Construction Employment Flat in June

Arlington, VA, July 11, 2016—Construction employment totaled 6,643,000 in June, matching the level in May, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America.

But an increase in hourly pay and longer workweeks, along with shrinking numbers of unemployed construction workers, suggest contractors would hire more workers if they were available.

Industry employment dipped by 6,000 in April and 16,000 in May. Despite the decreases, unemployment employment in the sector increased by 217,000, or 3.4% over the past year, compared to 1.7% for total nonfarm payroll employment.

Average hourly earnings, a measure of wages and salaries for all workers, increased 2.8% in construction over the past year to $28.13 in June. Both earnings and average weekly hours for all workers in construction—39.2 hours in June—have increased in the past three months even as employment tapered off.

Residential construction—comprising residential building and specialty trade contractors—added 2,300 jobs in June and 134,000, or 5.5%, compared to a year ago. Nonresidential construction—building, specialty trades, and heavy and civil engineering construction firms—lost 1,500 jobs for the month but gained 83,000 employees compared to June 2015, a 2.1% rise.

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