The construction industry recorded a record surge in job openings, with 494,000 industry job openings posted at the end of April, a 40% surge compared with April 2021, the Associated General Contractors of America reported.
The industry was still able to add 36,000 workers in May to an industry total of 7.66 million, as average earnings for hourly craft workers in construction rose 6.3% from May 2021—the biggest wage boost since December 1982.
“It is encouraging that contractors were able to add workers in May, but they will need many more to meet the increasing demand for infrastructure and private nonresidential projects,” stated Ken Simonson, AGC’s chief economist. “Despite steeply rising pay for hourly workers, job openings in construction hit an all-time high at the end of April, while the industry’s low unemployment rate suggests experienced workers are scarce.”
The full AGC report can be found here.
