WASHINGTON —Associated Builders and Contractors today released the findings of its Drone Usage report, a survey ABC conducted of its contractor members in May 2026. Notably, 36.1% of ABC contractor member respondents reported that they fly drones.
Other report findings include:
- Drones are most often used for site progress monitoring (80.8%), marketing and media (77.5%) and inspections and mapping (50%).
- Investment levels in drones vary widely, but 62% report investing between $1,000 and $10,000.
- DJI manufacturers the overwhelming majority of ABC contractor members’ primary drones (97.1%).
- The biggest challenges in adopting drone technology include regulatory and compliance issues (53.5%), training and staffing (43.4%) and limited use cases (37.4%).
- Nearly 75% of contractors surveyed are commercial contractors.
“In the ever-evolving construction technology landscape, drones are transforming how contractors monitor site progress, enhance branding efforts and conduct inspections with unprecedented efficiency,” said Matt Abeles, ABC vice president of construction technology and innovation.
“This ABC report details how ABC contractor members are embracing this innovation, yet regulatory hurdles and training challenges still limit broader adoption,” said Abeles. “ABC urges contractors to continue exploring the full potential of drone technology on their jobsites and calls on lawmakers to streamline compliance so employers can leverage these tools to build safer, healthier and more efficient jobsites.”
ABC creates the conditions for construction companies to innovate, differentiate, attract and educate top talent to win and deliver work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work.
Visit abc.org/dronerport to read the full report.
Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 with 67 chapters and 24,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC helps members offer a robust employee value proposition, develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at abc.org.
