Construction employment increased in 245 out of 358 metro areas between March 2017 and March 2018, declined in 67 and stagnated in 46, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that the new figures come amid questions about how a possible trade war and long-term infrastructure funding shortfalls will impact the construction sector.
"While firms in many parts of the country continue to expand, there is a growing number of threats that could undermine future employment growth in the sector," said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. "Among the top threats to future construction growth are the risk of a trade war and long-term infrastructure funding challenges."
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas added the most construction jobs during the past year (10,700 jobs, 5%), followed by Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz. (9,500 jobs, 9%); Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas (7,800 jobs, 6%) and Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif. (7,200 jobs, 8%). The largest percentage gains occurred in the Weirton-Steubenville, W.Va.-Ohio metro area (29%, 400 jobs), followed by Merced, Calif. (26%, 600 jobs); Wenatchee, Wash. (26%, 600 jobs) and Midland, Texas (23%, 6,000 jobs).
The largest job losses from March 2017 to March 2018 were in Baton Rouge, La. (-3,200 jobs, -6%), followed by Columbia, S.C. (-2,200 jobs, -11%); Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minn.-Wisc. (-1,700 jobs, -2%); Newark, N.J.-Pa. (-1,700 jobs, -4%) and Montgomery County-Bucks County-Chester County, Pa. (-1,600 jobs, -3%). The largest percentage decreases for the year were in Auburn-Opelika, Ala. (-34%, -1,300 jobs), followed by Monroe, Mich. (-17%, -400 jobs); Portland-South Portland, Maine (-11%, -1,000 jobs) and Columbia, S.C. (-11%, -2,200 jobs).
Association officials said that trade disputes that could arise from the President's newly-imposed tariffs and long-term infrastructure funding shortfalls could threaten future construction employment growth. They noted that many construction firms have already experienced significant increases in what they pay for steel products. Meanwhile, long-term funding shortfalls for infrastructure improvements could undermine demand for many firms' services.
"The biggest threats to future construction growth are man-made: trade wars and funding shortfalls," said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. "Fortunately, Washington officials can help ensure future economic growth by avoiding a trade war and enacting long-term infrastructure funding."
View the metro employment data by rank and state. View metro employment map.
Related Stories
Market Data | Aug 24, 2021
July construction employment lags pre-pandemic peak in 36 states
Delta variant of coronavirus threatens to hold down further gains.
Market Data | Aug 17, 2021
Demand for design activity continues to expand
The ABI score for July was 54.6.
Market Data | Aug 12, 2021
Steep rise in producer prices for construction materials and services continues in July.
The producer price index for new nonresidential construction rose 4.4% over the past 12 months.
Market Data | Aug 6, 2021
Construction industry adds 11,000 jobs in July
Nonresidential sector trails overall recovery.
Market Data | Aug 2, 2021
Nonresidential construction spending falls again in June
The fall was driven by a big drop in funding for highway and street construction and other public work.
Market Data | Jul 29, 2021
Outlook for construction spending improves with the upturn in the economy
The strongest design sector performers for the remainder of this year are expected to be health care facilities.
Market Data | Jul 29, 2021
Construction employment lags or matches pre-pandemic level in 101 metro areas despite housing boom
Eighty metro areas had lower construction employment in June 2021 than February 2020.
Market Data | Jul 28, 2021
Marriott has the largest construction pipeline of U.S. franchise companies in Q2‘21
472 new hotels with 59,034 rooms opened across the United States during the first half of 2021.
Market Data | Jul 27, 2021
New York leads the U.S. hotel construction pipeline at the close of Q2‘21
Many hotel owners, developers, and management groups have used the operational downtime, caused by COVID-19’s impact on operating performance, as an opportunity to upgrade and renovate their hotels and/or redefine their hotels with a brand conversion.
Market Data | Jul 26, 2021
U.S. construction pipeline continues along the road to recovery
During the first and second quarters of 2021, the U.S. opened 472 new hotels with 59,034 rooms.
