Construction employment in December remained below pre-pandemic levels in two-thirds of the states even though 37 states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs from November to December, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data released today. Association officials said the new data highlights how broadly the industry has been impacted by the pandemic and underscores the need for additional coronavirus recovery measures.
“While most states recorded construction employment gains in December, the pickup is likely to be temporary for many,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Participants in our association’s recent Hiring and Business Outlook Survey expect the dollar volume of most project types available to bid on to decline in 2021.”
The survey, which included responses from more than 1,300 contractors in every state and D.C., asked about prospects for 16 categories of projects. On balance, respondents expect growth only for non-hospital health care, such as clinics, testing and screening facilities, and medical laboratories; warehouses; and water and sewer projects.
Seasonally adjusted construction employment in December was lower than in February—the last month before the pandemic forced many contractors to suspend work—in 34 states and was unchanged in Kansas, Simonson noted. Texas lost the most construction jobs over the 10-month period (-35,600 jobs or -4.5%), followed by New York (-30,900 jobs, -7.5%), Florida (-17,500 jobs, -3.0%) and New Jersey (-16,700 jobs, -10.0%). Vermont experienced the largest percentage loss (-23.1%, -3,400 jobs), followed by New Jersey.
Only 15 states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs from February to December. Virginia added the most jobs (10,800, 5.3%), followed by Utah (7,000 jobs, 6.1%) and Alabama (6,100 jobs, 6.4%). Alabama added the highest percentage, followed by Utah and South Dakota (5.7%, 1,400 jobs).
Construction employment decreased from November to December in 11 states and D.C., increased in 37 states and was unchanged in North Carolina and Rhode Island. Arizona had the largest loss of construction jobs for the month (-4,100 jobs or -2.3%), followed by Louisiana (-2,000 jobs, -1.5%). Delaware had the largest percentage decline (3.2%, -700 jobs), followed by Arizona, Alaska (-1.9%, -300 jobs), and Louisiana.
California added the most construction jobs over the month (31,600 jobs, 3.7%), followed by New York (8,500, 2.3%) and Illinois (8,300 jobs, 3.8%). New Hampshire had the largest percentage gain for the month (4.0%, 1,100 jobs), followed by Illinois and New Mexico (3.8%, 1,800 jobs).
Association officials said demand for construction will continue to suffer until the coronavirus is under control and urged federal officials to enact measures to help stem additional job losses in the sector. These new measures should include new federal investments in infrastructure, backfilling depleted state and local construction budgets and moving quickly to forgive Paycheck Protection Program loans issued last year.
“Contractors are eager to save as many jobs as possible during the next several months on the expectation demand will return once the coronavirus comes under control,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Washington officials can help save countless construction careers by acting now to stabilize demand.
View state employment February-December data and rankings; and November-December rankings.
Related Stories
Market Data | Apr 7, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: April 7, 2020
Leo A Daly's Hotel2Hospital prototype takes shape, while the number of delayed projects reaches 2,550 in the U.S. amid coronavirus pandemic.
Market Data | Apr 3, 2020
COVID-19 cuts nonresidential construction employment in March
The construction unemployment rate was 6.9% in March, up 1.7 percentage points from the same time one year ago.
Market Data | Apr 1, 2020
February’s construction spending decline indicates what’s to come
Private nonresidential spending declined 2% on a monthly basis and is down 0.7% compared to February 2019.
Market Data | Mar 26, 2020
Architects taking action to support COVID-19 response
New AIA task force will offer insights for adapting buildings into healthcare facilities.
Market Data | Mar 26, 2020
Senate coronavirus relief bill's tax and lending provisions will help construction firms, but industry needs additional measures
Construction officials say measure will help firms cope with immediate cash flow crunch, but industry needs compensation for losses.
Market Data | Mar 25, 2020
Engineering and construction materials prices fall for first time in 40 months on coronavirus impacts, IHS Markit says
Survey respondents reported falling prices for five out of the 12 components within the materials and equipment sub-index.
Market Data | Mar 23, 2020
Coronavirus will reshape UAE construction
The impact of the virus has been felt in the UAE, where precautionary measures have been implemented to combat the spread of the virus through social distancing.
Coronavirus | Mar 20, 2020
Pandemic has halted or delayed projects for 28% of contractors
Coronavirus-caused slowdown contrasts with January figures showing a majority of metro areas added construction jobs; Officials note New infrastructure funding and paid family leave fixes are needed.
Market Data | Mar 17, 2020
Construction spending to grow modestly in 2020, predicts JLL’s annual outlook
But the coronavirus has made economic forecasting perilous.