How field service leaders turn market uncertainty into profitable growth

Field service is evolving faster than ever.

Despite persistent headwinds, including tariffs, high borrowing costs, and labor gaps, demand is growing in many key IT service categories. For C-level executives, directors, and business owners, understanding both the challenges and opportunities in the field service space today is critical to anticipating shifts in market demand.

Growth endures, even in headwinds

The field service industry continues to defy broader economic slowdowns. The 2025 Field Nation Mid-Year Trends Report highlights that data center expansion, AI adoption, and cloud infrastructure projects are fueling steady demand. Global data center construction alone is projected to grow nearly 12 percent annually through 2030.

Meanwhile, the race to upgrade hardware due to the Windows 10 end-of-life deadline is well underway. More than 62,000 device-related work orders were completed on Field Nation’s IT field service marketplace in the first half of 2025, a clear sign that device upgrade and lifecycle services aren’t slowing down.

AV and low-voltage cabling work are also seeing renewed momentum. As hybrid work and digital engagement become increasingly essential, demand for digital signage, conference systems, and connected environments is on the rise. In early 2025, more than 37,000 AV projects and 56,000 cabling jobs were completed through Field Nation’s platform, demonstrating how organizations are prioritizing strategic infrastructure improvements even as capital budgets tighten.

Retail resets and lifecycle services drive steady work

The retail sector remains a cornerstone of field service demand. While more than 9,900 store closures have been announced since early 2024, many were long-anticipated brand exits. And every closed location often triggers a wave of decommissioning work, from removing POS hardware to uninstalling network infrastructure. These projects often precede remodels or new buildouts, driving continued demand across multiple service types.

At the same time, retail service organizations are shifting from expansion to optimization. Break/fix and preventative maintenance services are becoming critical revenue streams, giving service providers a way to help clients extend the life of existing systems. For mid-to-large-sized service organizations, this pivot toward lifecycle management offers both stability and scalability.

What leaders should prioritize

With 631,000 work orders completed January through June 2025 on the Field Nation marketplace, service activity remains strong. But success hinges on leadership strategy. To stay ahead, executives and field service leaders should focus on:

  1. Tracking microtrends: Look beyond headlines. Segment-level insights—such as which regions or sectors are driving upgrades—will better guide investment decisions.
  2. Expanding lifecycle services: As capital budgets shrink, clients still need ongoing support. Expand your ability to deliver maintenance, upgrades, and proactive service.
  3. Building flexible capacity: With labor gaps ongoing, especially in complex, multi-site projects, on-demand access to skilled technicians can help scale projects quickly and reduce risks.

In a market defined by volatility, speed and adaptability are your competitive edge.

The field service organizations that can move quickly, forecast accurately, and scale flexibly will be best positioned to capture growth regardless of what comes next.

For a full breakdown of what’s shaping field service trends, visit fieldnation.com