CHICAGO — The restoration industry continues to face a severe shortage of trained technicians in 2026, with demand for water damage, mold remediation, and fire restoration services outpacing the supply of qualified workers in most major markets, according to the Restoration Industry Association's annual workforce survey.
The RIA survey found that 78 percent of restoration companies reported difficulty hiring qualified technicians in 2025, up from 65 percent in 2023. The average time to fill an open technician position increased from 45 days in 2023 to 62 days in 2025, and average starting wages for entry-level technicians rose 18 percent over the same period.
The shortage is driven by a combination of factors: the retirement of experienced technicians who entered the industry in the 1990s and 2000s, competition from other skilled trades that are also experiencing labor shortages, and the perception among young workers that restoration work is physically demanding and lacks career advancement opportunities.
Industry organizations are responding with workforce development initiatives including apprenticeship programs, community college partnerships, and military veteran recruitment programs. The IICRC has expanded its online training offerings to make certification more accessible to workers in rural areas and those who cannot attend in-person training.
Restoration companies that have successfully addressed the labor shortage report that competitive wages, clear career advancement pathways, and investment in training and certification are the most effective recruitment and retention tools. Several companies have also found success recruiting from the military, where veterans with construction and logistics experience are a natural fit for restoration work.
