The Specialty Trade Contractors subsector comprises establishments whose primary activity is performing specific activities (e.g., pouring concrete, site preparation, plumbing, painting, and electrical work) involved in building construction or other activities that are similar for all types of construction but that are not responsible for the entire project. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs. The production work performed by establishments in this subsector is usually subcontracted from establishments of the general contractor type or operative builders but, especially in remodeling and repair construction, work also may be done directly for the owner of the property. Specialty trade contractors usually perform most of their work at the construction site, although they may have shops where they perform prefabrication and other work. Establishments primarily engaged in preparing sites for new construction are also included in this subsector.
There are substantial differences in types of equipment, work force skills, and other inputs required by specialty trade contractors. Establishments in this subsector are classified based on the underlying production function for the specialty trade in which they specialize. Throughout the Specialty Trade Contractors subsector, establishments commonly provide both the parts and labor required to complete work. For example, electrical contractors supply the current-carrying and noncurrent-carrying wiring devices that are required to install a circuit. Plumbing, Heating and Air-Conditioning contractors also supply the parts required to complete a contract.
Establishments that specialize in activities primarily related to heavy and civil engineering construction that are not normally performed on buildings, such as the painting of lines on highways are classified in Subsector 237, Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction.
Establishments that are primarily engaged in selling construction materials are classified in Sector 42, Wholesale Trade, or Sector 44-45, Retail Trade, based on the characteristics of the selling unit.
2381 Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors
This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in the specialty trades needed
to complete the basic structure (i.e., foundation, frame, and shell) of buildings. The work
performed may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
23811 Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors
See industry description for 238110 below.
238110 Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in pouring and finishing concrete
foundations and structural elements. This industry also includes establishments performing
grout and shotcrete work. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations,
maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Concrete pouring and finishing; Gunite contractors; Concrete pumping (i.e., placement);
Mud-jacking contractors; Concrete work (except paving); Shotcrete contractors; Footing and
foundation concrete contractors.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- Constructing or paving streets, highways, and public sidewalks - classified in Industry 237310, Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction;
- Concrete sealing, coating, waterproofing, or dampproofing - classified in Industry 238390, Other Building Finishing Contractors; and
- Paving residential driveways, commercial parking lots, and other private parking areas - classified in Industry 238990, All Other Specialty Trade Contractors
23812 Structural Steel and Precast Concrete Contractors
See industry description for 238120 below.
238120 Structural Steel and Precast Concrete Contractors
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in: (1) erecting and assembling
structural parts made from steel or precast concrete (e.g., steel beams, structural steel
components, and similar products of precast concrete); and/or (2) assembling and installing
other steel construction products (e.g., steel rods, bars, rebar, mesh, and cages) to reinforce
poured-in-place concrete. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations,
maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Concrete product (e.g., structural precast, structural prestressed) installation; Rebar
contractors; Erecting structural steel; Reinforcing steel contractors; Placing and tying
reinforcing rod at a construction site; Structural steel contractors; Precast concrete panel,
slab, or form installation.
Cross-References.
- Establishments primarily engaged in pouring concrete at the construction site for building foundations or structural elements are classified in Industry 238110, Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors.
23813 Framing Contractors
See industry description for 238130 below.
238130 Framing Contractors
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in structural framing and sheathing
using materials other than structural steel or concrete. The work performed may include new
work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Building framing (except structural steel); Post frame contractors; Foundation, building, wood,
contractors; Steel framing contractors; Framing contractors; Wood frame component (e.g., truss)
fabrication on site.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- Finish carpentry - classified in Industry 238350, Finish Carpentry Contractors; and
- Installing structural steel or precast concrete framing or structural elements - classified in Industry 238120, Structural Steel and Precast Concrete Contractors.
23814 Masonry Contractors
See industry description for 238140 below.
238140 Masonry Contractors
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in masonry work, stone setting, brick
laying, and other stone work. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations,
maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Block laying; Marble, granite, and slate, exterior, contractors; Brick laying; Masonry
pointing, cleaning, or caulking; Concrete block laying; Stucco contractors; Foundation (e.g.,
brick, block, stone), building, contractors.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- Erecting the basic structure of buildings by pouring concrete - classified in Industry 238110, Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors;
- Interior marble, granite and slate work - classified in Industry 238340, Tile and Terrazzo Contractors; and
- Laying precast stones or bricks for patios, sidewalks, and driveways; or paving residential driveways, commercial parking lots and other private parking areas - classified in Industry 238990, All Other Specialty Trade Contractors.
23815 Glass and Glazing Contractors
See industry description for 238150 below.
