Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas and Pocatello, Idaho Have Largest Gains; New York City and Longview, Texas Lag the Most as Industry Calls for Comprehensive Immigration Reform and Additional Workforce Funding
Construction employment grew in 244, or 68 percent, out of 358 metro areas between September 2018 and September 2019, declined in 61 and was unchanged in 53, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that despite the widespread job gains, the association’s recent survey found 80 percent of contractors say hourly craftworker positions remain difficult to fill.
“Even though construction firms in over two-thirds of the nation’s metro areas were able to add employees in the last year, our survey suggests employers in still more locations would have done so if they could find more qualified workers to hire,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Job openings at construction have been at record levels in recent months, showing that contractors are still eager to hire.”