US construction employment increased by 24,000 jobs in November to the highest level since November 2008, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America.
Construction employment totaled 6,955,000 in November, a gain of 24,000 for the month and 184,000, or 2.7 percent, over 12 months. The association pointed out that the year-over-year growth rate in industry jobs was nearly twice the 1.4 percent rise in total nonfarm payroll employment.
Residential construction—comprising residential building and specialty trade contractors—added 14,800 jobs in November and 85,900 jobs, or 3.2 percent, over the past 12 months. Nonresidential construction (building, specialty trades, and heavy and civil engineering construction) employment increased by 8,600 jobs in November and 97,700 positions, or 2.4 percent, over 12 months.
The number of unemployed jobseekers with recent construction experience fell to 467,000 in November, down from 517,000 in November 2016, while the unemployment rate in construction dropped to 5.0 percent last month from 5.7 percent a year earlier.