An overwhelming majority of construction firms report trouble finding qualified craft workers to fill key spots as demand for construction continues to rebound in many parts of the country, according to the results of an industrywide survey released today by the Associated General Contractors of America.

“Few firms across the country have been immune from growing labor shortages in the construction industry,” said AGC CEO Stephen Sandherr. “The sad fact is too few students are being exposed to construction careers or provided with the basic skills needed to prepare for such a career path.”

The survey found 86% of respondents are having difficulty filling hourly craft or salaried professional positions. According to the research, 79% of responding firms nationwide are having a hard time filling one or more of the 21 hourly craft professional positions; in particular, 73% of firms that employ carpenters report difficulty, followed by those that employ sheet metal installers and concrete workers at 65% and 63% respectively.

And more than half, 52% of firms reported having a hard time filling salaried professional positions, especially project managers/supervisors (listed by 55% of firms that employ them), estimators (43%) and engineers (34%).

Competition for workers prompted 56% of firms to increase base pay rates for hourly craft professionals, according to the report.

The survey included 1,358 respondents was conducted in July and August 2015.