Nearly one-third of U.S. metro areas lost construction jobs between August 2020 and August 2021, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data released today. Association officials noted that the job losses are occurring as the fate of a bipartisan infrastructure bill that would boost demand for construction remains uncertain in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“While construction activity has rebounded from pandemic lows in many metros, the recovery is fragile,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Extreme production and delivery delays, along with continuing high materials costs, may lead to project cancellations and postponements that cut into job gains.”
Construction employment declined from a year earlier in 65 metros and held steady in 37. New York City lost the most jobs (-8,600 jobs or -6%), followed by Nassau County-Suffolk County, N.Y. (-5,100 jobs, -6%); Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall, Fla. (-3,200 jobs, -6%); Calvert-Charles-Prince George’s, Md. (-2,400 jobs, -7%) and Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas (-2,300 jobs, -1%). The largest percentage declines were in Evansville, Ind.-Ky. (-14%, -1,400 jobs); Tuscaloosa, Ala. (-12%, -800 jobs); Watertown-Fort Drum, N.Y. (-11%, -200 jobs); Morristown, Tenn. (-10%, -200 jobs); Victoria, Texas (-9%, -300 jobs) and Gadsden, Ala. (-9%, -100 jobs).
Construction employment increased in 256 out of 358 metro areas over the last 12 months. San Diego-Carlsbad, Calif. added the most construction jobs (8,900 jobs, 11%; followed by Sacramento-Roseville--Arden-
Association officials urged members of both parties in the House to vote for the bipartisan infrastructure bill, noting its new funding was needed to modernize the nation’s aging highways and transit systems. They noted the measure is slated for a vote this Thursday and cautioned that the industry was likely to lose more construction jobs without the measure.
“This is the kind of infrastructure bill that Democrats and Republicans have been promising to pass for years now,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Failing to pass this measure will create new challenges for the economy.”
View the metro employment data, rankings, top 10, new highs and lows, and map.
Related Stories
Market Data | Oct 19, 2020
Lower-cost metros continue to outperform pricey gateway markets, Yardi Matrix reports
But year-over-year multifamily trendline remained negative at -0.3%, unchanged from July.
Market Data | Oct 16, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: October 16, 2020
Princeton's new museum and Miami's yacht-inspired luxury condos.
Market Data | Oct 15, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: October 15, 2020
Chicago's Bank of America Tower opens and altering facilities for a post-COVID-19 world.
Market Data | Oct 14, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: October 14, 2020
Thailand's new Elephant Museum and the Art Gallery of New South Wales receives an expansion.
Market Data | Oct 13, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: October 13, 2020
Miami Beach Convention Center renovation completes and guidance offered for K-12 schools to support students with asthma.
Market Data | Oct 12, 2020
Majority of contractors fear long-term business implications of COVID-19, according to Construction Executive survey
While many contractors have not yet seen drastic impacts to their business, as construction was in many areas considered an “essential” service, the long-term implications are concerning.
Market Data | Oct 12, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: October 12, 2020
4 challenges of realizing BIM's value for an owner and Florida office property is designed for a post-Covid world.
Market Data | Oct 8, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: October 8, 2020
The first rendering of the National Medal of Honor Museum is unveiled and seven urgent changes needed to fix senior living.
Market Data | Oct 7, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: October 7, 2020
Water-filled windows' effect on energy and construction begins on PGA of America HQ.
Market Data | Oct 6, 2020
Construction sector adds 26,000 workers in September but nonresidential jobs stall
Many commercial firms experience project cancellations.