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 | May 25, 2018
Construction group uses mobile technology to make highway work zones safer
Mobile advertising campaign urges drivers who routinely pass through certain work zones to slow down and be alert as new data shows motorists are more likely to be injured than construction workers.
Market Data | May 23, 2018
Architecture firm billings strengthen in April
Firms report solid growth for seven straight months.
Market Data | May 22, 2018
Vacancies stable, rents rising, and pipeline receding, according to Transwestern’s 1Q US Office Market report
The Big Apple still leads the new construction charge.
Market Data | May 18, 2018
Construction employment rises in 38 states and D.C. from April 2017 to April 2018
California & West Virginia have biggest annual job gains, North Dakota has largest decline; California & Louisiana have largest monthly pickup, Indiana & North Dakota lead monthly drops.
High-rise Construction | May 18, 2018
The 100 tallest buildings ever conventionally demolished
The list comes from a recent CTBUH study.
Resiliency | May 17, 2018
Architects brief lawmakers and policy-makers on disaster recovery as hurricane season approaches
Urge senate passage of disaster recovery reform act; Relationship-building with local communities.
Market Data | May 17, 2018
These 25 cities have the highest urban infill development potential
The results stem from a COMMERCIALCafé study.
Market Data | May 10, 2018
Construction costs surge in April as new tariffs and other trade measures lead to significant increases in materials prices
Association officials warn that the new tariffs and resulting price spikes have the potential to undermine benefits of tax and regulatory reform, urge administration to reconsider.
Market Data | May 7, 2018
Construction employers add 17,000 jobs in April and 257,000 for the year
Unemployment rate for construction increases slightly compared to year earlier as higher pay levels appears to be attracting people with recent construction experience back into the workforce.
Market Data | May 2, 2018
Construction employment increases in 245 metro areas between March 2017 & 2018, as trade fights & infrastructure funding shortfalls loom
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas and Weirton-Steubenville, W.Va.-Ohio experience largest year-over-year gains; Baton Rouge, La. and Auburn-Opelika, Ala. have biggest annual declines.
