Construction employment grew in 71% of 258 metro areas analyzed by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) between July 2018 and July 2019. According to a news release from the organization, construction employment grew in 255 metro areas, and the number likely would have been larger if firms could find more qualified workers to hire.
The growth in construction employment year over year (YOY) was consistent with AGC’s recent monthly reports. In June, 253 metro areas added construction jobs YOY, while 249 and 250 metros added industry jobs YOY in May and April, respectively.
Los Angeles-Long-Beach-Glendale and Calif., Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz., added the most construction jobs in pure numbers in the past 12 months, while Spokane-Spokane Vally, Wash., and Auburn-Opelika, Ala., added the highest percentage of construction jobs between July 2018 and July 2019. Baton Rouge, La., lost the largest amount of industry jobs in the past 12 months and Watertown-Fort Drum, N.Y., experienced the steepest percentage decline of industry employment in the same period.
AGC officials said a recent survey conducted with Autodesk showed employment gains would likely have been more widespread if firms could find more qualified workers. The survey found eight in ten contractors reported difficulty finding qualified skilled workers. Additionally, 45% of respondents gave a “poor” rating to the adequacy of the local pipeline for supplying craft personnel who are well trained or skilled.
“Demand for construction has not slackened in most metro areas,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “In fact, of the nearly 2,000 respondents to our survey, 91% said they expect their firm to hire hourly craft personnel in the next 12 months, either for expansion or replacement. But four out of five contractors reported having a hard time filling hourly craft positions.”
