2026 NKBA Skilled Labor Workforce Study
September 2026
Skilled labor continues to be one of the most consequential workforce issues facing the kitchen and bath industry. The 2026 NKBAS Skilled Labor Workforce Study examines how businesses are navigating today’s labor environment—and what the industry may need to do to build a stronger workforce for the future.
Based on feedback from more than 500 kitchen and bath professionals across the U.S. and Canada, the report explores the evolving impact of skilled labor shortages on businesses, including staffing needs, project capacity, recruitment challenges, and the competition for qualified workers.
The study also looks beyond today’s workforce pressures to examine the future talent pipeline. It explores how companies are recruiting and retaining skilled tradespeople, the skills and qualities employers value most, the role of trade schools and training programs, and opportunities to introduce younger generations to careers in the skilled trades.
This report explores:
- How skilled labor challenges are changing across the kitchen and bath industry
- Which trade positions, skills and qualities are most difficult to find
- How workforce constraints are affecting businesses and project capacity
- Recruitment, compensation and retention strategies
- Education, training and apprenticeship opportunities
- Industry engagement with students and schools
- What could help strengthen the skilled trades pipeline for the future
Download the full 2026 Skilled Labor Workforce Report to discover what kitchen and bath professionals are experiencing today—and the opportunities they see for developing the workforce of tomorrow.
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