Construction Sector's Unemployment Rate Falls to Nine-Year Low

Arlington, VA, May 11, 2015—Construction firms added 45,000 jobs in April and 280,000 over 12 months, as the sector's unemployment rate fell to a nine-year April low of 7.5%, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.

Association officials noted that even as the industry continues to expand, growth has been erratic and inconsistent.

Construction employment totaled 6,384,000 in April, compared to 6,338,000 in March and 6,103,000 in April 2014. Residential building and specialty trade contractors added 23,600 jobs (1%) since March and 153,300 jobs (6.7%) over 12 months.

In addition, the number of unemployed construction workers, 652,000, is at the lowest level since 2001.

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