New Report Finds Technician Shortage Costs U.S. Equipment Dealers $7 Billion Per Year
TUSCALOOSA, Ala., Oct. 28, 2026 /CNW/ — U.S. construction and ag dealers face a shortage of 10,000 technicians per year, costing them $7 billion each year in lost business and hindered growth. That is the sobering finding of a new report produced by Randall Reilly in partnership with the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation.
A companion report produced by Randall Reilly for the Canada Equipment Dealers Foundation and AED found Canadian ag and construction dealers face a shortage of more than 1,200 technicians each year, which costs them more than $800 million per year in lost revenue.
Key report findings include 75% of U.S. dealers and 80% of Canadian dealers ranking their difficulty in hiring technicians at 4 or higher out of 5 with 80% (U.S.) and 78% (Canada) being unable to meet customer demand because of the shortage. And inability to recruit enough technicians is just part of the problem: Technician turnover hits its peak at the 2- to 5-year mark, when techs are fully trained and bringing in the most revenue. At the same time, 79% (U.S.) of technicians say they would take a job in a different industry for better pay and working conditions.
Surveys and interviews of dealers, OEMs, technicians and technical schools conducted for the report found an exceptionally strong consensus around both the causes of the shortage and its possible solutions.
“Stakeholders almost universally agree that stigma around skilled labor and an educational system not designed for today’s workforce are at the heart of the shortage,” says Scott Miller, Randall Reilly CEO. “Solving the problem will require both raising awareness of the career opportunities and focus on practical, work-based training,” Miller said.
About Randall Reilly
Randall Reilly delivers effective hiring solutions for skilled labor. Equipment dealers, private fleets, and trucking companies rely on Randall Reilly to hire truck drivers, diesel and automotive technicians, warehouse professionals, and other essential frontline talent. Our solutions are powered by AI-driven technology and one of the largest proprietary data sets of drivers and technicians. Our experienced recruiting teams that can fully manage or support the hiring process. By combining data intelligence, marketing innovation, and industry expertise, we help organizations solve complex talent challenges and drive growth.
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