Careers in Construction Month returns this October, putting renewed attention on the people whose work shapes New York City’s buildings, neighborhoods, and skyline.
Held nationwide throughout October, the campaign highlights construction craft professionals and the many occupations connected with the industry. Build Your Future, an initiative associated with the National Center for Construction Education and Research, describes the observance as a nationwide campaign focused on increasing awareness of construction careers and recognizing their impact on individuals and communities.
In New York, the 2026 observance has also received official recognition. The New York State Assembly adopted a resolution in June memorializing the governor to proclaim October 2026 as Careers in Construction Month. The resolution specifically recognizes construction craft professionals and their role in the development of New York.
New York State Assembly Resolution for Careers in Construction Month
Careers in Construction Month Highlights a Large Workforce
Construction covers far more than the work visible from sidewalks and city streets.
Projects across New York involve laborers, carpenters, electricians, ironworkers, operating engineers, plumbers, painters, roofers, concrete workers, supervisors, and many other trades. Together, these workers contribute to new buildings, renovations, repairs, and infrastructure throughout the region.
The latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for New York reported approximately 380,300 construction jobs statewide in July 2026. That figure represents the construction sector specifically and provides a sense of the industry’s scale across New York.
The wider New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area also had approximately 384,000 jobs in mining, logging, and construction combined in July 2026, according to BLS metropolitan employment data.
Those numbers help place the October observance in context. Construction remains a significant source of employment throughout New York and the surrounding metropolitan region.
Construction Is Part of Everyday Life in NYC
In New York City, construction is difficult to separate from everyday life.
New residential buildings rise alongside older properties undergoing renovations. Commercial projects reshape business districts. Scaffolding, cranes, excavation work, and building repairs remain familiar sights across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
The New York City Department of Buildings maintains records of building applications and permits for projects throughout the five boroughs. The agency notes that the majority of construction requires a DOB permit, illustrating the the range of work taking place throughout the city.
DOB also publishes construction safety and reporting information, including annual safety reports, construction-related accident information, enforcement data, and other records connected with building activity.
Construction Work and the Broader Safety Context
Careers in Construction Month primarily recognizes careers, skills, and the construction workforce. Safety data provides additional context about the environments in which many of those workers perform their jobs.
Falls remain particularly significant within construction nationwide. In May 2026, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration again described falls as the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry during its annual National Safety Stand-Down.
OSHA reported that falls accounted for 389 of 1,034 construction fatalities recorded nationwide in 2024, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
These statistics provide industry-wide context rather than conclusions about any individual construction site or project. The circumstances surrounding construction work can vary significantly based on the job, equipment, location, project size, and type of work being performed.
Recognizing the People Behind NYC Construction
New York City’s skyline is often discussed in terms of buildings, development, and major projects. Careers in Construction Month shifts some of that attention toward the people performing the work.
Every completed building, renovation, repair, and development represents contributions from numerous construction trades. For many New Yorkers, construction is not simply part of the cityscape. It is a career and a livelihood.
William Schwitzer & Associates advocates for construction workers and families whose lives have been affected by serious workplace accidents. The firm’s focus remains on the individuals behind construction statistics and the impact a serious incident can have on workers and their families.
As October 2026 approaches, Careers in Construction Month offers a timely opportunity to recognize the workforce behind New York City’s constantly changing built environment.
Important:
This information is only a general guide and is NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Each case is different. The best option is to call our offices for specialized help, call (212) 683-3800 and contact William Schwitzer & Associates for legal assistance.
The images shown in this blog are for illustrative purposes only.
