construction employment showing gains even as it faces challenges

The construction job rate is up in 248 out of 358 metro areas across the U.S.
A study just released by the Washington-based Associated General Contractors of America additionally indicates that construction jobs declined in only 68 of those 358 areas, while remaining level in 42.

Despite the overall strong numbers, the Associated General Contractors is expressing concern that continued job growth could be negatively impacted by President Trump’s proposal to increase tariffs on imported steel and aluminum products.

Noting that the tariff increase will eventually make such products more expensive in the U.S., Ken Simonson said, “Most contractors will be unable to pass along these increased costs, leaving less money to invest, ironically, in steel construction equipment as well as personnel.”

Simonson is the Associated General Contractors’ chief economist.

Among the top areas recording significant job growth is the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale area, with a 9 percent jump over last year and 9,900 news jobs; Greeley, Colorado with a 23 percent jump and 3,500 new jobs; and the Albuquerque metro area, which a 7 percent increase, and more than 1,500 new jobs.

State-wide, Arizona is seeing a 9 percent construction job increase over early 2017, with Colorado up by 7 percent, and New Mexico’s numbers increased by 10 percent.

By Garry Boulard