Construction employment in February remained below pre-pandemic levels in 44 states, according to an analysis of government data by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). The AGC noted that several factors, including rising material costs and continued supply chain problems, pose threats to future industry employment.
“The overall economy is recovering, but huge price spikes and ever-lengthening delivery times threaten to set construction back further,” AGC chief economist Ken Simonson said in a news release.
Seasonally adjusted construction employment in February 2021 was lower than in February 2020 in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Texas, New York, and California have lost the most jobs over the past 12 months while Louisiana, New Jersey, and West Virginia experience the largest percentage loss of industry jobs.
Only six states added construction jobs from the last full month before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, including Utah, Idaho, and Arkansas.
Between January and February, 35 states lost construction jobs. Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont experienced the largest month-to-month decreases in construction employment, while Iowa and Kansas suffered the largest percentage declines. Utah and South Carolina added the most construction jobs on a month-to-month basis.
In an effort to promote construction employment, the AGC is calling for a rollback on tariffs on a number of construction materials, including lumber and steel, as well urging efforts to be made to ease shipping delays that are undermining supply chains.
