The Modular Construction Boom: What It Means for Talent in 2025
The U.S. construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation in 2025—and it’s happening off-site.
Modular and prefabricated construction have gone from niche innovations to core components of how major infrastructure and commercial projects are delivered. As a recruitment consultant specializing in construction and engineering, I’m seeing firsthand how this trend is reshaping workforce demand, job roles, and the skill sets employers are prioritizing.
Let’s unpack the numbers and explore what this means for talent in the market.
The Rise of Off-Site Construction
The U.S. modular construction market was valued at $104 billion in 2023, and it's expected to surpass $140 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 8%. This acceleration is driven by increasing demand for faster project delivery, rising labor costs, and the push for sustainable building practices.
In fact, over 65% of contractors surveyed by Dodge Data & Analytics in 2024 reported using some form of prefabrication or modular construction—up from just 43% in 2020.
Why Modular Is Winning
- Speed: Modular construction can reduce project timelines by 30–50%, a huge win in a market with tight delivery schedules and limited labor availability.
- Cost Control: Controlled factory environments lead to better material utilization and less waste, lowering total project costs by an average of 10–20%.
- Safety: With more work completed off-site, on-site safety risks are significantly reduced.
What This Means for Hiring
As modular gains momentum, the type of construction talent in demand is shifting. Traditional roles are evolving, and new roles are emerging.
In-Demand Roles We’re Seeing:
- Manufacturing Technicians with experience in automated production lines
- Modular Assembly Coordinators to manage the sequencing of off-site builds
- Construction Project Managers with experience in both factory and on-site integration
- Logistics & Supply Chain Analysts to optimize module delivery and site scheduling
- Quality Control Inspectors familiar with lean manufacturing and ISO standards
Skills in Focus:
- Knowledge of LEAN manufacturing principles
- Proficiency in BIM software and digital construction tools
- Understanding of modular compliance standards across state lines
- Cross-functional communication between factory and field teams
The Modular Talent Gap Is Real
With this shift, a new challenge arises: the talent gap.
Many professionals in traditional construction roles have not yet upskilled to meet the demands of a modular workflow. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, the U.S. construction industry will need to attract over 500,000 additional workers in 2025 to meet labor demands—and a growing portion of those will need to be familiar with off-site methodologies.
Our Role as Recruitment Specialists
At James Gray, we work closely with modular contractors, design-build firms, and developers across the U.S. to find talent that bridges the gap between the shop floor and the job site.
Whether you're a professional looking to pivot into the modular space, or a hiring manager struggling to find cross-functional talent, we’re here to help you adapt to this new era of construction.
Final Thoughts
Modular and prefabricated construction aren't just trends—they're a permanent evolution in how America builds. And behind every prefab panel and factory-assembled module is a team of skilled professionals who made it happen.
The industry needs adaptable, tech-savvy, quality-driven talent now more than ever.
Interested in exploring modular construction opportunities? Reach out to our specialist team today.