While construction jobs have increased in most states in the past year, growth has slowed in the last month because of a shortage of qualified workers.
While construction jobs have increased in most states in the past year, growth has slowed in the last month because of a shortage of qualified workers.
While construction jobs have increased in most states in the past year, growth has slowed in the last month because of a shortage of qualified workers.
While construction jobs have increased in most states in the past year, growth has slowed in the last month because of a shortage of qualified workers.
While construction jobs have increased in most states in the past year, growth has slowed in the last month because of a shortage of qualified workers.

Strong Job Growth Between August 2014 and 2015 Despite Recent Slowdown

Sept. 18, 2015
Construction employment expanded in 36 states and the District of Columbia between August 2014 and August 2015 while only 25 states added jobs between July and August according to an analysis of Labor Department data by the Associated General Contractors of America.

Construction employment expanded in 36 states and the District of Columbia between August 2014 and August 2015 while only 25 states added jobs between July and August according to an analysis of Labor Department data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that job gains might lag because many companies have reported difficulties in finding qualified workers.

“While half the states added construction jobs in August, construction spending data and industry reports suggest demand for projects remains very strong,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for AGC. “The apparent softness in hiring likely reflects contractors’ difficulty in finding qualified workers.”

California led the way in adding construction jobs between August 2014 and August 2015 (43,800 jobs, a 6.5 percent boost). Other states adding many jobs include Florida (25,700 jobs, 6.4 percent); North Carolina (13,200 jobs, 7.4 percent); and Washington (12,800 jobs, 8 percent).

Arkansas added the highest percentage during the past year (13.6 percent), followed by Idaho (10 percent); South Carolina (9.1 percent) and Iowa (8.9 percent).

Thirteen states decreased construction jobs during the past 12 months, with West Virginia losing 15.1 percent, Rhode Island 7.9 percent, Mississippi 7.4 percent and Ohio 5.7 percent.

Between July and August of this year Texas added the most construction jobs (3,200), followed by Ohio (2,700), North Carolina (2,700), and New York (2,600). However, 24 states dropped construction jobs during the past month, including Michigan (4,700 jobs), Virginia (3,200 jobs), New Mexico (2,300 jobs), Washington (2,000) and Mississippi (2,000).

An AGC survey released last week said that 86 percent of surveyed contractors reported difficulty filling hourly or salaried professional positions, and that these shortages appear to be having an impact on the construction recovery. They urged federal, state and local officials to act on the measures outlined in the association’s Workforce Development Plan.