Construction employment increased in 190 out of 358 metro areas between November 2015 and November 2015 and declined in 104, according to an analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. According to ASG officials, the number of metro areas experiencing job growth is growing as firms are having an easier time finding workers to hire despite 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 AGC chief economist Ken Simonson. “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 added the most construction jobs during the past year, 9,200 jobs, a 7-percent increase. Other metro areas adding a lot of jobs include the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colo., region with 8,400 jobs, a 9-percent boost; Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, Calif. (8,200 jobs, 10 percent); and Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz. (7,900 jobs, 8 percent.) The largest percent gains took place in Weirton-Steubenville, W. Va-Ohio (50 percent, 800 jobs); Boise, Idaho (19 percent, 3,300 jobs); Coeur d-Alene, Idaho, (18 percent, 700 jobs) and Huntsville Ala. (18 percent, 1,400 jobs).
The largest job losses were in Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas; Raleigh, N.C.; Bergen-Hudson-Passaic, N.J.; Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula; and Bloomington, Ill.
