US construction employment grew in 275, or 76 percent, out of 358 metro areas between January 2018 and January 2019, declined in 39 (11 percent) and was unchanged in 44, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America
The Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz. metro area added the most construction jobs during the past year (12,300 jobs, 10 percent), while the largest percentage gain occurred in Chico, Calif. (25 percent, 900 jobs).
The largest job losses between January 2018 and January 2019 occurred in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif. (-3,000 jobs, -6 percent), while the largest percentage decrease took place in Danville, Ill. (-20 percent, -100 jobs).
Association officials said that the number of unemployed construction workers is at a series low and urged federal officials to boost investments in career and technical education. They warned that firms may not be able to keep pace with growing demand for construction unless more young adults are exposed to, and consider pursuing, high-paying careers in construction.
“Contractors in most parts of the country are having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to keep pace with strong, and growing, demand for construction,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Expanding the number of high school programs that expose students to the fact construction is a rewarding career path will put more young adults into high-paying construction jobs.”