic 30

High-speed rail projects under construction: 45,000 km globally in 2023.

Statistic 31

U.S. airport runway projects: 150 major in 2023, $8 billion invested.

Statistic 32

Port deepening projects: 25 U.S. harbors in 2023 under heavy civil.

Statistic 33

U.K. HS2 rail project length: 225 miles, 50% complete in 2023.

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China added 3,500 km highways in 2023 heavy civil.

Statistic 35

India new metro lines: 500 km commissioned in 2023.

Statistic 36

U.S. wastewater treatment plants upgraded: 1,200 in 2023.

Statistic 37

Global offshore wind foundations installed: 12 GW in 2023 heavy civil.

Statistic 38

Canada Trans-Canada Highway maintenance projects: 5,000 km in 2023.

Statistic 39

EU TEN-T core network projects: 300 ongoing in 2023.

Statistic 40

Australia Snowy 2.0 tunnel progress: 10 km bored in 2023.

Statistic 41

U.S. levee systems: 100,000 miles, 4,000 miles reinforced 2023.

Statistic 42

Brazil Belo Monte Dam capacity: 11,233 MW, completed phases 2023.

Statistic 43

Middle East desalination plants: 5 new heavy civil in 2023.

Statistic 44

U.S. rail bridge replacements: 2,500 in 2023.

Statistic 45

Global pipeline mileage added: 15,000 km oil/gas heavy civil 2023.

Statistic 46

U.K. Thames Tideway Tunnel: 25 km, 90% complete 2023.

Statistic 47

India Sagarmala port projects: 150 completed by 2023.

Statistic 48

U.S. IIJA-funded projects: 40,000 heavy civil starts 2023.

Statistic 49

The U.S. heavy civil construction market was valued at $248.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $325.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.9%.

Statistic 50

Global heavy civil engineering market size stood at $1.2 trillion in 2022, expected to grow to $1.8 trillion by 2032 at a CAGR of 4.2%.

Statistic 51

North American heavy construction sector revenue increased by 5.1% in 2023 to $312 billion.

Statistic 52

U.S. highway and street construction spending reached $52.4 billion in FY2023.

Statistic 53

The bridge construction segment of heavy civil market accounted for 28% of total revenue in 2023 globally.

Statistic 54

Heavy civil construction investments in Asia-Pacific grew by 6.8% YoY in 2023, reaching $450 billion.

Statistic 55

U.S. water and sewer line construction market valued at $45.7 billion in 2023.

Statistic 56

European heavy civil infrastructure market projected CAGR of 4.5% from 2024-2029, valued at €850 billion in 2023.

Statistic 57

U.S. heavy construction backlog hit $295 billion in Q4 2023.

Statistic 58

Dams and reservoirs segment grew 3.2% in 2023, contributing $120 billion globally.

Statistic 59

U.S. heavy civil market share of total construction: 22% in 2023, up from 20% in 2020.

Statistic 60

Rail infrastructure construction revenue: $38 billion in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 61

Airport construction segment valued at $65 billion globally in 2023.

Statistic 62

U.S. public heavy civil spending: $110 billion in FY2022 under IIJA.

Statistic 63

Heavy civil market in Middle East: $180 billion in 2023, CAGR 5.2% to 2028.

Statistic 64

Tunnel construction revenue grew 4.1% to $55 billion worldwide in 2023.

Statistic 65

U.S. heavy civil GDP contribution: 1.8% or $380 billion in 2023.

Statistic 66

Port and harbor construction market: $42 billion in 2023 globally.

Statistic 67

Canadian heavy civil market size: CAD 75 billion in 2023.

Statistic 68

U.S. power line construction (heavy civil): $25 billion in 2023.

Statistic 69

Global heavy civil market CAGR forecast 2024-2030: 5.0%.

Statistic 70

U.S. heavy construction starts up 7% in 2023 per Dodge Data.

Statistic 71

India heavy civil infrastructure spend: INR 11 trillion in FY2023.

Statistic 72

Australian heavy civil market: AUD 120 billion in 2023.

Statistic 73

U.K. heavy civil construction output: £45 billion in 2023.

Statistic 74

China heavy civil investment: CNY 8 trillion in 2023.

Statistic 75

Brazil heavy civil market recovery to $90 billion in 2023.

Statistic 76

South Africa heavy civil spend: ZAR 400 billion in 2023.

