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 | Nov 5, 2019
Construction and real estate industry deals in September 2019 total $21.7bn globally
In terms of number of deals, the sector saw a drop of 4.4% over the last 12-month average.
Market Data | Nov 4, 2019
Nonresidential construction spending rebounds slightly in September
Private nonresidential spending fell 0.3% on a monthly basis and is down 5.7% compared to the same time last year.
Market Data | Nov 1, 2019
GDP growth expands despite reduction in nonresident investment
The annual rate for nonresidential fixed investment in structures declined 15.3% in the third quarter.
Market Data | Oct 24, 2019
Architecture Billings Index downturn moderates as challenging conditions continue
The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score in September is 49.7.
Market Data | Oct 23, 2019
ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator rebounds in August
The primary issue for most contractors is not a lack of demand, but an ongoing and worsening shortage of skilled workers available to meet contractual requirements.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 16, 2019
A new study wonders how many retiring adults will be able to afford housing
Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies focuses on growing income disparities among people 50 or older.
Market Data | Oct 9, 2019
Two ULI reports foresee a solid real estate market through 2021
Market watchers, though, caution about a “surfeit” of investment creating a bubble.
Market Data | Oct 4, 2019
Global construction output growth will decline to 2.7% in 2019
It will be the slowest pace of growth in a decade, according to GlobalData.
Market Data | Oct 2, 2019
Spending on nonresidential construction takes a step back in August
Office, healthcare, and public safety are among the fastest-growing sectors, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's latest report.
Market Data | Sep 27, 2019
The global hotel construction pipeline ascends to new record highs
With the exception of Latin America, all regions of the globe either continued to set record high pipeline counts or have already settled into topping-out formations amidst concerns of a worldwide economic slowdown.