Construction employment grew in 71% of the 358 metro areas analyzed by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) between June 2018 and June 2019. According to the organization, industry employment grew in 253 metro areas and likely would have been stronger had firms been able to find more qualified labor.
“Demand for construction remains robust in most metro areas,” said AGS chief economist Ken Simonson. “But, with record job openings in construction and the lowest overall unemployment rate since 1969, it is likely even more metros would be adding construction workers if there were enough qualified jobseekers available.”
The growth in construction employment was consistent with the AGC’s recent monthly reports. In May, 249 metro areas added construction jobs year over year (YOY), while 250 metros added industry jobs YOY in April. The past three months represent a relative stagnation after YOY industry job gains increased in the early months of 2019.
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz., Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, Calif., Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas, and Atlanta, Sandy Springs-Roswell, Ga., added the most construction jobs in pure numbers during the past 12 months. Auburn-Opelika, Ala., Pocatello, Idaho, Camden, N.J., and Spokane-Spokane Vally, Wash., added the highest percentage of construction jobs between June 2018 and June 2019.
Baton Rouge, La., and Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, Ill., reported the largest industry job loss in pure numbers over the past year, while Atlantic City-Hammonton, N.J., and Longview, Texas experienced the steepest percentage decrease in industry employment over the past 12 months.
