Construction employment expanded in 35 states in February as the industry added 48,000 jobs nationally, the largest one-month gain in nearly six years, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials cautioned, however, that newly enacted federal budget cuts could reverse the construction employment pickup in numerous states. “The turnaround in construction hiring that began in a few states two years ago has now spread to most of the country,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “There are strong indications that the expansion will continue for residential and private nonresidential … Read more

Construction employment increased in 145 out of 339 metropolitan areas between January 2012 and January 2013, declined in 141 and was stagnant in 53, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that after years of declining construction, employment contractors in some metro areas are beginning to worry about the availability of skilled workers now that they have resumed hiring. “Not only are a slight plurality of metro areas adding construction jobs, but those areas appear to be adding jobs at a faster rate than places where … Read more

Construction employment expanded in two-thirds of all states in January as the industry showed signs of emerging from a six-year slump, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials cautioned, however, that the industry’s recovery remains fragile and that current and looming federal budget cuts threaten to drag down construction employment in numerous states. “These results show that contractors are finding work in more parts of the country than they have for many months,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Further gains appear likely but could be derailed if lawmakers … Read more