Sources: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association, Herndon, Va.; CP staff
Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association 2025 Hardscape Contractor Industry Report findings provide valuable insights into the operational, crew health & safety, workforce, and financial trends impacting paving stone, segmental retaining wall unit and concrete slab professionals across the United States and Canada. One of the most significant challenges it identifies is the ongoing difficulty in recruiting and retaining quality employees—an issue consistently ranked among the top concerns from 2017-2025 CMHA Contractor Industry Report surveys.
Ohio-based market researcher Industry Insights conducted a survey on behalf of CMHA earlier this year, gathering confidential operating, payroll and gross sales data from a diverse group of 100-plus member or non-member hardscape contractors or installers. The results reflect key industry benchmarks and challenges they observe or face, led by workforce shortages, rising overhead costs, and increased competition. Among 2025 survey respondents, Industry Insights researchers found:
- The typical contractor employed a median of 14 employees during the construction season, with larger firms employing 30 or more;
- 49 percent had reported doing under $1 million in business and 31 percent of had reported doing $2 million or greater in gross sales in 2024;
- Year-over-year sales growth in gross hardscape construction revenue remained strong, with a median increase of 7 percent in 2024;
- Residential projects continue to dominate, representing 68 percent of contractor work in 2025;
- The top three ways contractors use to recruit employees were word of mouth/staff recommendations, internet job listing services and through their company website; and,
- The average wage/salary increase in 2025 is forecasted to be 6 percent for residential installers and 3 percent for commercial/non-residential installers.
“This report reflects both the resilience and the reality of our contractor community,” says CMHA CEO Robert Thomas. “While contractors continue to grow and deliver high-quality work, the data confirms the labor and operational pressures that many face. By sharing this information, CMHA is committed to helping our members and the broader
industry make informed decisions, advocate for their needs, and strengthen their businesses.” The Association has long been committed to supporting workforce development in the hardscape industry, he adds. Most recently, it redesigned and relaunched www.HardscapingIs.com, a site programmed to promote career awareness, industry growth, and workforce development by helping to attract, educate, and retain talent within the hardscape industry. Copies of the full CMHA Contractor Industry Report can be purchased here.