Statistic 77

Mexico highway construction: $15 billion in 2023.

Statistic 78

Heavy civil market digital transformation investment: $12 billion globally in 2023.

Statistic 79

Heavy civil fatality rate: 13.5 per 100,000 workers in 2023 U.S.

Statistic 80

OSHA citations in heavy civil: 12,500 in FY2023.

Statistic 81

Fall protection violations: 5,200 cases in construction 2023, 40% heavy civil.

Statistic 82

Global construction fatalities: 108,000 annually, 30% heavy civil.

Statistic 83

U.S. heavy civil struck-by incidents: 1,200 in 2023.

Statistic 84

Compliance rate with OSHA crane standards: 78% in heavy civil audits 2023.

Statistic 85

Heat-related illnesses in heavy civil: up 25% in 2023 summer.

Statistic 86

Trench collapse fatalities: 30 in U.S. construction 2023, mostly heavy.

Statistic 87

EU construction safety directive compliance: 92% in heavy civil 2023.

Statistic 88

Canada heavy civil lost-time injury frequency: 1.8 per 200,000 hours 2023.

Statistic 89

Insurance premium increases for heavy civil: 8% average in 2023 due to claims.

Statistic 90

Silica exposure violations: 2,100 in heavy civil 2023.

Statistic 91

Fatigue-related incidents: 15% of heavy civil accidents 2023.

Statistic 92

PPE usage rate: 95% in audited heavy civil sites 2023.

Statistic 93

Electrical hazards fatalities: 150 in construction 2023, 25% heavy civil.

Statistic 94

Australia heavy civil safety record: 4.2 TRIFR in 2023.

Statistic 95

U.K. CDM regulations breaches: 1,200 in heavy civil 2023.

Statistic 96

India construction safety audits: 65% compliance in heavy projects 2023.

Statistic 97

Heavy civil near-miss reporting: up 30% with digital tools 2023.

Statistic 98

Confined space incidents: 400 in U.S. heavy civil 2023.

Statistic 99

Drug/alcohol testing positive rate: 4.2% in heavy civil 2023.

Statistic 100

Weather-related delays safety impacts: 10% of incidents 2023.

Statistic 101

BIM adoption reduced safety incidents by 20% in heavy civil projects 2023.

Statistic 102

U.S. heavy civil sites with safety officers: 88% in 2023.

Statistic 103

Global heavy civil safety training investment: $5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 104

Drone usage for safety inspections: 45% of large heavy civil projects 2023.

Statistic 105

AI predictive safety analytics implemented in 15% heavy civil firms 2023.

Statistic 106

BIM implementation rate in heavy civil: 62% of projects in 2023 U.S.

Statistic 107

Modular construction adoption in heavy civil: 18% of bridge projects 2023.

Statistic 108

Renewable energy integration in heavy civil: 25% projects include solar/wind 2023.

Statistic 109

3D printing for heavy civil components: 5 pilot projects scaled in 2023.

Statistic 110

Digital twin usage: 35% of mega heavy civil projects 2023.

Statistic 111

Autonomous heavy equipment deployment: 12% sites in 2023.

Statistic 112

Carbon capture tech in concrete for heavy civil: 8% adoption 2023.

Statistic 113

IoT sensors per heavy civil project: average 500 in large sites 2023.

Statistic 114

Sustainable materials usage: 40% recycled in U.S. heavy civil 2023.

Statistic 115

VR training for heavy civil safety: 55% firms using 2023.

Statistic 116

Blockchain for supply chain in heavy civil: 10% projects 2023.

Statistic 117

Heavy civil GHG emissions reduced 12% via tech in 2023 EU.

Statistic 118

Robotics in tunnel boring: 20 advanced machines deployed globally 2023.

Statistic 119

Green BIM certifications: 1,200 heavy civil projects LEED 2023.

Statistic 120

Electric heavy machinery fleet: 15% in progressive firms 2023.

Statistic 121

AI scheduling optimization: 28% productivity gain in heavy civil 2023 pilots.

Statistic 122

Water recycling rates in heavy civil sites: 65% average 2023.

Statistic 123

Geospatial tech (LiDAR/GIS) usage: 75% heavy civil surveys 2023.

Statistic 124

Net-zero commitments by heavy civil firms: 40% by 2023.

Statistic 125

Prefab bridge segments: 30% faster erection with tech 2023.

