Construction Employment in Canada (2001–2024)

Canada’s construction industry has seen consistent and robust growth over the last two decades. From just under 578,000 workers in 2001 to more than 1.17 million in 2024, the construction workforce reflects the country’s rapid urbanization, infrastructure investment, and housing demand.

This article breaks down the number of construction workers in Canada by year from 2001 to 2024 using official employment data.

Key Trends and Insights

• Doubled workforce: The construction sector nearly doubled in employment over the 23-year period.
• Resilience during recession: Despite the 2008–2009 global financial crisis, the number of construction workers only saw a slight decline.
• Pandemic recovery: After a dip in 2020 (to 963,087 workers), the sector rebounded strongly, crossing the 1 million mark again in 2021 and continuing upward.
• Record high in 2024: In 2024, employment reached a historic high of 1,179,222 construction workers.

Why Construction Jobs Matter in Canada

Construction is a vital driver of Canada’s economy. It fuels:

• Urban growth (residential and commercial development),
• Infrastructure projects (roads, transit, public buildings),
• Skilled trades training and employment, and
• Economic resilience in times of recession and recovery.

Number of people employed in Construction in Canada (2001-2024)

Year	Total Employees in Construction	Growth YoY
2001	577,669
2002	607,791	5%
2003	631,305	4%
2004	660,336	5%
2005	692,074	5%
2006	734,259	6%
2007	783,598	7%
2008	829,040	6%
2009	798,023	-4%
2010	829,771	4%
2011	861,421	4%
2012	908,487	5%
2013	947,081	4%
2014	975,309	3%
2015	978,772	0%
2016	971,337	-1%
2017	997,332	3%
2018	1,021,991	2%
2019	1,041,246	2%
2020	963,087	-8%
2021	1,061,077	10%
2022	1,130,666	7%
2023	1,166,578	3%
2024	1,179,222	1%

Source:

Statistics Canada. Table 14-10-0202-01  Employment by industry, annual