January Construction Employment Rose in 85% of Metro Areas YOY

Washington, DC, March 20, 2023-Construction employment rose from January 2022 to January 2023 in 306 (85%) of the 358 metro areas, fell in 29 (8%), and was unchanged in 23, according to analysis by Associated General Contractors. 

Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas added the most jobs (13,600 combined jobs or 9%), followed by Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas (9,200 construction jobs, 4%) and Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Arizona (8,400 construction jobs, 6%). 

The largest percentage gains (23% each) were in Janesville-Beloit, Wisconsin (700 combined jobs) and Wausau, Wisconsin (500 combined jobs). The largest loss occurred in Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade, California (-6,200 construction jobs, -8%), followed by the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, California division (-4,000 construction jobs, -3%) and Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minnesota-Wiscconsin (-3,300 combined jobs, -4%). 

The largest percentage losses (-17% each) occurred in Lake Charles, Louisiana (-2,400 construction jobs) and Monroe, Michigan (-400 combined jobs), followed by Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, Mississippi (-14%, -1,300 combined jobs).