Statistic 126

Predictive maintenance via IoT: 22% downtime reduction 2023.

Statistic 127

Circular economy practices: 25% material reuse in EU heavy civil 2023.

Statistic 128

Augmented reality for heavy civil inspections: 20% adoption 2023.

Statistic 129

Low-carbon concrete usage: 18% in U.S. heavy civil pours 2023.

Statistic 130

Drone surveying coverage: 80% of sites weekly in 2023 large projects.

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Building the backbone of modern society, the heavy civil construction industry—a sector already valued at over $1.2 trillion globally—is on a monumental growth trajectory, powered by massive infrastructure investment, a dynamic workforce, and transformative technology.

Key Takeaways

The U.S. heavy civil construction market was valued at $248.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $325.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.9%.
Global heavy civil engineering market size stood at $1.2 trillion in 2022, expected to grow to $1.8 trillion by 2032 at a CAGR of 4.2%.
North American heavy construction sector revenue increased by 5.1% in 2023 to $312 billion.
U.S. construction employment totaled 8.1 million in September 2024, with heavy civil accounting for 1.2 million workers.
Heavy civil construction workforce grew 4.2% YoY in 2023, adding 45,000 jobs.
Average hourly wage in U.S. heavy civil construction: $38.50 in 2023.
U.S. spent $92 billion on highway infrastructure projects in 2023.
48,000 bridges in U.S. classified as structurally deficient in 2023.
Global tunnel length added in 2023: 1,200 km, mostly heavy civil.
Heavy civil fatality rate: 13.5 per 100,000 workers in 2023 U.S.
OSHA citations in heavy civil: 12,500 in FY2023.
Fall protection violations: 5,200 cases in construction 2023, 40% heavy civil.
AI predictive safety analytics implemented in 15% heavy civil firms 2023.
BIM implementation rate in heavy civil: 62% of projects in 2023 U.S.
Modular construction adoption in heavy civil: 18% of bridge projects 2023.

The heavy civil construction industry is experiencing significant global growth and strong U.S. investment.

Employment & Workforce

U.S. construction employment totaled 8.1 million in September 2024, with heavy civil accounting for 1.2 million workers.
Heavy civil construction workforce grew 4.2% YoY in 2023, adding 45,000 jobs.
Average hourly wage in U.S. heavy civil construction: $38.50 in 2023.
Labor shortage in heavy civil: 500,000 unfilled positions projected by 2026.
Women represent 10.9% of heavy civil construction workforce in 2023, up from 9.5% in 2020.
Union membership in U.S. heavy construction: 25.3% of workers in 2023.
Average age of heavy civil workers: 42.7 years in 2023 survey.
Turnover rate in heavy civil construction: 22% annually in 2023.
Hispanic workers: 34% of U.S. heavy civil workforce in 2023.
Training hours per heavy civil worker: 40 hours annually mandated in OSHA-compliant firms.
Global heavy civil workforce: 15 million in 2023.
U.S. heavy civil apprenticeships: 50,000 active in 2023.
Overtime hours in heavy civil: average 5 hours/week per worker in 2023.
Veteran employment in construction: 12% of heavy civil workforce.
Productivity loss due to labor shortage: 15% in heavy civil projects 2023.
Entry-level wage for heavy civil laborers: $22/hour in 2023 U.S. average.
Canada heavy civil employment: 450,000 in 2023.
EU heavy civil workers: 2.8 million in 2023.
India construction workforce heavy civil: 8 million in 2023.
Australia heavy civil jobs: 250,000 in 2023.
Project managers in heavy civil: median salary $125,000 in U.S. 2023.
Heavy equipment operators employment: 450,000 in U.S. 2023.
Diversity index in heavy civil: improved to 0.45 in 2023 from 0.38 in 2020.
Remote work adoption in heavy civil offices: 15% of management roles 2023.
Injury-related absenteeism: 12 days/year average per heavy civil worker.

Employment & Workforce Interpretation

While the heavy civil industry is building a stronger, more diverse, and better-paid workforce than ever, it's racing against a demographic clock and a half-million-person shortage that threatens to undermine the very foundations it's trying to pour.

