Finding Construction Workers Appeared to be Easier in November, AGC

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Finding Construction Workers Appeared to be Easier in November, AGC

Arlington, VA, January 4, 2016—Construction employment increased in 190 out of 358 metro areas, was unchanged in 64 and declined in 104 between November 2014 and November 2015, according to analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America.

Association officials noted that the number of metro areas experiencing construction job growth continues to grow as firms appear to be having an easier time finding workers to hire steady amid reports of worker shortages.

"Construction employment is expanding in more parts of the country now that firms appear to be having more success finding workers to hire," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. "Firms may not be able to continue expanding their headcounts as rapidly unless public officials increase investments in career and technical education programs."

New York City, New York (9,200 jobs, 7%) added the most construction jobs during the past year. Other metro areas adding a large number of construction jobs include Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colorado (8,300 jobs, 9%); Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, California (8,200 jobs, 10%) and Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Arizona (7,900 jobs, 8%). The largest percentage gains occurred in Weirton-Steubenville, West Virginia-Ohio (50%, 800 jobs); Boise, Idaho (19%, 3,300 jobs); Coeur d'Alene, Idaho (18%, 700 jobs) and Huntsville, Alabama (18%, 1,400 jobs).

The largest job losses from November 2014 to November 2015 were in Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas (-5,400 jobs, -7%); followed by Raleigh, North Carolina (-1,800 jobs, -5%); Bergen-Hudson-Passaic, New Jersey (-1,500 jobs, -5%); Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, Mississippi (-1,400 jobs, -16%) and New Orleans-Metairie, Lousiana (-1,400 jobs, -5%). The largest percentage decline for the past year was in Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, Mississippi; followed by Bloomington, Illinois (-14%, -400 jobs); Kankakee, Illinois (-14%, -200 jobs); Fort Smith, Arkansas (-13%, -900 jobs) and Walla Walla, Washington (-13%, -100 jobs).