238150 Glass and Glazing Contractors
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in installing glass panes in prepared
openings (i.e., glazing work) and other glass work for buildings. The work performed may
include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Decorative glass and mirror installation; Glazing contractors; Glass cladding installation;
Stained glass installation; Glass coating and tinting (except automotive) contractors; Window
pane or sheet installation; Glass installation (except automotive) contractors.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- Installing prefabricated window units - classified in Industry 238350, Finish Carpentry Contractors; and
- The replacement, repair, and/or tinting of automotive glass - classified in U.S. Industry 811122, Automotive Glass Replacement Shops.
23816 Roofing Contractors
See industry description for 238160 below.
238160 Roofing Contractors
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in roofing. This industry also
includes establishments treating roofs (i.e., spraying, painting, or coating) and installing
skylights. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and
repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Painting, spraying, or coating, roof; Sheet metal roofing installation; Shake and shingle,
roof, installation; Skylight installation.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- Installing roof trusses and sheathing attached to trusses - classified in Industry 238130, Framing Contractors; and
- Installing downspouts, gutters, fascia, and soffits - classified in Industry 238170, Siding Contractors.
23817 Siding Contractors
See industry description for 238170 below.
238170 Siding Contractors
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in installing siding of wood,
aluminum, vinyl or other exterior finish material (except brick, stone, stucco, or curtain
wall). This industry also includes establishments installing gutters and downspouts. The work
performed may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Downspout, gutter, and gutter guard installation; Siding (e.g., vinyl, wood, aluminum)
installation; Fascia and soffit installation.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- Installing brick, stone, or stucco building exterior finish materials - classified in Industry 238140, Masonry Contractors;
- Installing curtain wall - classified in Industry 238190, Other Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors; and
- Installing sheet metal duct work - classified in Industry 238220, Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors.
23819 Other Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior
Contractors
See industry description for 238190 below.
238190 Other Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior
Contractors
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in building foundation and structure
trades work (except poured concrete, structural steel, precast concrete, framing, masonry,
glass and glazing, roofing, and siding). The work performed may include new work, additions,
alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Curtain wall, metal, installation; Forms for poured concrete, erecting, and dismantling;
Decorative steel and wrought iron work installation; Ornamental metal work installation; Fire
escape installation; Welding, on site, contractors.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- Poured concrete foundation and structure work - classified in Industry 238110, Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors;
- Installation of structural steel or precast concrete building components - classified in Industry 238120, Structural Steel and Precast Concrete Contractors;
- Framing buildings - classified in Industry 238130, Framing Contractors;
- Masonry work - classified in Industry 238140, Masonry Contractors;
- Glass and glazing work - classified in Industry 238150, Glass and Glazing Contractors;
- Installing or repairing roofs - classified in Industry 238160, Roofing Contractors; and
- Installing siding - classified in Industry 238170, Siding Contractors.
2382 Building Equipment Contractors
This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in installing or servicing
equipment that forms part of a building mechanical system (e.g., electricity, water, heating,
and cooling). The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, or maintenance
and repairs. Contractors installing specialized building equipment, such as elevators,
escalators, service station equipment, and central vacuum cleaning systems are also included.
23821 Electrical Contractors
See industry description for 238210 below.
238210 Electrical Contractors
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in installing and servicing electrical
wiring and equipment. Electrical contractors included in this industry may include both the
parts and labor when performing work. Electrical contractors may perform new work, additions,
alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Airport runway lighting contractors; Fiber optic cable (except transmission line) contractors;
Alarm system (e.g., fire, burglar), electric, installation only; Highway, street, and bridge
lighting and electrical signal installation; Audio equipment (except automotive) installation
contractors; Home automation system installation; Cable splicing, electrical or fiber optic;
Lighting system installation; Cable television hookup contractors; Telecommunications equipment
and wiring (except transmission line) installation contractors; Computer and network cable
installation; Traffic signal installation; Environmental control system installation.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- Installing and maintaining telecommunications lines by telecommunications companies - classified in Subsector 517, Telecommunications;
- Constructing power and communication transmission lines - classified in Industry 237130, Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction; and
- Burglar and fire alarm installation combined with sales, maintenance, or monitoring services - classified in U.S. Industry 561621, Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths).
23822 Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
See industry description for 238220 below.
238220 Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in installing and servicing plumbing,
heating, and air-conditioning equipment. Contractors in this industry may provide both parts
and labor when performing work. The work performed may include new work, additions,
alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Cooling tower installation; Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) contractors; Duct
work (e.g., cooling, dust collection, exhaust, heating, ventilation) installation; Lawn
sprinkler system installation; Fire sprinkler system installation; Mechanical contractors;
Fireplace, natural gas, installation; Refrigeration system (e.g., commercial, industrial,
scientific) installation; Furnace installation; Sewer hook-up and connection, building.
Learn more about operating an Air Conditioning and Heating Company.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- Installing electrical controls for HVAC systems - classified in Industry 238210, Electrical Contractors;
- Duct cleaning - classified in Industry 561790, Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings; and
- Installing septic tanks - classified in Industry 238910, Site Preparation Contractors.
