Encouraging economic news from the construction industry indicates that employment in building and construction is increasing in areas throughout the United States.
Some 19,000 jobs were added in the construction industry in March 2014, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor. This increase drove construction industry unemployment down to a rate of 11.3 percent.
Nonresidential construction categories increased by some 6,700 jobs in March 2014, indicating a significantly improved unemployment rate over the 14.7 percent level of March 2013.
The Associated General Contractors of America indicates that construction employment increased in 197 metropolitan areas in the United States between March 2013 and March 2014. California led the employment boom, with some 10,000 jobs being added in Los Angeles, Long Beach and Glendale. This increase represented a 9 percent rise in the area’s construction employment.
In second place, the Santa Ana, Anaheim and Irvine area of California increased employment by 12 percent, adding 9,100 jobs in the same annual period. The third largest employment gains occurred in the Dallas area, which added 6,200 jobs for an overall 6 percent increase.
According to Associated General Contractors of America data, in terms of percentage gains, the largest increases occurred in Monroe, MI, with a 43 percent increase amounting to 900 jobs. El Centro, CA, added 700 jobs for a 37 percent increase. Pascagoula, MS, improved by 35 percent with 1,900 jobs, and the area of Lewiston, ID, added 300 jobs for a 33 percent increase.
Though construction industry employment has grown significantly over the past year, industry experts such as Ken Simonson, chief economist of the Associated General Contractors of America, cautions that unexpected disruptions or potential decreases in areas such as federal highway funding could have large-scale negative effects on construction jobs.
Construction industry professionals, including hiring managers and HR personnel, can benefit from the data and insights provided by Construction Monitor. Contact us today for more information on construction industry employment trends and what they can mean for your business now and in the future.
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