One of the most significant challenges identified in the report is the ongoing difficulty in recruiting and retaining quality employees -- an issue consistently ranked among the top concerns from 2017 through 2025. Additionally, the report highlights operational practices, wage trends and gross sales growth across companies of all sizes.

“This report reflects both the resilience and the reality of our contractor community,” said Robert Thomas, president and CEO of CMHA. “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.”

Among the report’s findings:

• The typical contractor employed a median of 14 employees during the construction season, with larger firms employing 30 or more.
• 49% of respondents had reported doing under $1 million in business and 31% of respondents 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% in 2024.
• Residential projects continue to dominate, representing 68% of contractor work in 2025.
• The top three ways contractors used to recruit employees were word of mouth/staff recommendations, internet job listing services and through their company website.
• The average wage/salary increase in 2025 is forecasted to be 6% for residential installers and 3% for commercial/non-residential installers.

CMHA has long been committed to supporting workforce development in the hardscape industry. Last year, the association reaffirmed this commitment by redesigning and relaunching its HardscapingIs.com website. The initiative is designed to promote career awareness, industry growth, and workforce development by helping to attract, educate, and retain talent within the hardscape industry.
 The CMHA Contractor Industry Report serves as an important benchmarking tool to help hardscape contractors navigate industry challenges and identify growth opportunities. CMHA remains dedicated to providing tools, education, and resources that support the long-term success of its members and the hardscape industry.

A copy of this year’s Contractor Industry Report was provided free to this year’s survey participants. The report is available for purchase on the CMHA website with a substantial discount for CMHA members.