Construction employment increased in nearly two out of three U.S. metro areas between November 2020 and November 2021, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials said the job gains were welcome news for the industry but cautioned that it will be difficult for construction levels to return to pre-pandemic levels amid tight labor market conditions.
“It isn’t surprising that construction employment has picked up in most metros over the past year, given the strong economic rebound most of the country has experienced,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But with record job openings in construction, it’s clear that even more metros should be in the plus column if contractors could find the workers they need and get materials delivered on schedule.”
Construction employment increased in 237 or 66% of 358 metro areas over the last 12 months. Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-
Construction employment declined from a year earlier in 74 metros and was flat in 47. Nassau County-Suffolk County, N.Y. lost the most jobs (-6,300 or -8%), followed by Orange-Rockland-Westchester counties, N.Y. (-3,900 jobs, -9%); Calvert-Charles-Prince George’s counties, Md. (-2,700 jobs, -8%); Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas (-2,600 jobs, -1%) and Nashville-Davidson-
Association officials said most construction firms report they are struggling to find enough qualified workers to hire. The officials called on the Biden administration to boost funding for career and technical education to expose more students to construction career opportunities. They noted that federal officials put six dollars into collegiate education and preparation for every dollar they currently invest in career and technical education.
“The gap in federal funding for career and technical education is making it hard for sectors like construction, manufacturing and shipping to find workers interested in those career tracks,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “We are doing everything we can to recruit people into high-paying construction careers but exposing more students to construction skills will certainly help.”
View the metro employment data, rankings, top 10, and new highs and lows.
Related Stories
Market Data | Sep 11, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 11, 2020
Des Moines University begins construction on new campus and the role of urgent care in easing the oncology journey.
Market Data | Sep 10, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 10, 2020
Taipei's new Performance Hall and Burger King's touchless restaurant designs.
Market Data | Sep 9, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 9, 2020
What will the 'new normal' look like and the AIA hands out its Twenty-five Year Award.
Market Data | Sep 8, 2020
‘New normal’: IAQ, touchless, and higher energy bills?
Not since 9/11 has a single event so severely rocked the foundation of the commercial building industry.
Market Data | Sep 8, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 8, 2020
Google proposes 40-acre redevelopment plan and office buildings should be an essential part of their communities.
Market Data | Sep 4, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 4, 2020
10 Design to redevelop Nanjing AIrport and TUrner Construction takes a stand against racism.
Market Data | Sep 4, 2020
Construction sector adds 16,000 workers in August but nonresidential jobs shrink
Association survey finds contractor pessimism is increasing.
Market Data | Sep 3, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 3, 2020
New affordable housing comes to the Bronx and California releases guide for state water policy.
Market Data | Sep 2, 2020
Coronavirus has caused significant construction project delays and cancellations
Yet demand for skilled labor is high, new survey finds.
Market Data | Sep 2, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 2, 2020
Precast concrete tower honors United AIrlines Flight 93 victims and public and private nonresidential construction spending slumps.