Tuscaloosa – October 29, 2026 -- U.S. construction and agricultural equipment dealers face a shortage of 10,000 technicians per year, costing them $7 billion annually in lost business and hindered growth, according to a report by Randall Reilly in partnership with the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation.
Canadian dealers lose more than $800 million a year to a 1,200-technician gap
A companion report produced by Randall Reilly for the Canada Equipment Dealers Foundation and AED found Canadian ag and construction dealers are short more than 1,200 technicians each year. The gap costs them more than $800 million in lost revenue annually.
Majority of dealers cannot meet customer demand
Seventy-five percent of U.S. dealers and 80% of Canadian dealers rate their difficulty hiring technicians at 4 or higher on a 5-point scale. As a result, 80% of U.S. dealers and 78% of Canadian dealers say they cannot meet customer demand.
Turnover peaks when technicians generate the most revenue
Recruitment is only part of the problem. Technician turnover peaks at the 2- to 5-year mark, when technicians are fully trained and bringing in the most revenue. In the U.S., 79% of technicians say they would take a job in a different industry for better pay and working conditions.
Stakeholders agree on causes and solutions
Surveys and interviews with dealers, OEMs, technicians and technical schools showed what the report calls an exceptionally strong consensus on both the causes of the shortage and its possible solutions.
Randall Reilly CEO Scott Miller said stakeholders almost universally point to stigma around skilled labor and an education system not designed for today's workforce. Fixing the shortage will require greater awareness of career opportunities and a focus on practical, work-based training, he said.