Kitchen and Bath Labor Shortages Have Eased Slightly

While renovation firms still report hiring struggles, new data suggests the gap in skilled workers is shrinking.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Home Renovation

Screen-print poster illustration of wood chisels and a framing square on a wooden countertop, representing skilled renovation trades. — The National Kitchen & Bath Association reports that labor shortages have eased to 40% of firms in 2026, down from 58% in 2024. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe trade-based industries can successfully overcome their persistent labor shortages?

The 2026 Skilled Labor Workforce Study from the National Kitchen & Bath Association shows that 40% of firms now face labor shortages. This shift marks an improvement from 2024, when 58% of surveyed businesses struggled to find qualified workers.

Why it matters

As the $230 billion industry works to meet demand for complex projects, the ongoing scarcity of skilled installers and carpenters means homeowners may continue to see longer wait times and higher costs for renovations.

The 2026 Skilled Labor Workforce Study surveyed over 500 professionals in the U.S. and Canada, finding that 40% of businesses currently report labor shortages. This compares to 58% of firms reporting the same struggle in 2024.

The players

National Kitchen & Bath Association

A professional trade organization that supports the home remodeling industry through standards, training, and research.

The details

Businesses are turning away work due to the difficulty of finding qualified installers and carpenters to handle high-demand projects. A limited applicant pool combined with a lack of required technical skills continues to act as a barrier to recruitment in the residential sector. Meanwhile, the industry struggles to replace a retiring workforce while simultaneously managing consumer demand for increasingly complex home upgrades.

2024: 58% of firms reported significant or moderate labor shortages.
2026: 40% of firms reported significant or moderate labor shortages.

The Home Front

This data reflects a broader shift in the residential construction market as it grapples with an aging workforce and increasing project complexity. The industry now prioritizes early trade exposure, with 90% of employers calling for vocational education to begin in middle or high school.

Expect that reputable contractors may remain busy for several months, so it is wise to start your renovation planning and vetting process well before your ideal start date. Ask potential contractors about their current availability and backlog to avoid project delays.

The takeaway

While the labor market for home improvements is slightly more accessible than it was two years ago, skilled tradespeople remain in high demand. Keep a list of recommended local professionals on hand and verify their availability early to prevent your projects from stalling.