23829 Other Building Equipment Contractors
See industry description for 238290 below.
238290 Other Building Equipment Contractors
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in installing or servicing building
equipment (except electrical; plumbing; heating, cooling, or ventilation equipment). The repair
and maintenance of miscellaneous building equipment is included in this industry. The work
performed may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Automated and revolving door installation; Lightning protection equipment (e.g., lightning rod)
installation; Boiler and pipe insulation installation; Machine rigging; Commercial-type door
installation; Millwrights; Conveyor system installation; Overhead door, commercial- or
industrial-type, installation; Dismantling large-scale machinery and equipment; Revolving door
installation; Elevator installation; Satellite dish, household-type, installation; Escalator
installation; Vacuum cleaning system, built-in, installation; Gasoline pump, service station,
installation.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- Manufacturing of industrial equipment with incidental installation - classified in Sectors 31-33, Manufacturing; and
- Repair and maintenance of commercial refrigeration equipment or production equipment - classified in Industry 811310, Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance.
2383 Building Finishing Contractors
This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in the specialty trades needed
to finish buildings. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, or
maintenance and repairs.
23831 Drywall and Insulation Contractors
See industry description for 238310 below.
238310 Drywall and Insulation Contractors
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in drywall, plaster work, and building
insulation work. Plaster work includes applying plain or ornamental plaster, and installation
of lath to receive plaster. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations,
maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Acoustical ceiling tile and panel installation; Lathing contractors; Drop ceiling installation;
Plastering (i.e., ornamental, plain) contractors; Drywall contractors; Soundproofing
contractors; Fresco (i.e., decorative plaster finishing) contractors; Taping and finishing
drywall; Gypsum board installation; Wall cavity and attic space insulation installation.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- Applying stucco - classified in Industry 238140, Masonry Contractors; and
- Insulating pipes and boilers - classified in Industry 238290, Other Building Equipment Contractors.
23832 Painting and Wall Covering Contractors
See industry description for 238320 below.
238320 Painting and Wall Covering Contractors
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in interior or exterior painting or
interior wall covering. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations,
maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Bridge painting; Paperhanging or removal contractors; House painting; Ship painting
contractors; Paint and wallpaper stripping; Wallpaper hanging and removal contractors.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- Painting lines on highways, streets, and parking lots - classified in Industry 237310, Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction;
- Roof painting - classified in Industry 238160, Roofing Contractors; and
- Installing wood paneling - classified in Industry 238350, Finish Carpentry Contractors.
23833 Flooring Contractors
See industry description for 238330 below.
238330 Flooring Contractors
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in the installation of resilient floor
tile, carpeting, linoleum, and hard wood flooring. The work performed may include new work,
additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Carpet, installation only; Resilient floor tile or sheet (e.g., linoleum, rubber, vinyl),
installation only; Floor laying, scraping, finishing, and refinishing; Resurfacing hardwood
flooring; Hardwood flooring, installation only; Vinyl flooring contractors.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- Laying concrete flooring - classified in Industry 238110, Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors;
- Installing stone or ceramic floor tile - classified in Industry 238340, Tile and Terrazzo Contractors; and
- Selling and installing carpet and other flooring products as retail establishments - classified in Sector 44-45, Retail Trade.
23834 Tile and Terrazzo Contractors
See industry description for 238340 below.
238340 Tile and Terrazzo Contractors
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in setting and installing ceramic
tile, stone (interior only), and mosaic and/or mixing marble particles and cement to make
terrazzo at the job site. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations,
maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Ceramic tile installation; Mosaic work; Mantel, marble or stone, installation; Stone flooring
installation; Marble, granite, and slate, interior installation contractors; Tile (except
resilient) laying and setting.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- Exterior marble, granite, and slate work - classified in Industry 238140, Masonry Contractors;
- Manufacturing precast terrazzo products - classified in Industry 327390, Other Concrete Product Manufacturing; and
- Installing, without selling resilient floor tile - classified in Industry 238330, Flooring Contractors.
23835 Finish Carpentry Contractors
See industry description for 238350 below.
238350 Finish Carpentry Contractors
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in finish carpentry work. The work
performed may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Built-in wood cabinets constructed on site; Molding or trim, wood or plastic, installation;
Counter top, residential-type, installation; Paneling installation; Door and window frame
construction; Prefabricated kitchen and bath cabinet, residential-type, installation; Garage
door, residential-type, installation; Ship joinery contractors; Millwork installation; Window
and door, residential-type, of any material, prefabricated, installation.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- Installing skylights - classified in Industry 238160, Roofing Contractors;
- Framing - classified in Industry 238130, Framing Contractors; and
- Building custom kitchen and bath cabinets (except free standing) in a shop - classified in Industry 337110, Wood Kitchen Cabinet and Countertop Manufacturing.
