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
Market Data | Jun 26, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 26, 2020
Restoration of 1930s El Paso hotel completes and Arc offers tools, analytics for safe workplace re-entry.
Market Data | Jun 25, 2020
Commercial Construction Index drops amid Coronavirus pandemic, but contractors poised for near-term recovery
Contractors quickly prioritized worker health and safety, and 1 in 3 plan to hire more workers in the next 6 months.
Market Data | Jun 25, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 25, 2020
CDC to build the most advanced high containment laboratory in the country and architecture billings downward trajectory moderates.
Market Data | Jun 24, 2020
Architecture billings downward trajectory moderates
AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score for May was 32.0 compared to 29.5 in April, but still represents a significant decrease in services provided by U.S. architecture firms.
Market Data | Jun 24, 2020
8 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 24, 2020
San Francisco's apartment market goes in reverse and WATG designs a solution for isolating without sacrificing social connectivity.
Market Data | Jun 23, 2020
National survey reveals pandemic's impact on college students' mental health, remote learning, families' income and more
Of 2,500 student respondents, 75% feel more anxious or stressed, 57% said they lost their summer jobs and 90% want to return to campus in the fall.
Market Data | Jun 23, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 23, 2020
Gyms are going bacnkrupt and leaving gaps in shopping centers and how hotels are trying to keep guests and employees safe.
Market Data | Jun 22, 2020
New House infrastructure package will provide needed investments in aging infrastructure, support economic recovery, and create jobs
The Moving Forward Act’s proposed $1.5 trillion in new investments will improve range of public infrastructure, creating needed demand for construction while making the economy more efficient.
Market Data | Jun 22, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 22, 2020
Construction employment rises from April to May in 45 states and the first building in the U.S. designed for post COVID-19 environment.
Market Data | Jun 22, 2020
Construction employment rises from April to May in 45 states, slips in 5
Rebound from April job losses reflects one-shot help from paycheck protection program loans and easing of stay-at-home orders, but cancellations and state and local deficits imply further cuts ahead.
