2026 Technician Shortage Report: Troubleshooting the Tech Shortage

U.S. Report

The 2026 Technician Shortage Report provides a comprehensive look at the ongoing technician shortage across the equipment industry, including the impact on business growth, costs, and customer demand. Drawing on responses from dealers, OEMs, schools, and technicians, this is the most comprehensive multi-stakeholder survey on this issue to date. The report examines the causes of the shortage, challenges with recruitment and retention, and opportunities to strengthen the technician pipeline. This year’s research concludes with six priorities for stakeholders, presented as an industry call to action to address the technician shortage.

Highlights of the report include:

10,000 Technicians needed annually
$7 Billion in lost dealer revenue every year
80% of dealers can’t meet customer demand because they can’t find qualified technicians

Download Report

2026 Technician Shortage Report: Troubleshooting the Tech Shortage in Canada

Canada Report

The 2026 Technician Shortage Report examines the ongoing shortage of heavy equipment technicians and the impact on Canada’s equipment dealers. The research explores the factors contributing to the shortage, the challenges dealers face in recruiting and retaining skilled technicians, and the competition for technicians across industries. The findings highlight opportunities to strengthen Canada’s technician workforce through practical, work-based training and the need for greater support for employers investing in technician development

Highlights of the report include:

1,263 Technicians needed Annually
CA$803 Million in lost dealer revenue per year
78% of dealers are unable to meet customer demand

Download Report

Why are These Reports Beneficial to Our Members and the Industry?

Anecdotally, equipment industry stakeholders talk about the negative impact that the technician shortage is having on the industry. This research is critical because it quantifies, in real numbers, the impact of the skills gap/technician shortage for the industry.
This report reinforces the need to expand the workforce development efforts of The AED Foundation, and other like-minded organizations, to ensure that more qualified entry-level technicians enter the job market
This report provides critical data to equipment industry stakeholders as they advocate for greater investment in career and technical education in Washington, DC and across North America.
Policymakers want quantifiable data from a reputable industry organization when they make important decisions, which The AED Foundation delivers.
Addressing the industry’s technician shortage helps reinvigorate the economy and gets more people into the workforce.
This research is an essential part of the mission for The AED Foundation because it’s important to gauge where the industry stands today and to understand the workforce outlook over the next several years better.