Last Updated on October 11, 2025 by Admin
The Windy City’s construction sector contributes approximately 12% to the national construction market, with commercial building projected at $11.8 billion in 2025. From iconic skyscrapers to infrastructure megaprojects, Chicago’s construction companies are shaping America’s architectural landscape while creating thousands of high-paying construction careers.
Chicago Construction Market at a Glance:- Market Size: $31 billion in annual construction earnings
- Major Projects: O’Hare expansion, Red Line extension, downtown towers
- Employment: 285,000+ construction workers in Illinois
- Growth Rate: 7% annual increase in construction value
- Union Advantage: 60% of major projects use union labor
Table of Contents
Why Chicago Construction Companies Lead the Industry
Chicago’s strategic location as America’s transportation hub, combined with robust commercial real estate development, positions local construction companies at the forefront of industry innovation. The city’s union construction companies maintain some of the highest safety standards and skilled workforce development programs in the nation.
Union Labor Advantage
Chicago’s construction excellence stems from its strong Chicago Building Trades Council partnerships. Major contractors collaborate with unions including IBEW Local 134 electricians, Local 597 plumbers, and the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, ensuring world-class craftsmanship and safety standards that drive project success.
Top 10 Construction Companies in Chicago (2025 Rankings)
1. The Walsh Group – Chicago’s Construction Giant
Annual Revenue: $7.6+ billion | Founded: 1898 | Website: walshgroup.com
The Walsh Group stands as Chicago’s largest construction company and one of the top 30 largest construction companies in the United States. This family-owned powerhouse specializes in heavy civil infrastructure, transportation, and building construction.
🏗️ Core Specializations:
- Infrastructure: Highways, bridges, airports, tunnels
- Transportation: Rail systems, transit facilities
- Building: Commercial, institutional projects
- Marine: Waterfront development, port facilities
🎯 Notable Projects:
- O’Hare International Airport Expansion – $8.5 billion modernization
- Chicago Riverwalk – Award-winning waterfront development
- Red Line Extension – $2.3 billion CTA project
💼 Career Opportunities:
Walsh Group offers exceptional opportunities for construction professionals including project managers, engineers, superintendents, and skilled trades. The company’s comprehensive training programs and competitive benefits make it a top destination for construction careers in Chicago.
2. JE Dunn Construction – Midwest Building Leader
Annual Revenue: $7.4 billion | Founded: 1924 | Website: jedunn.com
JE Dunn Construction brings nearly a century of building expertise to Chicago’s commercial construction market. Known for innovative project delivery and sustainable building practices, they’re among the top commercial construction companies in the USA.
🏗️ Core Specializations:
- Healthcare: Hospitals, medical facilities, research centers
- Education: Universities, K-12 schools, libraries
- Commercial: Office buildings, mixed-use developments
- Sports & Entertainment: Stadiums, arenas, entertainment venues
🎯 Notable Projects:
- Rush University Medical Center – Advanced medical tower
- University of Illinois Chicago – Multiple campus buildings
- Advocate Aurora Health – Healthcare facility expansion
💼 Career Opportunities:
JE Dunn prioritizes employee development with robust construction job opportunities across project management, estimating, field supervision, and specialty trades. Their commitment to safety and professional growth makes them attractive to construction professionals seeking commercial construction careers.
3. Clayco – Design-Build Innovation Leader
Annual Revenue: $6.8 billion | Founded: 1984 | Website: claycorp.com
Clayco revolutionizes construction through integrated design-build services and advanced manufacturing techniques. Recognized by ENR as a top Midwest contractor, they excel in delivering complex projects on accelerated schedules.
🏗️ Core Specializations:
- Industrial: Manufacturing facilities, warehouses, distribution centers
- Aviation: Airports, hangars, cargo facilities
- Healthcare: Hospitals, outpatient facilities
- Mixed-Use: Urban developments, retail complexes
🎯 Notable Projects:
- Chicago O’Hare Cargo Facilities – Modern freight infrastructure
- Abbott Laboratories – Manufacturing and office complex
- Amazon Fulfillment Centers – Multiple Illinois locations
💼 Career Opportunities:
Clayco’s innovative approach creates diverse opportunities in industrial construction careers, BIM technology, and sustainable building design. Their emphasis on technology integration attracts forward-thinking construction professionals.
