Construction employment grew in 250 out of 358 metro areas between April 2018 and April 2019, declined in 53 and was unchanged in 55, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said construction employment in many parts of the country likely would have been higher if firms could find more qualified workers to hire.
"Demand for construction is steady or rising in most parts of the country, and many contractors are adding workers when they can find them," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. "At the same time, many firms report they would have hired even more employees if only they could find enough qualified workers."
The Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz. metro area added the most construction jobs during the past year (16,600 jobs, 14%). Other metro areas adding a large amount of construction jobs during the past 12 months include Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas (9,200 jobs, 6%); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, Calif. (8,400 jobs, 6%); Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, Ga. (7,000 jobs, 6%) and Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, Nev. (6,800 jobs, 11%). The largest percentage gain occurred in Monroe, Mich. (26%, 500 jobs) and St. Cloud, Minn. (26%, 1,500 jobs), followed by Auburn-Opelika, Ala. (25%, 600 jobs) and Norwich-New London-Westerly, Conn.-R.I. (16%, 600 jobs).
The largest job losses between April 2018 and April 2019 occurred in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, N.C.-S.C. (-2,600 jobs, -4%), followed by Baton Rouge, La. (-1,800 jobs, -3%); Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, Conn. (-1,600 jobs, -8%) and Longview, Texas (-1,300 jobs, -9%). The largest percentage decrease took place in Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, Miss. (-13%, -1,200 jobs) and Atlantic City-Hammonton, N.J. (-13%, -800 jobs), followed by Niles-Benton Harbor, Mich. (-12%, -300 jobs); Evansville, Ind.-Ky. (-9%, -1,000 jobs) and Longview, Texas.
Association officials said that even though construction employment continues to expand in many parts of the country, workforce shortages remain problematic for many contractors eager to keep pace with strong demand. They urged federal officials to boost investments in career and technical education and to enact immigration reform that allows more men and women with construction skills to legally enter the country. They also urged state and local education officials to establish more school programs that offer exposure to essential construction skills.
"One reason relatively few young adults choose to pursue rewarding careers in construction is because not many of them are being told it is an option to consider," said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. "We have a lot of contractors looking for workers so they can keep up with the amount of work that is out there."
Related Stories
Hotel Facilities | Oct 27, 2020
Hotel construction pipeline dips 7% in Q3 2020
Hospitality developers continue to closely monitor the impact the coronavirus will have on travel demand, according to Lodging Econometrics.
Market Data | Oct 22, 2020
Multifamily’s long-term outlook rebounds to pre-covid levels in Q3
Slump was a short one for multifamily market as 3rd quarter proposal activity soars.
Market Data | Oct 21, 2020
Architectural billings slowdown moderated in September
AIA’s ABI score for September was 47.0 compared to 40.0 in August.
Market Data | Oct 21, 2020
Only eight states top February peak construction employment despite gains in 32 states last month
California and Vermont post worst losses since February as Virginia and South Dakota add the most.
Market Data | Oct 20, 2020
AIA releases updated contracts for multi-family residential and prototype residential projects
New resources provide insights into mitigating and managing risk on complex residential design and construction projects.
Market Data | Oct 20, 2020
Construction officials call on Trump and Biden to establish a nationwide vaccine distribution plan to avoid confusion and delays
Officials say nationwide plan should set clear distribution priorities.
Market Data | Oct 19, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: October 19, 2020
Lower cost metros outperform pricey gateway markets and E-commerce fuels industrial's unstoppable engine.
Market Data | Oct 19, 2020
Lower-cost metros continue to outperform pricey gateway markets, Yardi Matrix reports
But year-over-year multifamily trendline remained negative at -0.3%, unchanged from July.
Market Data | Oct 16, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: October 16, 2020
Princeton's new museum and Miami's yacht-inspired luxury condos.
Market Data | Oct 15, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: October 15, 2020
Chicago's Bank of America Tower opens and altering facilities for a post-COVID-19 world.