ServiceTitan Report Finds Contractors Shifting Focus From AI Adoption to Implementation and Productivity

66% of AI Users Save at Least Three Hours Per Week as Contractors Seek Clearer Use Cases and Trade-Specific Technology

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ServiceTitan (Nasdaq: TTAN), the software platform that powers the trades, today 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.

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

About the research; forward-looking statements
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 October 23 to November 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 AI for the trades — 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 need to run and grow their business, while providing a stellar customer experience. Learn how ServiceTitan is equipping tradespeople with the AI technology they need to keep the world running at: www.servicetitan.com

© 2026 ServiceTitan. All rights reserved. ServiceTitan, the ServiceTitan logo, and all ServiceTitan product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or unregistered trademarks of ServiceTitan, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other brand names and marks mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their respective holder(s).

Press Contact
Max Wertheimer
ServiceTitan, Inc.
Press@servicetitan.com