Construction employment rose in 35 states year-over-year in December, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. Between November and December, construction employment increased in 32 states.
“Construction demand remains strong in many parts of the country, especially for infrastructure, manufacturing and data center projects,” AGC CEO Stephen E. Sandherr said in a statement. “But a paucity of qualified workers is holding back further employment gains and impacting project schedules and budgets.”
Year-over-year, construction employment declined in 14 states and D.C. and remained unchanged in Missouri. The most construction jobs were added in Texas (32,800), while the biggest percentage increase was recorded in South Dakota (20.8%).
The biggest decline in construction employment was recorded in New York, which shed 15,600 jobs.
“The best way to address the industry’s workforce shortages in the long run is by investing in construction training and education programs,” Sandherr added. “It is time to stop urging every student to accumulate college debt when many could be making good money, debt-free, by starting careers in construction.”
The full AGC report can be found at this link.
