Construction employment in June remained below the levels reached before the pre-pandemic peak in February 2020 in 39 states, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data released today. Association officials noted that many construction firms are struggling to cope with supply chain challenges and rising materials prices, which is undermining demand for new projects and impacting firms’ ability to hire new workers.
“The construction industry is a long way from full recovery in most states, in spite of a hot homebuilding market in many areas,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Soaring materials costs, long production times for key items, and delayed deliveries are causing owners to postpone projects.”
From February 2020—the month before the pandemic caused project shutdowns and cancellations—to last month, construction employment increased in only 11 states and was flat in the District of Columbia. New York shed the most construction jobs over the period (-54,300 jobs or -13.3%), followed by Texas (-54,100 jobs, -6.9%) and California (-36,500 jobs, -4.0%). Wyoming recorded the largest percentage loss (-15.3%, -3,500 jobs), followed by Louisiana (-15.1%, -20,700 jobs) and New York.
Of the states that added construction jobs since February 2020, Utah added the most (7,000 jobs, 6.1%), followed by Idaho (4,400 jobs, 8.0%), South Dakota (1,400 jobs, 5.9%) and Rhode Island (1,200 jobs, 5.9%). The largest percentage gain was in Idaho, followed by Utah, Rhode Island, and South Dakota.
From May to June construction employment decreased in 25 states, increased in 24 states and D.C., and held steady in Maine. The largest decline over the month occurred in New York, which lost 6,900 construction jobs or 1.9%, followed by Pennsylvania (-4,100 jobs, -1.6%) and Texas (-3,300 jobs, -1.3%). The steepest percentage declines since May occurred in Vermont (-3.5%, -500 jobs), followed by New York, Alabama (-1.9%, -1,700 jobs), and North Dakota (-1.9%, -500 jobs).
Georgia added the most construction jobs between May and June (5,700 jobs, 2.9%), followed by Kentucky (2,700 jobs, 3.4%) and Florida (2,500 jobs, 0.4%). Kentucky had the largest percentage gain for the month, followed by Alaska (3.0%, 500 jobs) and Georgia.
Association officials cautioned that construction employment is unlikely to grow in many parts of the country until many of the supply chain challenges impacting firms improve. They added that the President could help by removing tariffs on key construction materials. They added that ending the unemployment supplements would add to the pool of workers for manufacturers, shippers, and construction firms to hire.
“Easing tariffs will help, but what the construction supply chain needs are workers to manufacture the products, ship them to contractors and build the projects the economy demands,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Unemployment supplements helped families survive the pandemic-related lock downs, but they are undermining the post-pandemic recovery.”
View state February 2020-June 2021 data, 16-month rankings, 1-month rankings, and map.
Related Stories
Market Data | Jan 7, 2021
Few construction firms will add workers in 2021 as industry struggles with declining demand, growing number of project delays and cancellations
New industry outlook finds most contractors expect demand for many categories of construction to decline.
Market Data | Jan 5, 2021
Barely one-third of metros add construction jobs in latest 12 months
Dwindling list of project starts forces contractors to lay off workers.
Market Data | Jan 4, 2021
Nonresidential construction spending shrinks further in November
Many commercial projects languish, even while homebuilding soars.
Market Data | Dec 29, 2020
Multifamily transactions drop sharply in 2020, according to special report from Yardi Matrix
Sales completions at end of Q3 were down over 41 percent from the same period a year ago.
Market Data | Dec 28, 2020
New coronavirus recovery measure will provide some needed relief for contractors coping with project cancellations, falling demand
Measure’s modest amount of funding for infrastructure projects and clarification that PPP loans may not be taxed will help offset some of the challenges facing the construction industry.
Market Data | Dec 28, 2020
Construction employment trails pre-pandemic levels in 35 states despite gains in industry jobs from October to November in 31 states
New York and Vermont record worst February-November losses, Virginia has largest pickup.
Market Data | Dec 16, 2020
Architecture billings lose ground in November
The pace of decline during November accelerated from October, posting an Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score of 46.3 from 47.5.
AEC Tech | Dec 8, 2020
COVID-19 affects the industry’s adoption of ConTech in different ways
A new JLL report assesses which tech options got a pandemic “boost.”
Market Data | Dec 7, 2020
Construction sector adds 27,000 jobs in November
Project cancellations, looming PPP tax bill will undercut future job gains.
Market Data | Dec 3, 2020
Only 30% of metro areas add construction jobs in latest 12 months
Widespread project postponements and cancellations force layoffs.