4. Clune Construction – Chicago Commercial Specialist
Annual Revenue: $2.24 billion | Founded: 1978 | Website: cluneconstruction.com
Clune Construction has established itself as Chicago’s premier commercial builder, specializing in complex urban projects. Their portfolio includes some of the city’s most recognizable office towers and mixed-use developments.
🏗️ Core Specializations:
- Commercial Office: High-rise towers, corporate headquarters
- Mixed-Use: Residential/retail/office combinations
- Hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues
- Retail: Shopping centers, flagship stores
🎯 Notable Projects:
- 150 North Riverside – Iconic curved office tower
- Bank of America Tower – Downtown financial district
- Chicago French Market – Historic renovation and expansion
💼 Career Opportunities:
Clune offers excellent opportunities for professionals seeking commercial construction careers in Chicago. Their focus on complex urban construction provides valuable experience in project coordination, client relations, and construction management.
5. J.T. Magen & Company – East Coast Expansion Leader
Annual Revenue: $1.89 billion | Founded: 1958 | Website: jtmagen.com
J.T. Magen brings decades of construction excellence to Chicago’s market, specializing in institutional and commercial projects. Their expansion into the Midwest demonstrates the company’s commitment to growth and innovation.
🏗️ Core Specializations:
- Healthcare: Hospitals, medical offices, research facilities
- Education: Schools, universities, dormitories
- Commercial: Office buildings, retail spaces
- Residential: Multi-family housing, mixed-use
🎯 Notable Projects:
- Northwestern Medicine – Medical facility expansion
- DePaul University – Campus development projects
- Chicago Housing Authority – Affordable housing initiatives
6. Pepper Construction – Historic Chicago Builder
Annual Revenue: $1.65 billion | Founded: 1927 | Website: pepperconstruction.com
Pepper Construction combines nearly a century of Chicago building experience with modern construction techniques. They’re recognized leaders in sustainable building practices and historic preservation.
🏗️ Core Specializations:
- Healthcare: Complex medical facilities, laboratories
- Education: Universities, research centers
- Historic Renovation: Landmark building restoration
- Mission Critical: Data centers, clean rooms
🎯 Notable Projects:
- University of Chicago Medicine – Advanced medical pavilion
- Chicago Mercantile Exchange – Trading floor renovation
- Willis Tower – Modernization and updates
7. Power Construction – High-Rise Residential Expert
Annual Revenue: $1.34 billion | Founded: 1990 | Website: powerconstruction.net
Power Construction leads Chicago’s high-rise residential market, delivering luxury towers and mixed-use developments. Their expertise in residential construction has helped shape the city’s evolving skyline.
🏗️ Core Specializations:
- High-Rise Residential: Luxury condominiums, apartments
- Mixed-Use: Residential/retail combinations
- Commercial: Office buildings, hotels
- Historic Renovation: Adaptive reuse projects
🎯 Notable Projects:
- Solstice on the Park – Museum District luxury tower
- NEMA Chicago – South Loop high-rise
- 11 West Illinois – River North development
8. W.E. O’Neil Construction – Diversified Building Excellence
Annual Revenue: $1.26 billion | Founded: 1927 | Website: weoneil.com
W.E. O’Neil Construction brings nearly a century of building expertise to diverse market sectors. Their comprehensive approach to construction management has earned recognition as one of Chicago’s most reliable builders.
🏗️ Core Specializations:
- Healthcare: Hospitals, outpatient facilities
- Education: Schools, student housing
- Corporate: Office buildings, headquarters
- Industrial: Manufacturing, distribution
🎯 Notable Projects:
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab – Cutting-edge rehabilitation hospital
- Loyola University Chicago – Campus expansion projects
- Grant Hospital – Medical facility renovation
9. James McHugh Construction – Chicago Institution
Annual Revenue: $1.1 billion | Founded: 1864 | Website: mchughconstruction.com
As Chicago’s oldest construction company, James McHugh Construction has literally built the city. Their 160-year legacy includes some of Chicago’s most iconic structures and continues with modern high-rise developments.
