construction job growth keeps even geographical pace

Contrary to patterns in earlier times of expansion, construction job growth is playing out evenly across most of the country, with 45 states and the District of Columbia reporting new construction employment in the last year.

An analysis of the most recent Department of Labor statistics, just released by the Associated General Contractors of America, shows that Texas, California, Florida, and Georgia all saw gains of anywhere from just under 5 percent to just over 10.1 percent between July of last year and last month.

On the upper end of the job growth numbers, Arizona recorded a 10.0 percent increase in the past year, adding 14,600 new jobs.

New Mexico added 1,000 new jobs for an 8.6% rate, while Colorado posted 6,000 new jobs for a 3.7 percent growth rate.

Of the top ten construction employment growth states, four were in the West: Alaska, Arizona, California, and Colorado, and four others in the Southern states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and Georgia.

In a statement, Ken Simonson, chief economist with the Associated General Contractors, said, “Construction job gains over the past year were more widespread across the country than at any time since the beginning of 2016.”

Simonson said the new numbers indicate that “contractors are still optimistic about future construction activity,” but added that future job openings could go unfilled unless more young workers begin to enter the market.

By Garry Boulard