Industry Pros Say Talent Pipeline Must Start in Middle and High Schools, According to 2026 NKBA Skilled Labor Workforce Study
By NKBA Editorial Staff
The skilled labor shortage continues to pose a major challenge for the Kitchen & Bath industry. While the most severe shortages appear to be easing, the problem is becoming more widespread.
The impact on businesses remains significant, limiting their capacity to take on new work and restricting growth. It is also increasing labor costs. Half of employers say they must pay above-market wages to attract and retain skilled workers, with an average premium of 10 percent.
These are among the key findings in the 2026 NKBA Skilled Labor Workforce Study, a survey of more than 500 K&B professionals across the U.S. and Canada.
Other important insights emerging from this year’s report:
More K&B Businesses Are Feeling the Effects
While the percentage of businesses reporting significant or moderate shortages fell from 58% in the 2024 Study to 40% in 2026, the number of companies experiencing at least some shortage has reached an all-time high (84%). This indicates that, rather than being resolved, the issue is more pervasive across the industry.
A Clear Impact on Bottom Lines
Nearly half of surveyed K&B pros reported that talent shortages have already restricted their businesses’ ability to take on new projects, a trend they expect will continue over the next twelve months. Increased workloads and project delays remain the leading impacts. Installers (39%) and carpenters (33%) are the workers most in demand.
Finding – and Fixing – the Pipeline Problem
A limited pool of applicants and insufficient technical preparation are the leading barriers to recruitment. The pipeline problem starts before hiring even begins, and the key to fixing it should start in school – not at job fairs. Ninety percent of employers believe exposure to the trades should begin in middle or high school, and over two-thirds say hands-on learning is essential for generating genuine interest in a trades career.
“More K&B businesses are experiencing the severity of this problem in very real ways,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO, NKBA I KBIS. “The good news is there is an opportunity to develop ready-made programs and training materials to increase engagement with students and help expand the pipeline for these critical careers.”
Explore the full 2026 NKBA Skilled Labor Workforce Study to better understand the impacts of the skilled labor shortage and how the K&B industry can best work together to turn the tide.
