Analysis
NAICS 236 is the 2022 subsector for construction of buildings, part of 23 (Construction). Census lists 250 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 254,630 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 1,621,439 people at an average annual payroll of $82,433 per employee (71st percentile of national industries). 74% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 14% and employment rose 17%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
Across its national industries Census lists 250 index entries; typical ones are cabin construction general contractors, apartment building construction general contractors, apartment building for-sale builders and addition, alteration and renovation (i.e., construction)….
It splits into 2 more detailed codes. The largest by establishments is 2361 (Residential Building Construction) with 212,178.
Official definition
The Construction of Buildings subsector comprises establishments primarily responsible for the construction of buildings. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, or maintenance and repairs. The on-site assembly of precut, panelized, and prefabricated buildings and construction of temporary buildings are included in this subsector. Part or all of the production work for which the establishments in this subsector have responsibility may be subcontracted to other construction establishments--usually specialty trade contractors.
Establishments in this subsector are classified based on the types of buildings they construct. This classification reflects variations in the requirements of the underlying production processes.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Index entries (250)
- Cabin construction general contractors
- Apartment building construction general contractors
- Apartment building for-sale builders
- Addition, alteration and renovation (i.e., construction), multifamily building
- Acid plant construction
- Addition, alteration and renovation, commercial and institutional building