Construction employment increased in 224 out of 358 metro areas from March 2016 to March 2017, declined in 92 metro areas and stagnated in 42, according to The Associated General Contractors of America.
The greatest increases were seen in Riverside-San Bernadino-Ontario, Calif., which added 12,200 jobs; Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, Ga., 9,400 jobs; and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Fla., 8,600 jobs.
The largest job losses were in Pittsburgh, Pa., down 2,900 jobs; Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Mass., down 2,300 jobs; and Middlesex-Monmouth-Ocean, N.J., down 2,100 jobs.
According to AGCA officials, a recent tax reform proposal for businesses from the Trump administration could help heighten demand for new construction and make it easier for firms to expand payrolls.
"Reforming the tax code should help boost demand for construction by freeing up significant amounts of private sector capital to finance new projects," said Stephen Sandherr, the association's CEO, in a statement. "Moreover, reducing the tax burden on construction employers will make it easier for them to add new staff to keep up with growing demand for their services."
