Results mixed in latest construction employment survey
The number of employed construction workers grew in 38 states in the past year, but more recent trends show the number of jobs contracting in many states, according to the most recent AGC survey.
The Associated General Contractors of America’s most recent analysis of Labor Department data shows that while employment levels continue to increase, they still remain below record highs in all states except North Dakota.
“The overall trend in construction employment remains favorable, with three-fourths of states adding jobs on a year-over-year basis,” said Ken Simonson, the AGC’s chief economist. “But the recovery remains choppy, not steady. In June, monthly gains occurred in fewer than half the states and the nation added just 6,000 construction jobs.”
The states with the highest year-over-year employment gains include Nevada, Florida, North Dakota and Minnesota. States with the biggest drops included New Jersey, New Hampshire and New Mexico.
Association officials urged Congress to pass a transportation bill that keeps funding at current levels and provides some certainty for construction contractors.
“It is hard for firms to grow when they don’t know how much work will be available in just a few weeks,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer.
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