Concrete & Masonry Contractors

The 41,000 concrete and masonry contractors in the US generate revenue by charging fees for pouring, forming, and finishing concrete foundations and structures and laying brick and stonework. Common concrete projects include the construction of foundations, walls, sidewalks, beams, columns, and panels. Common masonry projects include the installation of walls, siding, fireplaces, patios, fences, and walkways using brick, stone, concrete block, or veneers. Concrete and masonry contractors are specialty contractors, and may work with general contractors as part of a larger project.

Dependence on General Contractors

In many cases, concrete and masonry contractors act as subcontractors to a general contractor, who bids on and manages a construction job and disburses payment.

Dependence on Construction Industry and the Economy

Demand for concrete and masonry work is highly dependent on the state of the construction industry, which is cyclical and vulnerable to economic factors.

Sep 6, 2026 - Public Opposition to Data Centers Grows

• Yardi Matrix reports that the US industrial real estate market remains active, but new development faces shifting demand, rising vacancies, and growing resistance to data center construction. National industrial rents rose 5.4% year over year in July, while vacancy reached 9.3% as the market continued adjusting to a recent supply wave. About 427.6 million square feet of industrial space was under construction in July, and Yardi Matrix expects 2026 starts to increase for a second consecutive year. However, state and local opposition to data centers could delay or cancel some large projects. For concrete and masonry contractors, continued industrial construction should support demand for foundations, floors, walls, and other structural work, while data center restrictions could reduce opportunities in some markets.
• The total value of construction put in place fell 0.5% in July 2026 compared to the prior month, according to the US Census Bureau. Spending for most types of nonresidential structures was uneven in July. Office projects, which include data centers, saw the strongest growth with a 2.9% rise in July over June, followed by communication (+0.4%) and public safety (+0.1%). Educational and healthcare project spending declined by 0.4% and 0.5%, respectively, while amusement and recreation spending dropped by 0.3%. Commercial and lodging spending were flat, while manufacturing projects saw a 1% decline. Private residential construction spending was down 1.3% in July from June. Single-family spending dropped 3.2%, and multifamily rose 0.2%. The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) said just three segments are propping up the construction sector: data centers, power projects, and highways. However, the AGC suggests these three areas are under pressure from labor shortages, political headwinds, and a lapse in highway funding.
• Construction robotics are attracting major investment as contractors seek automation to ease labor shortages and handle increasingly large workloads, according to Construction Dive. Bedrock Robotics, Gravis Robotics, and FieldAI have raised nearly $1 billion combined, backed by investors including SoftBank, Nvidia, and Bill Gates. Adoption also appears to be accelerating, with a 2026 BuiltWorlds survey finding that contractor use of robotics increased 45% year over year, while pilot programs nearly tripled. Robots are already performing repetitive tasks such as layout, drilling, painting, bricklaying, and drywall work, although it is still early days for broader adoption. Experts say successful deployment will depend heavily on high-quality construction data. Large integrated contractors and specialized trade firms may be best positioned to invest directly, while midsized contractors are more likely to adopt proven technologies after their capabilities and financial benefits become clearer.
• US construction and engineering spending is expected to decline 1% in 2026 after remaining flat in 2025, according to FMI's third-quarter 2026 North American Engineering and Construction Outlook. Office construction is projected to grow 2%, with a 21% increase in data center spending offsetting continued weakness in traditional office construction. Amusement and recreation (+2%), transportation (+1%), and communication (+3%) also remain stable. Several building segments are expected to decline, including lodging (-9%), commercial (-5%), health care (-0.2%), education (-1%), and public safety (-4%). Manufacturing construction is forecast to fall 17% as semiconductor fabs and battery plants come online. Residential construction remains constrained by elevated mortgage rates and affordability pressures. Single-family spending is projected to drop 4%, while multifamily spending declines 1% as rents remain soft and concessions limit new development. Residential improvements are expected to rise by 5%, supported by home equity financing and inflation in renovation costs.

Industry size & Structure

The average concrete or masonry contractor operates out of a single location, employs 9-10 workers, and generates $1-3 million annually.

• The concrete and masonry contracting industry consists of about 41,000 firms that employ 405,000 workers and generate about $76 billion annually.
• Most companies operate on a regional or local basis.
• Large concrete contracting companies include Baker Concrete Construction, Structural Group, and CECO Concrete Construction.
• Large masonry contracting companies include Western Specialty Contractors, McGee Brothers, and Sun Valley Masonry.