Infrastructure Projects

U.S. spent $92 billion on highway infrastructure projects in 2023.
48,000 bridges in U.S. classified as structurally deficient in 2023.
Global tunnel length added in 2023: 1,200 km, mostly heavy civil.
U.S. dam inventory: 91,000 structures, 2,500 high-hazard in 2023.
High-speed rail projects under construction: 45,000 km globally in 2023.
U.S. airport runway projects: 150 major in 2023, $8 billion invested.
Port deepening projects: 25 U.S. harbors in 2023 under heavy civil.
U.K. HS2 rail project length: 225 miles, 50% complete in 2023.
China added 3,500 km highways in 2023 heavy civil.
India new metro lines: 500 km commissioned in 2023.
U.S. wastewater treatment plants upgraded: 1,200 in 2023.
Global offshore wind foundations installed: 12 GW in 2023 heavy civil.
Canada Trans-Canada Highway maintenance projects: 5,000 km in 2023.
EU TEN-T core network projects: 300 ongoing in 2023.
Australia Snowy 2.0 tunnel progress: 10 km bored in 2023.
U.S. levee systems: 100,000 miles, 4,000 miles reinforced 2023.
Brazil Belo Monte Dam capacity: 11,233 MW, completed phases 2023.
Middle East desalination plants: 5 new heavy civil in 2023.
U.S. rail bridge replacements: 2,500 in 2023.
Global pipeline mileage added: 15,000 km oil/gas heavy civil 2023.
U.K. Thames Tideway Tunnel: 25 km, 90% complete 2023.
India Sagarmala port projects: 150 completed by 2023.
U.S. IIJA-funded projects: 40,000 heavy civil starts 2023.

Infrastructure Projects Interpretation

While we're impressively weaving continents together with ribbons of rail, pipelines, and colossal new energy grids, we're also performing a precarious high-wire act, desperately shoring up the aging bones of our own nations—so our grand new global stage doesn't collapse beneath us.

Market Size & Growth

The U.S. heavy civil construction market was valued at $248.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $325.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.9%.
Global heavy civil engineering market size stood at $1.2 trillion in 2022, expected to grow to $1.8 trillion by 2032 at a CAGR of 4.2%.
North American heavy construction sector revenue increased by 5.1% in 2023 to $312 billion.
U.S. highway and street construction spending reached $52.4 billion in FY2023.
The bridge construction segment of heavy civil market accounted for 28% of total revenue in 2023 globally.
Heavy civil construction investments in Asia-Pacific grew by 6.8% YoY in 2023, reaching $450 billion.
U.S. water and sewer line construction market valued at $45.7 billion in 2023.
European heavy civil infrastructure market projected CAGR of 4.5% from 2024-2029, valued at €850 billion in 2023.
U.S. heavy construction backlog hit $295 billion in Q4 2023.
Dams and reservoirs segment grew 3.2% in 2023, contributing $120 billion globally.
U.S. heavy civil market share of total construction: 22% in 2023, up from 20% in 2020.
Rail infrastructure construction revenue: $38 billion in U.S. 2023.
Airport construction segment valued at $65 billion globally in 2023.
U.S. public heavy civil spending: $110 billion in FY2022 under IIJA.
Heavy civil market in Middle East: $180 billion in 2023, CAGR 5.2% to 2028.
Tunnel construction revenue grew 4.1% to $55 billion worldwide in 2023.
U.S. heavy civil GDP contribution: 1.8% or $380 billion in 2023.
Port and harbor construction market: $42 billion in 2023 globally.
Canadian heavy civil market size: CAD 75 billion in 2023.
U.S. power line construction (heavy civil): $25 billion in 2023.
Global heavy civil market CAGR forecast 2024-2030: 5.0%.
U.S. heavy construction starts up 7% in 2023 per Dodge Data.
India heavy civil infrastructure spend: INR 11 trillion in FY2023.
Australian heavy civil market: AUD 120 billion in 2023.
U.K. heavy civil construction output: £45 billion in 2023.
China heavy civil investment: CNY 8 trillion in 2023.
Brazil heavy civil market recovery to $90 billion in 2023.
South Africa heavy civil spend: ZAR 400 billion in 2023.
Mexico highway construction: $15 billion in 2023.
Heavy civil market digital transformation investment: $12 billion globally in 2023.

Market Size & Growth Interpretation

It's safe to say the world isn't getting any lighter, given that the global heavy civil industry is single-handedly paving, bridging, and tunneling its way toward a two-trillion-dollar future by hoisting a colossal mountain of new projects onto its already formidable backlog.

