Only 18 states and the District of Columbia have added construction jobs since just before the start of the pandemic in February 2020 despite a pickup in most states from October to November, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said one reason employment is below pre-pandemic levels in many parts of the country is the lack of available workers to hire.
“Construction activity has picked up in recent months but still has not reached the employment levels of early last year in most of the country during what has become a very tight labor market,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “If contractors had found enough qualified workers, more states would have recovered fully by now from the pandemic-induced job losses,” he added, noting that job openings at the end of October exceeded the number of workers hired into the industry that month.
From February 2020—the month before the pandemic caused projects to be halted or canceled—to last month, construction employment decreased in 32 states and increased in only 18 states and D.C. Texas shed the most construction jobs over the period (-42,600 jobs or -5.5%), followed by New York (-39,700 jobs, -9.7%), California (-23,100 jobs, -2.5%), and Louisiana (19,800 jobs, -14.5%). The largest percentage losses were in Louisiana, Wyoming (-13.1%, -3,000 jobs), and New York.
Florida added the most construction jobs since February 2020 (8,700 jobs, 1.55), followed by Utah (8,200 jobs, 7.25), and Washington (6,200 jobs, 2.8%). The largest percentage gains were in South Dakota (10.5%, 2,500 jobs), followed by Idaho (8.7%, 4,800 jobs), and Utah.
From October to November construction employment decreased in 13 states, increased in 36 states and D.C., and was unchanged in Kansas. Louisiana lost the most jobs (-2,200 jobs, -1.8%), followed by North Carolina (-1,900 jobs, -0.8%) and New Jersey (-1,800 jobs, -1.2%). Louisiana also had largest percentage decline, followed by Oklahoma (-1.5%, -1,200 jobs), New Jersey, and North Carolina.
Florida added the most construction jobs between October and November (8,200 jobs, 1.4%), followed by Illinois (3,800 jobs, 1.7%) and Texas (3,600 jobs, 0.5%). Montana had the largest percentage gain (2.7%, 800 jobs), followed by Missouri (2.6%, 3,200 jobs) and Vermont (2.1%, 300 jobs).
Association officials said labor shortages are undermining the construction industry’s ability to fully recover. They urged public officials to boost investments in career and technical education and other programs that expose more people to construction career opportunities. They added that the association was working with its chapters and member firms to recruit more, and more diverse, people into the industry.
“It is time to stop giving students the incorrect impression that every good career requires a college degree and takes place in an office of one kind or another,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer.
View state February 2020-November 2021 data and rankings, 1-month rankings.
Related Stories
Market Data | Feb 27, 2018
AIA small firm report: Half of employees have ownership stake in their firm
The American Institute of Architects has released its first-ever Small Firm Compensation Report.
Market Data | Feb 21, 2018
Strong start for architecture billings in 2018
The American Institute of Architects reported the January 2018 ABI score was 54.7, up from a score of 52.8 in the previous month.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 15, 2018
United States ranks fourth for renter growth
Renters are on the rise in 21 of the 30 countries examined in RentCafé’s recent study.
Market Data | Feb 1, 2018
Nonresidential construction spending expanded 0.8% in December, brighter days ahead
“The tax cut will further bolster liquidity and confidence, which will ultimately translate into more construction starts and spending,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu.
Green | Jan 31, 2018
U.S. Green Building Council releases annual top 10 states for LEED green building per capita
Massachusetts tops the list for the second year; New York, Hawaii and Illinois showcase leadership in geographically diverse locations.
Industry Research | Jan 30, 2018
AIA’s Kermit Baker: Five signs of an impending upturn in construction spending
Tax reform implications and rebuilding from natural disasters are among the reasons AIA’s Chief Economist is optimistic for 2018 and 2019.
Market Data | Jan 30, 2018
AIA Consensus Forecast: 4.0% growth for nonresidential construction spending in 2018
The commercial office and retail sectors will lead the way in 2018, with a strong bounce back for education and healthcare.
Market Data | Jan 29, 2018
Year-end data show economy expanded in 2017; Fixed investment surged in fourth quarter
The economy expanded at an annual rate of 2.6% during the fourth quarter of 2017.
Market Data | Jan 25, 2018
Renters are the majority in 42 U.S. cities
Over the past 10 years, the number of renters has increased by 23 million.
Market Data | Jan 24, 2018
HomeUnion names the most and least affordable rental housing markets
Chicago tops the list as the most affordable U.S. metro, while Oakland, Calif., is the most expensive rental market.