Labor Shortages Likely Held Back Additional Hiring, New AGC Survey Reports

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Construction employment grew in 255, or 71%, out of 358 metro areas between July 2018 and July 2019, declined in 56 and was unchanged in 47, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said a newly released workforce survey showed the employment gains would likely have been even more widespread if firms could find more qualified workers to hire, and they urged federal officials to bolster career training programs. “Demand for construction has not slackened in most metro areas,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “In fact, … Read more

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Construction Firms Continue to Boost Pay to Attract Limited Pool of Available, Qualified Workers

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Construction employment increased by 4,000 jobs in July and by 202,000, or 2.8%, over the past 12 months, while the number of unemployed jobseekers with construction experience rose, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that many firms likely would have added more employees last month if more were available. “Job gains in construction have slowed markedly in recent months but the industry is still increasing employment nearly twice as much as other employers,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “The recent slowdown in hiring and construction spending … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases in 218 Metros from March 2018 to March 2019

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Construction employment grew in 218, or 61 percent, out of 358 metro areas between March 2018 and March 2019, declined in 83 (23 percent) and was unchanged in 57, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Meanwhile, new federal data on construction spending showed mixed results, as a steep decline in single-family homebuilding offset increases in multifamily and nonresidential construction. Association officials said the continuing demand for most construction underscores the need for federal enactment of immigration reforms to boost the supply of workers. “Fewer metros than in recent months … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases in 2018 amid Strong Demand

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Construction employment grew in 273 out of 358 metro areas between December 2017 and December 2018, declined in 37 and was unchanged in 48, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the job gains came amid strong demand throughout 2018 for construction projects but noted that tight labor market conditions likely prevented additional job gains last year. “Construction employment continued to expand in most parts of the country in 2018 as demand for many types of construction projects grew,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “As … Read more

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Construction Employment Rises November 2017-18 Year-Over-Year

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Forty-two states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between November 2017 and November 2018, while 23 states added construction jobs between October and November, according to a new analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials said extremely low unemployment rates in most of the nation have made it hard for contractors in many states to continue adding workers, despite strong demand for projects. “November was the first month this year in which fewer than half the states experienced monthly increases in construction employment,” stated chief economist Ken Simonson. “At a time … Read more

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