PMI_The Construction Project Management Talent Gap
  • Report

The Construction Project Management Talent Gap

Needs, Challenges and Opportunities

By 2035, construction will need 2.5 million more project professionals. This report reveals the skills in demand, the barriers blocking progress, and the practical steps leaders can take now to recruit, develop, and retain project talent.

Summary

The construction industry is powering some of the world’s biggest ambitions, from modern infrastructure and clean‑energy transitions to urgent housing needs. But while opportunity is booming, the talent needed to deliver on these projects is not keeping pace. Our latest research reveals a critical tipping point: by 2035, the industry will need nearly 2.5 million additional construction project professionals, a staggering 60% increase from 2025 levels.

This report uncovers why the talent gap is widening, how technological transformation and global-scale infrastructure investment are accelerating demand, and what organizations must do now to recruit, develop, and retain the project talent essential to staying competitive.

Inside, you’ll discover the skills construction leaders are prioritizing today: from AI‑capable project professionals who can bridge hands-on tasks with strategic insight, to talent who combine sustainability expertise with strong project management capabilities. You’ll also learn the four major barriers blocking organizations from securing the talent they need—and gain practical, actionable guidance to overcome them.

If you’re ready to understand the real forces reshaping the industry and how your organization can get ahead of a rapidly intensifying talent race, this report provides the clarity and strategies you can’t afford to miss.

How to cite:
The Construction Project Management Talent Gap: Needs, Challenges and Opportunities (2026).
What's Inside
Construction Industry Under Skills Pressure
Discover why the Construction Industry needs to close a talent gap of almost 3 million project professionals to meet its growth potential.
Critical Skills Construction Needs Most
Identify the most sought-after skills including communication, collaborative leadership, and planning expertise and how they are vital to construction project success.
Overcoming the Key Barriers
Learn how tackling industry perceptions, retention barriers, and professional development gaps can unlock the full potential of the construction industry.
PMI_The Construction Project Management Talent Gap_1200x1200

Voices Behind the Insights

"More leadership competencies are needed for people in construction management to collaborate with upper-level management and VPs."

Adel Zadeh, director, College of Professional Studies, Northeastern University, Toronto.
PMI-CP, PMP

Related Content

Blog

Hiring in a Broken Job Market: How to Validate Workforce Skills

Discover how data‑driven credentials help employers and job seekers cut through today’s toughest hiring challenges.

Read Now - opens in a new tab

You May Also Like

Certification

PMI-CP™

PMI Construction Professional (PMI-CP)™

3+ years of experience

This internationally recognized certification offers an in-depth curriculum focused on the construction industry.

Learn More
Thought Leadership

Megaprojects: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Role of the Project Profession

Uncover insights into megaprojects, their challenges, and the crucial role of project professionals in turning visions into reality.

Learn More