Construction employment levels remain below pre-pandemic levels in three-fourths of states despite more than 30 states adding industry jobs for the second consecutive month. After 32 states added construction jobs between August and September, 36 states and Washington D.C. added jobs between September and October, according to an analysis of government data by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
Seasonally-adjusted construction employment in October was lower than in February in 37 states, according to the AGC. While residential construction activity has remained strong, demand for most types of nonresidential projects have remained weak throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“An increasing number of nonresidential contractors are experiencing cancellations that are forcing them to lay off workers,” Ken Simonson, chief economist for the AGC, said in a news release. “Although single-family homebuilding and remodeling contractors are adding workers, most states are likely to have a net loss of constructions soon.”
Since February, New York and Texas have lost the largest number of construction jobs, while Vermont and North Dakota have experienced the largest percentage decrease in industry employment. Thirteen states and the District of Columbia have added construction jobs since February, led by Virginia, Kentucky, and Alabama.
On a month-to-month basis, California added the most construction jobs in pure numbers between September and October. Alaska and Iowa experienced the largest percentage gain in industry jobs for the month of October. During October, Maryland lost the most construction jobs and experienced the largest percentage in industry employment.