🏗️ Core Specializations:
- High-Rise Construction: Residential towers, condominiums
- Commercial: Office buildings, mixed-use
- Healthcare: Medical facilities, senior living
- Historic Projects: Landmark renovations
🎯 Notable Projects:
- Aqua Tower – Iconic 82-story residential skyscraper
- St. Regis Chicago – Ultra-luxury residential tower
- Navy Pier – Historic renovation and expansion
10. Bulley & Andrews – Specialized Construction Leader
Annual Revenue: $850+ million | Founded: 1891 | Website: bulley.com
Bulley & Andrews specializes in complex, technically challenging projects requiring specialized expertise. Their focus on healthcare, research, and institutional facilities sets them apart in Chicago’s competitive construction market.
🏗️ Core Specializations:
- Healthcare: Complex medical facilities, laboratories
- Research: University labs, clean rooms
- Historic Preservation: Landmark restoration
- Institutional: Cultural facilities, libraries
🎯 Notable Projects:
- Art Institute of Chicago – Modern Wing construction
- Northwestern University – Research facility expansions
- Chicago History Museum – Renovation and expansion
🏆 Honorable Mentions: Rising Stars & Specialists
Lendlease
Specialty: Urban regeneration and mixed-use developments
Notable Project: Lakeshore East master-planned community
Turner Construction
Specialty: Large-scale commercial and institutional projects
Notable Project: McCormick Place expansion and renovations
Mortenson Construction
Specialty: Sports facilities and renewable energy projects
Notable Project: Gallagher Way at Wrigley Field
Sjostrom & Sons
Specialty: High-end residential and commercial interiors
Notable Project: Luxury residential tower fit-outs
💼 Construction Career Opportunities in Chicago
Chicago’s thriving construction industry offers exceptional career opportunities across all skill levels. From entry-level construction jobs to senior executive positions, the city’s major builders provide comprehensive career development paths.
🎯 High-Demand Roles & Salaries
| Position | Average Salary (Chicago) | Experience Level | Growth Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Project Manager | $95,000 – $145,000 | 5-10 years | Excellent |
| Site Superintendent | $85,000 – $125,000 | 3-8 years | Very Good |
| Construction Estimator | $70,000 – $110,000 | 2-7 years | Good |
| Safety Manager | $75,000 – $115,000 | 3-8 years | Excellent |
| BIM Coordinator | $65,000 – $95,000 | 2-5 years | Outstanding |
🚀 Career Development Paths
Leading Chicago construction companies offer structured career advancement through:
- Apprenticeship Programs: Chicago Building Trades partnerships
- Leadership Development: Fast-track management training
- Technical Certifications: PMP, LEED, OSHA safety credentials
- Tuition Assistance: Engineering and construction management degrees
🎯 Ready to Launch Your Construction Career?
Explore current opportunities with Chicago’s top builders through our comprehensive construction job board. Whether you’re seeking entry-level positions or senior leadership roles, these industry leaders offer pathways to success.
🎯 How to Choose the Right Construction Company
For Job Seekers & Construction Professionals:
- Company Culture: Safety record, employee development, work-life balance
- Project Diversity: Exposure to different building types and technologies
- Career Growth: Promotion opportunities, training programs, mentorship
- Compensation: Competitive salary, benefits, profit-sharing
- Stability: Financial strength, project pipeline, market reputation
For Project Owners & Developers:
- Relevant Experience: Similar project types and scale
- Safety Performance: OSHA recordable incident rates
- Financial Capacity: Bonding capability and cash flow
- Local Presence: Chicago market knowledge and relationships
- Innovation: Technology adoption, sustainable practices
🏗️ Specialty Considerations by Project Type:
- High-Rise Residential: McHugh, Power, Lendlease
- Healthcare Facilities: Pepper, JE Dunn, Bulley & Andrews
- Infrastructure: Walsh Group, Turner Construction
- Commercial Office: Clune, J.T. Magen, W.E. O’Neil
- Industrial/Manufacturing: Clayco, Walsh Group
🔮 Chicago Construction Industry Outlook 2025-2030
The future of construction companies in Chicago looks exceptionally bright, driven by major infrastructure investments and urban development initiatives.
