NAICS Code 235 - Special Trade Contractors

NAICS 235 - Special Trade Contractors

NAICS 23 - Construction
NAICS 11 - Sector 11--Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting NAICS 21 - Sector 21--Mining NAICS 22 - Sector 22--Utilities NAICS 23 - Sector 23--Construction NAICS 31 - Sector 31-33--Manufacturing NAICS 42 - Sector 42--Wholesale Trade NAICS 44 - Sector 44-45--Retail Trade NAICS 48 - Sector 48-49--Transportation and Warehousing NAICS 51 - Sector 51--Information NAICS 52 - Sector 52--Finance and Insurance NAICS 53 - Sector 53--Real Estate and Rental and Leasing NAICS 54 - Sector 54--Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services NAICS 55 - Sector 55--Management of Companies and Enterprises NAICS 56 - Sector 56--Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services NAICS 61 - Sector 61--Educational Services NAICS 62 - Sector 62--Health Care and Social Assistance NAICS 71 - Sector 71--Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation NAICS 72 - Sector 72--Accommodation and Food Services NAICS 81 - Sector 81--Other Services (except Public Administration) NAICS 92 - Sector 92--Public Administration
- NAICS 235 - Special Trade Contractors
  NAICS 236 - Construction of Buildings NAICS 237 - Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction NAICS 238 - Specialty Trade Contractors NAICS 233 - Building, Developing, and General Contracting NAICS 234 - Heavy Construction NAICS 235 - Special Trade Contractors

Industries in the Special Trade Contractors subsector engage in specialized construction activities, such as plumbing, painting, and electrical work. Those establishments that engage in activities primarily related to heavy construction, such as grading for highways, are classified in Subsector 234, Heavy Construction. The activities of this subsector may be subcontracted from builders or general contractors or it may be performed directly for project owners. The construction work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, or maintenance and repairs. Special trade contractors usually perform most of their work at the job site, although they may have shops where they perform prefabrication and other work.

Industry trends:

The Special Trade Contractors industry, designated under NAICS 235, is experiencing several qualitative trends that reflect broader shifts in technology, environmental consciousness, and labor dynamics. A significant trend is the increasing adoption of technology and digital solutions. Contractors are leveraging advanced software for project management, virtual reality for project visualization, and drones for site inspections, which enhance efficiency and precision. This tech integration is expected to deepen as digital tools become more accessible and affordable.

Sustainability is another critical trend shaping the industry. Contractors are increasingly opting for environmentally friendly materials and construction practices, driven by regulatory pressures and consumer demand for green building solutions. The focus is on reducing carbon footprints and enhancing energy efficiency, which is anticipated to become a standard industry expectation in the coming years.

Workforce dynamics are also evolving. The industry faces a skilled labor shortage, prompting contractors to invest in training programs and improve working conditions to attract and retain talent. This trend is forecasted to continue as the demand for skilled trades grows with increasing construction activities.

Looking ahead, the industry is forecasted to experience steady growth, supported by robust construction demand across residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors. As digital transformation and sustainability continue to dominate, contractors who can adapt to these trends will likely excel, gaining a competitive edge in the evolving market landscape.