NAICS Code for Construction
The NAICS code for construction is NAICS 23 (Construction). Within Sector 23, most construction businesses map to one of three major groups based on primary activity: 236 (Construction of Buildings), 237 (Heavy & Civil Engineering Construction), or 238 (Specialty Trade Contractors).
If a business performs multiple types of construction work, use the code that best matches the primary activity (largest share of revenue or work).
Quick construction type → NAICS code reference
Use this as a fast starting point, then confirm fit on the detailed code page.
| If you're in… | Start with… | Common specific codes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential building construction New homes, additions, major remodels |
23611 |
236115 (Single-family) 236116 (Multifamily) 236118 (Residential Remodelers) |
| Commercial/industrial building construction Offices, warehouses, factories, institutions |
2362 |
236210 (Industrial) 236220 (Commercial/Institutional) |
| Highway, street & bridge construction Roads, highways, bridges |
2373 | 237310 (Highway, Street, Bridge) |
| Utility construction Water/sewer, power, communications lines |
2371 |
237110 (Water/Sewer Lines) 237130 (Power/Communication Lines) |
| Electrical contractors | 238210 | 238210 (Electrical Contractors) |
| Plumbing/HVAC contractors | 238220 | 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, A/C) |
| Roofing contractors | 238160 | 238160 (Roofing Contractors) |
| Site preparation Excavation, demolition, land clearing |
238910 | 238910 (Site Preparation) |
How to choose the correct NAICS code for a construction business
Decision rule (fast): pick the NAICS code that best matches the business’s primary construction activity (the work that represents the largest share of revenue/work).
- Step 1: Decide if the business primarily builds whole structures, builds infrastructure/heavy civil projects, or performs a specific trade.
- Step 2: Start with the appropriate group: 236 (buildings), 237 (heavy/civil), or 238 (specialty trades).
- Step 3: Choose the most specific six-digit code that matches the dominant work performed.
- Step 4: If the business does multiple trades, use the code for the dominant line of work.
Construction classification decision tree
Use this quick visual path when you’re unsure which construction group to start with:
🏗️ Building entire structures?
Whole buildings (new builds, major remodels), often coordinating multiple trades.
→ Start with NAICS 236 (Construction of Buildings)
🌉 Infrastructure & heavy civil work?
Roads, bridges, utilities, pipelines, large civil engineering projects.
→ Start with NAICS 237 (Heavy & Civil Engineering)
🔧 Performing a specific trade?
Electrical, plumbing/HVAC, roofing, drywall, painting, flooring, site prep, etc.
→ Start with NAICS 238 (Specialty Trade Contractors)
If the business does multiple types of work, choose the code representing the largest share of revenue or work, then select the most specific six-digit code available.
NAICS construction code groups (Sector 23)
The Construction sector is organized into three major categories. Use these links to drill into the most relevant group:
Construction of Buildings (NAICS 236)
General contractors and builders responsible for entire building projects (new construction, remodels, major renovations).
Heavy & Civil Engineering (NAICS 237)
Infrastructure and engineering projects such as highways, bridges, utilities, and large civil works.
Specialty Trade Contractors (NAICS 238)
Trade-specific contractors (electrical, plumbing/HVAC, roofing, drywall, painting, flooring, site prep, etc.). Many “contractor” searches map here.
View common specialty trade contractor codes (expanded)
Use this list when you already know the trade. For “other” or mixed trades, compare the detailed code pages and choose the closest match to primary work.
| Trade area | Common NAICS codes | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation / structure / exterior | 238110, 238120, 238130, 238140, 238150, 238160, 238170 | Concrete, steel/precast, framing, masonry, glazing, roofing, siding |
| Building equipment | 238210, 238220, 238290 | Electrical, low-voltage wiring, plumbing, HVAC, other equipment installs |
| Building finishing | 238310, 238320, 238330, 238340, 238350 | Drywall/insulation, painting, flooring, tile/terrazzo, finish carpentry |
| Site preparation / other trades | 238910, 2389 | Demolition, excavation, land clearing, and other specialty work |
Common construction company types (quick answers)
NAICS code for construction (general)?
Start at NAICS 23, then select 236 / 237 / 238 based on primary work.
NAICS code for residential construction?
Often 23611. Common specifics:
236115 (single-family),
236116 (multifamily),
236118 (remodelers).
NAICS code for commercial construction?
Start with 2362, then commonly
236210 (industrial) or
236220 (commercial/institutional).
NAICS code for construction management?
Many construction management firms are classified with the type of project they manage (often within 236 for buildings or 237 for heavy/civil). Use the code that best matches the dominant activity at the establishment level.
NAICS code for marine construction?
Commonly 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction).
⚠️ Common confusion: “general contractor” vs. “specialty trade contractor”
If you’re responsible for the entire building project (new build or major remodel), you’ll often start in 236. If you mainly perform one trade (electrical, plumbing/HVAC, roofing, etc.), you’ll often start in 238. If you do both, pick the code that matches the largest share of work or revenue.
Sector 23 is the construction umbrella. Use 236 for buildings, 237 for heavy/civil engineering, and 238 for specialty trades.
Targeted NAICS construction business lists
SICCODE.com compiles comprehensive business data and executive contact leads for businesses within NAICS 23 – Construction. To order a list of companies within NAICS Code 23 for marketing (postal mailing, telemarketing, emailing) or analytics use, fill out the Request Form on the right of this page or see our Buy Business List page for purchasing information.
For best targeting, specify whether you want 236 (buildings), 237 (heavy/civil), or 238 (specialty trades) and any trade focus (roofing, plumbing, electrical, etc.).
FAQ
- What is the NAICS code for construction?
The construction sector is NAICS 23, which includes buildings (236), heavy/civil engineering (237), and specialty trades (238). - What NAICS codes are in construction?
The main construction groups are 236 (Construction of Buildings), 237 (Heavy & Civil Engineering Construction), and 238 (Specialty Trade Contractors). - What NAICS code is a general contractor?
It depends on the dominant work performed. Many general contractors fall under 236, such as 236118 (Residential Remodelers) or 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction). Choose the code that best matches the primary work. - What if the business performs multiple trades?
Choose the code that matches the dominant activity (largest share of revenue/work) and use the most specific code available.
Next steps
Start at NAICS 23 – Construction, then select the most specific code under 236, 237, or 238 that matches the primary work performed.
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