Nearly two out of three U.S. metro areas added construction jobs between October 2020 and October 2021, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data released today. Association officials noted that the job gains would likely have been larger and more widespread if firms weren’t dealing with the twin challenges of supply chain problems and labor shortages.
“While it is heartening that construction is recovering from the lows of 2020 in much of the country, the pandemic is still causing major supply-chain problems and is keeping some workers from seeking employment,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Those impediments threaten to limit construction employment gains in many metros.”
Construction employment increased in 236 or 66% of 358 metro areas over the last 12 months. Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-
Construction employment declined from a year earlier in 72 metros and held steady in 50. Nassau County-Suffolk County, N.Y. lost the most jobs (-6,700 or -8%), followed by New York City (-5,500 jobs, -3%); Orange-Rockland-Westchester counties, N.Y. (-3,600 jobs, -8%); Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas (-2,800 jobs, -2%) and Calvert-Charles-Prince George’s counties, Md. (-2,600 jobs, -8%). The largest percentage declines were in Evansville, Ind.-Ky. (-17%, -1,700 jobs); Altoona, Pa. (-13%, -400 jobs); Watertown-Fort Drum, N.Y. (-11%, -200 jobs); and Gary, Ind. (-10%, -1,700 jobs).
Association officials urged the Biden administration to continue working to reduce tariffs on key construction materials, and to take additional steps to ease supply chain problems at ports and other shipping facilities. They added that the association was working to recruit more people into the construction industry, and the recently enacted Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill should send a positive message to many workers about the expanding career opportunities in construction.
“Firms are struggling to source materials for projects, coping with rising prices for those materials, all while eagerly searching for workers to put those materials in place,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “We are eager to work with public officials to address supply chain challenges even as we work to recruit more people into high-paying construction careers.”
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.