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 | Dec 4, 2019
Nonresidential construction spending falls in October
Private nonresidential spending fell 1.2% on a monthly basis and is down 4.3% from October 2018.
Market Data | Nov 25, 2019
Office construction lifts U.S. asking rental rate, but slowing absorption in Q3 raises concerns
12-month net absorption decelerates by one-third from 2018 total.
Market Data | Nov 22, 2019
Architecture Billings Index rebounds after two down months
The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score in October is 52.0.
Market Data | Nov 14, 2019
Construction input prices unchanged in October
Nonresidential construction input prices fell 0.1% for the month and are down 2.0% compared to the same time last year.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 7, 2019
Multifamily construction market remains strong heading into 2020
Fewer than one in 10 AEC firms doing multifamily work reported a decrease in proposal activity in Q3 2019, according to a PSMJ report.
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.