Construction employment increased in 120 out of 337 metropolitan areas between May 2010 and May 2011, declined in 162 and stayed level in 55, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the local employment data reflects the fact that overall construction employment has been unchanged for much of the past year. “While construction employment has stopped plunging, any sign of a recovery remains spotty at best,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “The close to even split between areas adding and losing jobs is a … Read more

Construction employment growth remained sluggish and uneven in May as nearly half – 22 states plus the District of Columbia – added jobs over the past year, while the remaining states all lost construction jobs, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of state employment data released by the Labor Department. Association officials said the figures reflect the fact that industry-wide employment has stagnated as the result of tepid demand for most private construction and declines in public construction. “It's not surprising to see close to an even split between states adding and losing jobs given … Read more

Construction employment patterns diverged across the country in April as 19 states plus the District of Columbia added jobs over the past year even as losses deepened in others, the Associated General Contractors of America reported in an analysis of state employment data released by the Labor Department. Association officials said the figures reflect an uneven and unsteady construction industry recovery that could be undermined by looming cost increases and public sector funding cuts. “It is good to see more states adding construction jobs for the year in April than at any point since February 2008,” said Ken Simonson, the … Read more