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 | Aug 3, 2020
Construction spending decreases for fourth consecutive month in June
Association officials warn further contraction is likely unless federal government enacts prompt, major investment in infrastructure as state and local governments face deficits.
Market Data | Aug 3, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 3, 2020
The future is a number game for retail and restaurants and 5 reasons universities are renovating student housing.
Market Data | Jul 31, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 31, 2020
Vegas's newest resort and casino is packed with contactless technology and Mariott, Hilton, and IHG dominate the U.S. hotel construction pipeline.
Market Data | Jul 30, 2020
Marriott, Hilton, and IHG continue to dominate the U.S. hotel construction pipeline at Q2’20 close
Hilton’s Home2 Suites and IHG’s Holiday Inn Express continue to be the most prominent brands in the U.S. pipeline.
Market Data | Jul 30, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 30, 2020
Millennium Tower finally has a fix and construction costs decrease for the first time in 10 years.
Market Data | Jul 29, 2020
62% of metros shed construction jobs from June 2019 to June 2020 as Association calls for new infrastructure funding, other relief steps
New York City and Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, Mass. have worst 12-month losses, while Austin and Walla Walla, Wash. top job gainers.
Market Data | Jul 29, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 29, 2020
The world's first net-zero airport and California utility adopts climate emergency declaration.
Market Data | Jul 28, 2020
For the fourth consecutive quarter, Los Angeles leads the U.S. hotel construction pipeline at the close of Q2’ 20
New York City continues to have the greatest number of projects under construction, with 106 projects/18,354 rooms.
Market Data | Jul 28, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 28, 2020
St. Petersburg Pier reconstruction completes and post-pandemic workplace design will not be the same for all.
Market Data | Jul 28, 2020
Senate Republicans' coronavirus relief measure includes provisions that will help hard-hit construction firms recover
The HEALS Act includes essential liability, workforce, financial & unemployment reforms, but association will work to get needed infrastructure investments included in final relief measure.