The restoration industry is facing a critical workforce shortage that is limiting its capacity to respond to the growing volume of disaster events, according to a 2026 survey of restoration firm owners and operators conducted by the Restoration Industry Association.
The survey, which received responses from 847 firms representing all segments of the industry, found that 73 percent reported difficulty hiring qualified technicians in 2025, up from 61 percent in 2023. The average open position took 47 days to fill, compared to 32 days in 2022.
The shortage is driven by several converging factors: an aging workforce, with a significant portion of experienced technicians approaching retirement; competition from other construction trades that are also experiencing labor shortages; the demanding physical and emotional nature of restoration work; and a limited pipeline of new entrants with the skills and certifications required for professional restoration work.
The shortage has real consequences for disaster response capacity. Several firms reported turning down work during the 2025 hurricane season due to insufficient staffing, and industry mutual aid networks have been strained by the volume of large-loss events requiring cross-regional deployment.
Industry leaders are responding with a range of workforce development initiatives. Several firms have established apprenticeship programs in partnership with community colleges and vocational schools. The IICRC has expanded its training program offerings and reduced certification costs for entry-level credentials. The RIA has launched a national recruitment campaign targeting veterans and career changers.
Compensation has also increased significantly. The survey found that average starting wages for restoration technicians increased by 18 percent between 2023 and 2025, with experienced technicians in high-demand markets earning $65,000 to $85,000 annually.
