NAICS 23891

Site Preparation Contractors

Key Figures

Establishments
41,777
Census CBP · 2023
Employment
472,783
Census CBP · 2023
Market size
$158.7B
Census Economic Census · 2022

Figures are published for NAICS 23891 directly.

Need the full analysis?
Basic $299 · Standard $499 · delivered within 48 hours
Both include everything in the Data Pack, plus the written analysis.
Request a report
Just want the numbers?
Data Pack $99 · 7 pages · instant download · snapshot 23891-2026-07-23c
The full series, state table and official concentration, with the source & provenance sheet — every vintage, extraction date and checksum. No written analysis.
Buy a report on this code later and the $99 comes off its price. Email sales@vantainsights.com before you order; it cannot be applied afterwards. What is a Data Pack?

Secure payments powered by Stripe, a PCI DSS Level 1 certified provider

Official definition

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in site preparation activities, such as excavating and grading, demolition of buildings and other structures, and septic system installation. Earthmoving and land clearing for all types of sites (e.g., building, nonbuilding, mining) is included in this industry. Establishments primarily engaged in construction equipment rental with operator (except cranes) are also included.

Source: US Census Bureau, 2017 NAICS Definitions. Public domain. Census publishes this definition under NAICS 238910, the only detailed industry in this group.

Illustrative examples

  • Blasting, building demolition
  • Foundation digging (i.e., excavation)
  • Concrete breaking and cutting for demolition
  • Foundation drilling contractors
  • Cutting new rights of way
  • Grading construction sites
  • Demolition, building and structure
  • Line slashing or cutting (except maintenance)
  • Dewatering contractors
  • Septic system contractors
  • Dirt moving for construction
  • Trenching (except underwater)
  • Equipment rental (except crane), construction, with operator
  • Underground tank (except hazardous) removal
  • Excavating, earthmoving, or land clearing contractors
  • Wrecking, building or other structure

Which code does this activity belong in?

Site preparation contractors perform earthmoving, grading, demolition, and excavation work to ready land and structures for construction or other uses. The boundary with all other specialty trade contractors turns on the primary activity: site preparation contractors focus on preparing the physical site itself through earth movement and structural demolition, while all other specialty trade contractors engage in different finishing or specialized trades that follow site preparation or address other construction needs.

VantaInsights Analysis AI-drafted

Written for NAICS 238910, the only detailed industry in this group.

Where this sits

Related classifications

Related guides