The latest readings on construction employment and spending have been positive overall. But there are still plenty of reasons to be cautious about the near-term outlook. Construction employment in May inched up from April on a seasonally adjusted basis, but climbed by a relatively robust 189,000 or 3.4 percent from a year ago, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported on June 7.  A BLS report today showed that construction firms hired slightly more workers in April 2013 than in April 2012, but fewer than in March, while job openings rose from a year ago but remained unchanged from a month ago—a thoroughly mixed set of signals.

Construction employment increased by 7,000 in May, helping to push the industry’s unemployment rate down to the lowest May level in five years, according to an analysis of new government data by AGC of America. Association officials said the relatively positive jobs report for the sector underscores the need to address potential shortages of skilled workers.

Total construction spending registered a small gain in April but showed very mixed patterns among major segments, according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by AGC.

Construction employment increased in 170 out of 339 metropolitan areas between April 2012 and April 2013, declined in 123 and was stagnant in 46, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by AGC of America. Association officials noted that a majority of metro areas are adding construction jobs as private sector demand accelerates in many parts of the country.

Construction employment declined in 32 states and the District of Columbia in April even as 29 states added jobs between April 2012 and April 2013, according to an analysis by AGC of America of Labor Department data. Association officials noted that construction demand in a number of states appears to be slackening amid federal construction spending cuts and relatively weak private sector demand.

The unemployment rate for construction workers fell to the lowest April level in five years as contractors added more than 150,000 employees in the past year despite a dip in employment last month, according to an analysis of new government data by AGC of America. Association officials noted that, despite the monthly drop, the industry is likely to continue adding jobs for much of 2013.

Construction employment increased in 152 out of 339 metropolitan areas between March 2012 and March 2013, declined in 126 and was stagnant in 61, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by AGC of America.

Construction labor costs are rising, after years of little movement. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today that compensation (wages and salaries, benefits, and required employer payments such as unemployment and worker’s compensation) for all employees in the construction industry increased by an average of 2.0 percent from the first quarter of 2012 to the first quarter of 2013. While mild compared with the 3-6 percent annual gains from 1998 to 2008, it was the fastest annual increase since December 2008.

Construction employment increased in 30 states in March as the industry expanded but at a slower pace than in February, according to an analysis by AGC of America of Labor Department data. Association officials cautioned, however, that many states remain vulnerable to construction cutbacks from newly enacted and proposed decreases in federal funding for infrastructure.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the federal agency that puts out the producer price index (PPI), is looking for feedback. Their survey asks respondents about what information they use currently, what they’d like to see improved or added, and what they think of the responsiveness of BLS staff.