NAICS Code for Construction
NAICS Code for Construction
The main NAICS code for construction is NAICS 23 – Construction. From there, most construction businesses fall into one of three major groups based on primary activity: 236 for construction of buildings, 237 for heavy and civil engineering construction, or 238 for specialty trade contractors.
If you are trying to identify the right construction company NAICS code, start with the work that represents the largest share of revenue or contracts. That primary activity usually determines the best fit.
Quick answer: Construction businesses usually begin at NAICS 23, then narrow down to 236, 237, or 238 depending on whether the business mainly builds whole structures, performs heavy civil work, or specializes in a specific trade.
Quick construction type to 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 or industrial building construction Offices, warehouses, factories, institutions |
2362 |
236210 (Industrial) 236220 (Commercial/Institutional) |
| Highway, street, and bridge construction Roads, highways, bridges |
2373 | 237310 (Highway, Street, and Bridge) |
| Utility construction Water/sewer, power, communications lines |
2371 |
237110 (Water/Sewer Lines) 237130 (Power/Communication Lines) |
| Electrical contractors | 238210 | 238210 (Electrical Contractors) |
| Plumbing and HVAC contractors | 238220 | 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning) |
| Roofing contractors | 238160 | 238160 (Roofing Contractors) |
| Site preparation Excavation, demolition, land clearing |
238910 | 238910 (Site Preparation Contractors) |
How to choose the correct NAICS code for a construction business
Fast rule: Choose the NAICS code that best matches the business’s primary construction activity, usually the line of work that represents the largest share of revenue or contracts.
- Step 1: Decide whether the business mainly builds whole structures, works on heavy civil or infrastructure projects, or performs a specific trade.
- Step 2: Start with the right group: 236 for buildings, 237 for heavy and civil engineering, or 238 for specialty trades.
- Step 3: Select the most specific six-digit code that matches the dominant work performed.
- Step 4: If the company performs multiple types of work, use the code for the dominant activity.
Construction classification decision tree
Use this quick path if you are not sure where to begin.
Building entire structures?
Whole buildings, new construction, large additions, or major remodels coordinated across trades.
Start with NAICS 236 – Construction of Buildings
Infrastructure and heavy civil work?
Roads, bridges, utility systems, pipelines, and other civil engineering projects.
Start with NAICS 237 – Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
Performing a specific trade?
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, drywall, painting, flooring, demolition, excavation, and similar contractor work.
Start with NAICS 238 – Specialty Trade Contractors
NAICS construction code groups
NAICS 23 is the construction sector. Most businesses in this sector fall into one of the three groups below.
Construction of Buildings (NAICS 236)
General contractors and builders responsible for complete building projects, including new construction and major renovations.
Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction (NAICS 237)
Infrastructure and engineering projects such as highways, bridges, utility systems, and large civil works.
Specialty Trade Contractors (NAICS 238)
Trade-specific contractors such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, drywall, painting, flooring, and site preparation businesses.
View common specialty trade contractor codes
Use this when you already know the trade and want to narrow to a more specific code.
| Trade area | Common NAICS codes | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation, structure, and 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, and equipment installation |
| Building finishing | 238310, 238320, 238330, 238340, 238350 | Drywall, insulation, painting, flooring, tile, terrazzo, finish carpentry |
| Site preparation and other trades | 238910, 2389 | Demolition, excavation, land clearing, and other specialty work |
Common construction company types
What is the NAICS code for construction?
Start at NAICS 23, then narrow to 236, 237, or 238 based on primary work.
What is the NAICS code for residential construction?
Often 23611. Common specifics include
236115,
236116, and
236118.
What is the NAICS code for commercial construction?
Start with 2362, then often narrow to
236210 or
236220.
What is the NAICS code for construction management?
Many construction management firms are classified with the project type they manage, often within 236 or 237. Use the code that best reflects the establishment’s dominant activity.
What is the NAICS code for marine construction?
A common fit is 237990.
Common confusion: general contractor vs specialty trade contractor
If the business is responsible for the full building project, it will often start in 236. If it mainly performs one trade such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, or drywall, it will often start in 238. If it does both, use the code that matches the largest share of work or revenue.
NAICS 23 is the umbrella construction sector. Most companies narrow into 236 for buildings, 237 for heavy and civil engineering, or 238 for specialty trades.
Targeted NAICS construction business lists
SICCODE.com compiles business data and executive contact leads for companies within NAICS 23 – Construction. To order a targeted list for marketing, research, or analytics, use the request form on the right side of this page or visit our Business List page for more information.
For better targeting, specify whether you want 236, 237, or 238, along with any trade focus such as roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or site preparation.
FAQ
- What is the NAICS code for construction?
The construction sector is NAICS 23, which includes buildings (236), heavy and civil engineering (237), and specialty trades (238). - What NAICS codes are in construction?
The main construction groups are 236, 237, and 238. - What NAICS code is a general contractor?
It depends on the dominant work performed. Many general contractors fall under 236, including 236118 and 236220. Choose the code that best matches the primary work. - What if the business performs multiple trades?
Choose the code that matches the dominant activity and use the most specific code available.
Next steps
Start at NAICS 23 – Construction, then drill down into the most specific code under 236, 237, or 238 based on the primary work performed.
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