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Washington, DC, April 11, 2022— Construction employment increased from February 2020—the month before the coronavirus pandemic—to February 2022 in nearly three-fifths of U.S. metro areas, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data.
Construction employment increased from February 2020 to February 2022 in nearly three-fifths of U.S. metro areas, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. “The rebound in construction employment in most metros shows there is robust demand for infrastructure and nonresidential buildings, as well as housing,” said Ken Simonson, AGC chief economist, in a prepared statement. “But contractors in many areas say they would hire even more workers if there were enough qualified candidates.”
Four metro areas in the state show gains in jobs over the past 24 months, while two show declines, according to a new analysis.
Overall construction employment climbed by 19,000 jobs between February and March, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. “Construction is contributing significantly to the expansion of employment and the overall economy,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, in a prepared statement. “But the sector is facing growing challenges in terms of filling job openings, obtaining materials, and keeping up with soaring wages and prices.”
Construction employment exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 32 states in February, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), but its officials warned the gains may be undermined if skyrocketing materials costs and delayed shipments cause owners to postpone or cancel projects.