Construction employment increased in 257 out of 358 metro areas between February 2017 and February 2018, declined in 50 and stagnated in 51, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that the employment gains are occurring as construction firms in many parts of the country are having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to keep pace with demand.
"Growing private-sector demand for construction services is prompting construction firms to hire more people to complete projects," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. "Yet tight labor markets, particularly for qualified construction workers, is making it increasingly difficult for firms to find people to bring on board."
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif. added the most construction jobs during the past year (12,000 jobs, 13%), followed by Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz. (9,900 jobs, 9%); Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas (9,700 jobs, 7%); Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas (9,300 jobs, 4%) and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, Calif. (7,700 jobs, 6%). The largest percentage gains occurred in the Merced, Calif. metro area (33%, 700 jobs) followed by Midland, Texas (22%, 5,400 jobs); Lake Charles, La. (21%, 4,700 jobs) and Weirton-Steubenville, W.V.-Ohio (21%, 300 jobs).
The largest job losses from February 2017 to February 2018 were in Baton Rouge, La. (-6,500 jobs, -12%), followed by St. Louis, Mo.-Ill. (-2,500 jobs, -4%); Columbia, S.C. (-2,200 jobs, -11%); Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas (-2,000 jobs, -3%) and Middlesex-Monmouth-Ocean, N.J. (-1,700 jobs, -5%). The largest percentage decreases for the year were in Auburn-Opelika, Ala. (-38%, -1,500 jobs) followed by Baton Rouge, Columbia, S.C. and Kokomo, Ind. (-9%, -100 jobs).
Association officials said that growing private sector demand in February is prompting many firms to add more staff as they work to complete projects. They added that the recently-enacted federal spending measure includes up to $10 billion in additional infrastructure funding for this year, meaning firms that perform public-sector work are likely to begin expanding as well amid tight labor market conditions.
"As demand for construction continues to expand, it will only get harder for many firms to find qualified workers to hire," said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. "Congress and the administration should work together to expand career and technical education opportunities so more high school students will opt for good-paying careers in construction."
View the metro employment data by rank and state. View metro employment map.
Related Stories
K-12 Schools | Apr 10, 2024
Surprise, surprise: Students excel in modernized K-12 school buildings
Too many of the nation’s school districts are having to make it work with less-than-ideal educational facilities. But at what cost to student performance and staff satisfaction?
Multifamily Housing | Apr 9, 2024
March reports record gains in multifamily rent growth in 20 months
Asking rents for multifamily units increased $8 during the month to $1,721; year-over-year growth grew 30 basis points to 0.9 percent—a normal seasonal growth pattern according to Yardi Matrix.
Retail Centers | Apr 4, 2024
Retail design trends: Consumers are looking for wellness in where they shop
Consumers are making lifestyle choices with wellness in mind, which ignites in them a feeling of purpose and a sense of motivation. That’s the conclusion that the architecture and design firm MG2 draws from a survey of 1,182 U.S. adult consumers the firm conducted last December about retail design and what consumers want in healthier shopping experiences.
Market Data | Apr 1, 2024
Nonresidential construction spending dips 1.0% in February, reaches $1.179 trillion
National nonresidential construction spending declined 1.0% in February, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.179 trillion.
Market Data | Mar 26, 2024
Architecture firm billings see modest easing in February
Architecture firm billings continued to decline in February, with an AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score of 49.5 for the month. However, February’s score marks the most modest easing in billings since July 2023 and suggests that the recent slowdown may be receding.
K-12 Schools | Mar 18, 2024
New study shows connections between K-12 school modernizations, improved test scores, graduation rates
Conducted by Drexel University in conjunction with Perkins Eastman, the research study reveals K-12 school modernizations significantly impact key educational indicators, including test scores, graduation rates, and enrollment over time.
MFPRO+ News | Mar 16, 2024
Multifamily rents stable heading into spring 2024
National asking multifamily rents posted their first increase in over seven months in February. The average U.S. asking rent rose $1 to $1,713 in February 2024, up 0.6% year-over-year.
Market Data | Mar 14, 2024
Download BD+C's March 2024 Market Intelligence Report
U.S. construction spending on buildings-related work rose 1.4% in January, but project teams continue to face headwinds related to inflation, interest rates, and supply chain issues, according to Building Design+Construction's March 2024 Market Intelligence Report (free PDF download).
Contractors | Mar 12, 2024
The average U.S. contractor has 8.1 months worth of construction work in the pipeline, as of February 2024
Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator declined to 8.1 months in February, according to an ABC member survey conducted Feb. 20 to March 5. The reading is down 1.1 months from February 2023.
Market Data | Mar 6, 2024
Nonresidential construction spending slips 0.4% in January
National nonresidential construction spending decreased 0.4% in January, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.190 trillion.
