AI risk remains low for most construction jobs, NAHB finds

Artificial intelligence is reshaping knowledge work across the economy, but most construction jobs face relatively low near-term job-loss exposure, according to a new analysis from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on AI exposure and employment projections, NAHB found that 45 of 47 selected construction-related occupations — about 96% — fall into the BLS categories of “low” or “moderate” relative exposure to AI. Only construction managers and construction and building inspectors are classified as having “high” exposure, and no construction occupation in the group is rated “very high” exposure. The findings, released Oct. 1 by NAHB economist Jing Fu, indicate that AI is more likely to change how construction work is planned, documented and managed than to directly replace most hands-on trade tasks in the near term. AI exposure does not match up neatly with job growth The BLS framework compares each occupation’s relative exposure to AI with its projected employment growth from 2025 to 2035. NAHB’s review of 47 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) construction roles, plus construction managers, shows that higher AI...