Total construction employment increased by 11,000 jobs in October to 6.93 million, the highest number in nine years, according to The Associated General Contractors of America.
"The construction industry continues to contribute to the nation's economic expansion, adding jobs at double the rate of the overall economy," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist, in a statement. "While some of the job gain may reflect hurricane recovery work in Texas and Florida, recent spending and regional employment data show the job growth spans both residential and nonresidential projects, and is occurring in most states."
Residential construction added 13,300 jobs month-over-month and 98,500 jobs year-over-year in October. Nonresidential construction employment dipped by 2,000 jobs month-over-month but increased by 89,100 year-over-year.
Construction industry unemployment fell to 4.5 percent, the lowest rate in October since 2006.