23839 Other Building Finishing Contractors
See industry description for 238390 below.
238390 Other Building Finishing Contractors
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in building finishing trade work
(except drywall, plaster and insulation work; painting and wall covering work; flooring work;
tile and terrazzo work; and finish carpentry work). The work performed may include new work,
additions, alterations, or maintenance and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Bath tub refinishing on site; Fabricating metal cabinets or countertops on site; Closet
organizer system installation; Modular furniture system attachment and installation; Concrete
coating, glazing, or sealing; Trade show exhibit installation and dismantling; Countertop and
cabinet, metal (except residential-type), installation; Waterproofing contractors; Drapery
fixture (e.g., hardware, rods, tracks) installation; Window shade and blind installation.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- Installing drywall, plaster or insulation - classified in Industry 238310, Drywall and Insulation Contractors;
- Installing or removing paint or wall coverings - classified in Industry 238320, Painting and Wall Covering Contractors;
- Installing or repairing wood floors, resilient flooring, and carpet - classified in Industry 238330, Flooring Contractors;
- Setting tile or performing terrazzo work - classified in Industry 238340, Tile and Terrazzo Contractors; and
- Finish carpentry - classified in Industry 238350, Finish Carpentry Contractors.
2389 Other Specialty Trade Contractors
23891 Site Preparation Contractors
See industry description for 238910 below.
238910 Site Preparation Contractors
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in site preparation activities, such
as excavating and grading, demolition of buildings and other structures, septic system
installation, and house moving. Earth moving and land clearing for all types of sites (e.g.,
building, nonbuilding, mining) is included in this industry. Establishments primarily engaged
in construction equipment rental with operator (except cranes) are also included.
Illustrative Examples:
Blasting, building demolition; Foundation digging (i.e., excavation); Concrete breaking and
cutting for demolition; Foundation drilling contractors; Cutting new rights of way; Grading
construction sites; Demolition, building and structure; Line slashing or cutting (except
maintenance); Dewatering contractors; Septic system contractors; Dirt moving for construction;
Trenching (except underwater); Equipment rental (except crane), construction, with operator;
Underground tank (except hazardous) removal; Excavating, earthmoving, or land clearing
contractors; Wrecking, building or other structure.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- Earth retention or underwater trenching - classified in Industry 237990, Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction;
- Crane rental with operator - classified in Industry 238990, All Other Specialty Trade Contractors;
- Overburden removal as an activity prior to mineral removal from quarries or open pit mines - classified in Sector 21, Mining;
- Drilling oil and gas field water intake wells - classified in U.S. Industry 213111, Support Activities for Mining;
- Dismantling tanks in oil fields - classified in U.S. Industry 213112, Drilling Oil and Gas Wells;
- Construction equipment rental without an operator - classified in U.S. Industry 532412, Construction, Mining, and Forestry Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing;
- Tree and brush trimming for overhead utility lines - classified in Industry 561730, Landscaping Services; and
- Nuclear power plant decommissioning and environmental remediation work, such as the removal of underground steel tanks for hazardous materials - classified in Industry 562910, Remediation Services.
23899 All Other Specialty Trade Contractors
See industry description for 238990 below.
238990 All Other Specialty Trade Contractors
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in specialized trades (except
foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors; building equipment contractors;
building finishing contractors; and site preparation contractors). The specialty trade work
performed includes new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Billboard erection; Outdoor swimming pool construction; Cleaning building interiors during and
immediately after construction; Paver, brick (e.g., driveway, patio, sidewalk), installation;
Crane rental with operator; Paving, residential and commercial driveway and parking lot;
Driveway paving or sealing; Sandblasting building exteriors; Fence installation; Scaffold
erecting and dismantling; Interlocking brick and block installation; Steeplejack work;
Manufactured (mobile) home, set up and tie-down.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- Foundation, structure, and building exterior work - classified in Industry Group 2381, Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors;
- Installing, repairing, or maintaining building mechanical systems - classified in Industry Group 2382, Building Equipment Contractors;
- Finishing buildings - classified in Industry Group 2383, Building Finishing Contractors;
- Paving public highways, streets, and roads - classified in Industry 237310, Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction;
- Construction equipment rental with an operator (except cranes) or preparing land for building construction - classified in Industry 238910, Site Preparation Contractors;
- Construction equipment rental without an operator - classified in U.S. Industry 532412, Construction, Mining, and Forestry Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing;
- Radon testing - classified in Industry 541380, Testing Laboratories;
- Power washing and other building exterior cleaning (except sandblasting) - classified in Industry 561790, Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings; and
- Environmental remediation work, such as asbestos abatement - classified in Industry 562910, Remediation Services.
Information courtesy of the U.S. Census Bureau.
