ServiceTitan Report: Contractors Shift Focus to AI Productivity
66% of AI users save at least three hours per week as contractors seek clearer use cases and trade-specific technology
ServiceTitan released its The Update: 2026 State of AI in the Trades report, revealing that contractors are increasingly focused on how to effectively implement AI and translate its productivity benefits into measurable business results. Based on a survey of more than 1,000 residential and commercial trades contractors across the U.S., the findings highlight growing demand for clearer use cases, trade-specific technology, and AI solutions that integrate into existing business operations.
“Over the next few years, the businesses that pull ahead will be the ones that weave AI into the fabric of their operations,” said Abhishek Mathur, Chief Technology and Product Officer at ServiceTitan. “Every job, every customer interaction, every dispatch decision becomes a learning moment that will improve future performance while increasing efficiency of operations.”
AI Delivers Measurable Productivity Gains
AI users are reporting tangible productivity benefits, with 66% saving at least three hours per week. However, fewer than half report improved profitability (47%) or increased revenue (43%), highlighting an opportunity to translate efficiency into broader business outcomes.
Workforce Challenges are a Leading Driver of AI Experimentation
Difficulty hiring and the workforce gap is the top reason contractors cite for experimenting with AI (37%), followed by providing off-hours support (34%) and reducing operating costs (33%). The findings suggest contractors are looking to AI to help extend the capacity of their existing teams and support operational needs amid persistent workforce pressures.
The biggest barriers have shifted from cost to understanding how to use AI effectively
High purchase cost fell 12 percentage points from the previous survey to 17%, ranking last among the key barriers measured. Instead, 44% of contractors cite understanding how to use AI in their business as a barrier, 43% point to a lack of clear use cases, and 40% cite integration with existing software. The shift suggests contractors are increasingly focused on how to successfully implement AI and generate meaningful value from the technology.
Contractors Want AI Built for the Way They Work
As contractors look for clearer paths to implementation, 38% say AI trained on trade-specific data would encourage greater adoption, second only to clearer ROI at 40%. Additionally, 61% of users prefer AI and automation to be built directly into their core platform, pointing to growing demand for technology designed around the specific workflows and operational needs of the trades.
AI Adoption is Outpacing Trust
Despite growing usage and demonstrated productivity benefits, only 11% of contractors place high or complete trust in the AI tools they use, while 58% report little or no trust. Among AI users, accuracy and reliability are the leading concern, cited by 35%, underscoring the importance of trustworthy technology grounded in relevant data and designed around real-world trade workflows.
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