Greenville, South Carolina, August 2, 2025
News Summary
Greenville, South Carolina is experiencing a notable surge in demand for commercial real estate construction driven by a growing population and economic investments. This expansion brings challenges, particularly in the labor market, as the sector struggles with a shortage of skilled workers. Additionally, the rising number of construction projects has highlighted critical child care shortages affecting local families. Industry leaders call for innovative solutions and emphasize the need for more child care slots to support working parents.
Greenville, South Carolina Sees Construction and Child Care Demand Surge
Greenville, South Carolina is witnessing significant growth in the demand for commercial real estate construction, fueled by a consistent population increase and economic investments in the area. Multiple construction projects, featuring mixed-use developments and large industrial facilities, are either underway or scheduled to begin soon. This expansion highlights the area’s vibrant economy and growing workforce needs.
Construction Projects and Labor Market Challenges
The vice president of strategic development at Caldwell Constructors indicates that the surge in construction reflects a broader economic trend. The construction industry in Upstate South Carolina employs approximately 35,113 individuals, with an average annual wage of $85,109. However, the sector faces challenges due to a competitive local construction labor market and a shortage of experienced tradespeople. Experts estimate that the U.S. will require approximately 439,000 new construction workers by 2025 and an additional 499,000 in 2026, driven by an aging workforce in the industry.
Responding to Labor Shortages
One major factor contributing to the shrinking labor pool is the retirement of seasoned workers. As local construction firms grapple with this issue, they are employing various strategies to attract skilled trade professionals. For instance, Scout Mechanical has successfully recruited one-third of its 56 employees from other states. Similarly, Caldwell Constructors is engaging in recruitment efforts through referrals, trusted recruiters, and cold calls. Additionally, Harper General Contractors is collaborating with vocational programs to develop new talent pipelines for the industry.
Child Care Demand Heightens Alongside Workforce Growth
As construction projects proliferate, local businesses and families are also contending with child care shortages that pose a significant workforce barrier. In Greenville County, approximately 15% of families have had to change jobs due to the lack of available child care. Industry leaders suggest that the community requires around 4,000 additional child care slots to accommodate working parents’ needs. Companies are looking into options for on-site child care or forming partnerships with local providers to address these pressing shortages.
Economic Developments and Future Prospects
Spartanburg County is positioned to receive a substantial investment of nearly $2.8 billion from a mystery company, marking it as the state’s second-largest business investment. Additionally, Project MOC-1, a proposed high-performance computing center, is anticipated to create around 27 jobs with an hourly wage of $55, further benefiting the local economy. Companies such as LEL International are preparing for growth as a result of this investment, with plans to significantly increase their hiring in the upcoming years.
Legislative Focus on Child Care Solutions
In response to the growing concern regarding child care, a Senate bill (S.47) has been introduced, aiming to incentivize employers to assist employees with child care costs and improve accessibility across the state. In South Carolina, 40% of children under six have working parents who require nontraditional child care hours. In Greenville County alone, approximately 7,700 children require care during such times, underlining the urgent need for innovative solutions in the child care sector.
To support its staff, Prisma Health operates a child care center currently enrolling 138 children, but faces a waiting list of 375 employees, highlighting the critical demand that exists within the community.
Key Economic Insights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Employment in Construction | 35,113 workers |
| Average Annual Wage | $85,109 |
| Projected Construction Workers Needed (2025) | 439,000 |
| Projected Construction Workers Needed (2026) | 499,000 |
| Child Care Shortage Estimate in Greenville | 4,000 slots |
| Jobs from Project MOC-1 | 27 direct jobs at $55/hour |
FAQ
What is driving the growth in construction in Upstate South Carolina?
The growth is primarily driven by consistent population increases and significant economic investments in the area.
How many construction workers does the U.S. need in the upcoming years?
Approximately 439,000 new construction workers are needed by 2025, with an additional 499,000 projected for 2026.
What is the estimated childcare shortage in Greenville County?
Greenville County needs approximately 4,000 additional childcare slots to adequately serve working parents.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Business Magazine
- Upstate Business Journal
- Fox Carolina
- Greenville Business Magazine
- WYFF4
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- Google Search: Greenville South Carolina construction
- Google Scholar: Greenville construction labor market
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenville, South Carolina
- Google News: Greenville child care shortage
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