Safety & Regulations

Heavy civil fatality rate: 13.5 per 100,000 workers in 2023 U.S.
OSHA citations in heavy civil: 12,500 in FY2023.
Fall protection violations: 5,200 cases in construction 2023, 40% heavy civil.
Global construction fatalities: 108,000 annually, 30% heavy civil.
U.S. heavy civil struck-by incidents: 1,200 in 2023.
Compliance rate with OSHA crane standards: 78% in heavy civil audits 2023.
Heat-related illnesses in heavy civil: up 25% in 2023 summer.
Trench collapse fatalities: 30 in U.S. construction 2023, mostly heavy.
EU construction safety directive compliance: 92% in heavy civil 2023.
Canada heavy civil lost-time injury frequency: 1.8 per 200,000 hours 2023.
Insurance premium increases for heavy civil: 8% average in 2023 due to claims.
Silica exposure violations: 2,100 in heavy civil 2023.
Fatigue-related incidents: 15% of heavy civil accidents 2023.
PPE usage rate: 95% in audited heavy civil sites 2023.
Electrical hazards fatalities: 150 in construction 2023, 25% heavy civil.
Australia heavy civil safety record: 4.2 TRIFR in 2023.
U.K. CDM regulations breaches: 1,200 in heavy civil 2023.
India construction safety audits: 65% compliance in heavy projects 2023.
Heavy civil near-miss reporting: up 30% with digital tools 2023.
Confined space incidents: 400 in U.S. heavy civil 2023.
Drug/alcohol testing positive rate: 4.2% in heavy civil 2023.
Weather-related delays safety impacts: 10% of incidents 2023.
BIM adoption reduced safety incidents by 20% in heavy civil projects 2023.
U.S. heavy civil sites with safety officers: 88% in 2023.
Global heavy civil safety training investment: $5 billion in 2023.
Drone usage for safety inspections: 45% of large heavy civil projects 2023.

Safety & Regulations Interpretation

The heavy civil industry boasts impressive advancements in safety technology and training, yet its grim statistics reveal a sobering truth: we're still building some of our greatest infrastructure on a foundation of preventable human suffering.

Technology & Sustainability

AI predictive safety analytics implemented in 15% heavy civil firms 2023.
BIM implementation rate in heavy civil: 62% of projects in 2023 U.S.
Modular construction adoption in heavy civil: 18% of bridge projects 2023.
Renewable energy integration in heavy civil: 25% projects include solar/wind 2023.
3D printing for heavy civil components: 5 pilot projects scaled in 2023.
Digital twin usage: 35% of mega heavy civil projects 2023.
Autonomous heavy equipment deployment: 12% sites in 2023.
Carbon capture tech in concrete for heavy civil: 8% adoption 2023.
IoT sensors per heavy civil project: average 500 in large sites 2023.
Sustainable materials usage: 40% recycled in U.S. heavy civil 2023.
VR training for heavy civil safety: 55% firms using 2023.
Blockchain for supply chain in heavy civil: 10% projects 2023.
Heavy civil GHG emissions reduced 12% via tech in 2023 EU.
Robotics in tunnel boring: 20 advanced machines deployed globally 2023.
Green BIM certifications: 1,200 heavy civil projects LEED 2023.
Electric heavy machinery fleet: 15% in progressive firms 2023.
AI scheduling optimization: 28% productivity gain in heavy civil 2023 pilots.
Water recycling rates in heavy civil sites: 65% average 2023.
Geospatial tech (LiDAR/GIS) usage: 75% heavy civil surveys 2023.
Net-zero commitments by heavy civil firms: 40% by 2023.
Prefab bridge segments: 30% faster erection with tech 2023.
Predictive maintenance via IoT: 22% downtime reduction 2023.
Circular economy practices: 25% material reuse in EU heavy civil 2023.
Augmented reality for heavy civil inspections: 20% adoption 2023.
Low-carbon concrete usage: 18% in U.S. heavy civil pours 2023.
Drone surveying coverage: 80% of sites weekly in 2023 large projects.

Technology & Sustainability Interpretation

Heavy civil construction is finally marrying its hard-hat grit with Silicon Valley's brains, cautiously flirting with everything from AI safety nets to electric diggers, yet it remains a romance where even a 62% BIM adoption feels like a reluctant first date and 15% electric fleets are considered a wild commitment.

Sources & References

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