Chicago remains one of the Midwest’s largest construction markets, driven by public infrastructure, transit, and commercial projects. Construction employment in the Chicago metro hovered near 140,000 in late 2024, underscoring steady demand for skilled trades and project staffing (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, January 2025).
Wages for construction and extraction roles in the Chicago area are significantly above the national average — mean hourly pay was reported at $40.04 in May 2024 — making talent placement and temporary staffing higher-value services for local contractors (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 2025).
Permit and process changes also speed project starts. The City expanded its Express Permit Program in September 2024, reducing administrative delays on many small-to-medium projects and increasing near-term hiring needs for contractors (Source: City of Chicago, September 2024).
For staffing agencies selling into Chicago construction, that mix equals more verified opportunities. Agency Leads surfaces companies already buying staffing services, supplies hiring-manager contacts, and delivers competitive intel so you prioritize accounts that will staff projects now.