📈 Major Growth Drivers:
- Infrastructure Investment: Illinois $50.6B infrastructure plan
- O’Hare Expansion: $8.5 billion terminal modernization
- Transit Development: Red and Purple Line modernization
- Downtown Redevelopment: Mixed-use towers and renovations
- Sustainability Focus: Green building retrofits and new LEED projects
🚀 Emerging Technologies Shaping the Industry:
- Building Information Modeling (BIM): Enhanced project coordination
- Prefabrication & Modular: Accelerated project delivery
- Drone Technology: Site surveying and progress monitoring
- AI & Machine Learning: Predictive analytics and optimization
- Sustainable Materials: Carbon-neutral building solutions
Companies investing in these technologies and maintaining strong safety cultures will lead Chicago’s construction renaissance. For professionals considering construction technology careers, the opportunities have never been better.
🏗️ Building Your Future with Chicago’s Construction Leaders
Chicago’s top construction companies represent the pinnacle of American building excellence, from century-old institutions like James McHugh Construction to innovative leaders like Clayco. Whether you’re launching a construction career, seeking project partners, or exploring industry opportunities, these organizations offer unmatched expertise and growth potential.
The Windy City’s construction future is bright, fueled by unprecedented infrastructure investment and continued urban development. From O’Hare’s $8.5 billion expansion to downtown’s evolving skyline, Chicago’s builders are creating opportunities for the next generation of construction professionals.
🚀 Ready to Join Chicago’s Construction Elite?
Whether you’re seeking construction careers in Chicago or evaluating project partners, these industry leaders offer pathways to success. Explore current opportunities through our comprehensive job board and discover why Chicago remains America’s construction capital.
Your construction career starts here – connect with Chicago’s top builders and build something extraordinary.
📚 Resources & Sources
Industry Organizations & Training:
- Chicago Building Trades Council – Union apprenticeship programs
- Associated General Contractors of Greater Chicago – Industry advocacy
- Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago – Residential construction
- BOMA Chicago – Commercial building management
Government & Safety:
- City of Chicago Department of Buildings – Permits and regulations
- OSHA Construction Safety Data – Industry safety statistics
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Construction Careers
Professional Development:
- U.S. Green Building Council (LEED Certification)
- Project Management Institute (PMP Certification)
- Engineering News-Record – Industry news and rankings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The largest construction companies in Chicago by revenue include The Walsh Group ($7.6B+), JE Dunn Construction ($7.4B), Clayco ($6.8B), Clune Construction ($2.24B), and J.T. Magen ($1.89B). These rankings come from ENR Midwest Top Contractors data and company financial reports.
James McHugh Construction leads in high-rise residential (built Aqua Tower, St. Regis), Power Construction specializes in luxury residential towers, and Lendlease focuses on mixed-use residential developments. These companies are recognized among the top residential builders nationwide.
Construction salaries in Chicago vary by role: Project Managers ($95K-$145K), Site Superintendents ($85K-$125K), Estimators ($70K-$110K), and Safety Managers ($75K-$115K). Union workers often earn 15-25% higher than non-union positions. Check our highest paying construction jobs guide for detailed salary data.
Yes! Chicago construction companies are actively hiring across all levels due to major infrastructure projects and commercial development. Current demand is highest for project managers, safety professionals, BIM coordinators, and skilled trades. Visit our construction jobs page for current openings.
Chicago construction companies benefit from strong union partnerships, resulting in higher safety standards and skilled workforce development. The city’s transportation hub location, diverse project types, and architectural heritage create unique opportunities. About 60% of major projects use union labor, significantly higher than the national average.
