ServiceTitan reports AI use survey results

ServiceTitan, whose software platform for the trades includes the FieldRoutes platform, released The Update: 2026 State of AI in the Trades report. Per a news release, the survey found that “contractors are increasingly focused on how to effectively implement artificial intelligence (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,” Abhishek Mathur, chief technology and product officer at ServiceTitan, said in the news release. “Every job, every customer interaction, every dispatch decision becomes a learning moment that will improve future performance while increasing efficiency of operations.”

Five major takeaways include:

1. AI delivers measurable productivity gains. AI users are reporting tangible productivity benefits, with 66 percent saving at least three hours per week. However, fewer than half report improved profitability (47 percent) or increased revenue (43 percent), highlighting an opportunity to translate efficiency into broader business outcomes.
2. 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 percent), followed by providing off-hours support (34 percent) and reducing operating costs (33 percent). 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.
3. 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 percent, ranking last among the key barriers measured. Instead, 44 percent of contractors cite understanding how to use AI in their business as a barrier; 43 percent point to a lack of clear use cases; and 40 percent 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.
4. Contractors want AI built for the way they work. As contractors look for clearer paths to implementation, 38 percent say AI trained on trade-specific data would encourage greater adoption, second only to clearer return on investment (ROI) at 40 percent. Additionally, 61 percent 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.
5. AI adoption is outpacing trust. Despite growing usage and demonstrated productivity benefits, only 11 percent of contractors place high or complete trust in the AI tools they use, while 58 percent report little or no trust. Among AI users, accuracy and reliability are the leading concern, cited by 35 percent — underscoring the importance of trustworthy technology grounded in relevant data and designed around real-world trade workflows.

To view the full findings and key takeaways, download ServiceTitan’s 2026 State of AI in the Trades Report here.

About the research

The survey was conducted on behalf of ServiceTitan by Thrive Analytics, an independent third-party research provider and a leading digital marketing research firm, polling 1,017 verified U.S. residential and commercial trades contractors across HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, garage doors, pest control, landscaping, and fire and life safety. Fielded May 26 to June 15, 2026.  Margin of error plus or minus 3.7 points at the total sample, wider for subgroups. Comparisons use the prior wave of 1,032 contractors, fielded Oct. 23 to Nov. 12, 2025. Question wording was lightly revised between waves. This research is for informational purposes only and ServiceTitan provides no assurances (express or implied) with respect to the accuracy of the survey data or analysis. Forward-looking economic and industry outlooks represent the views of the survey respondents, and may not represent the view of ServiceTitan or its affiliates. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied.

About ServiceTitan

ServiceTitan is a purpose-built agentic operating system designed to automate the workflows that run a contracting business, from enterprise commercial construction to residential field service, exteriors and beyond. The company’s end-to-end solution gives contractors the tools they can use to run and grow their business.