Amid a surging demand for skilled labor fueled by the buildout of artificial intelligence infrastructure, many ENR Top 600 Specialty Contractors have gained key roles to propel America’s data center boom, as shown by a 14.7% rise in list revenue to $275.1 billion last year. Yet with some firms not able to compete in the sector, ENR data reveals a deeper story about market dynamics.

Overall, revenue for Top 600 Special Contractors has risen by double digits every year since 2020. Median firm revenue is also up, climbing 6.5% last year to $136.4 million. Total new contract awards increased 6.4% between 2024 and 2025, to $230.8 billion from $217.0 billion.…