Construction employment expanded in 197 metro areas, declined in 87 and was stagnant in 55 between March 2013 and March 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted, however, that construction employment stands to suffer if Congress allows federal highway funding to stop this summer. “Much of the country experienced relatively robust growth in construction employment during the past year,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But the fact construction employment remains below prior peak levels in most areas shows just how hard hit the … Read more

Construction employers added 19,000 workers to payrolls in March, bringing industry employment to the highest level since June 2009, while the industry's unemployment rate dropped to the lowest March level in seven years, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials warned that the pool of available workers is declining rapidly, raising the prospects for significant labor shortages if demand continues to expand. “The rate of construction hiring continues to outrun job growth in the overall economy for the past year,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Furthermore, the pickup … Read more

Construction employment expanded in 175 metro areas, declined in 106 and was stagnant in 58 between February 2013 and February 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted, however, that despite the gains construction employment remained below peak levels in all but 19 metro areas. “It is encouraging that contractors added workers in so many locations despite severe weather that delayed some project starts,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “At the same time, it's clear that the upturn in construction is far from universal. … Read more