According to analysis of federal employment data by the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment declined or was stagnant in 131 (37%) of 358 metro areas between May 2015 and May 2016.
The largest job losses year-on-year were in Midland, Texas (-1,700 jobs, -7%), followed by Odessa, Texas (-1,300 jobs, -8%); Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas (-1,100 jobs, -6%); Bloomington, Ill. (-1,100 jobs, -30%) and New Orleans-Metairie, La. (-1,100 jobs, -3%). The largest percentage declines for the past year were in Bloomington, Ill.; Fairbanks, Alaska (-15%, -500 jobs); Rocky Mount, N.C. (-13%, -300 jobs); Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, Ala. (-11%, -100 jobs) and Lawton, Okla. (-11%, -200 jobs). Construction employment declined in 83 metro areas in the past year, stagnated in 48 areas, and rose in 227 areas.
The most construction jobs added during the past year were in Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, Calif (14,700 jobs, 17%). Other areas adding a large number of construction jobs include Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Fla. (9,700 jobs, 16%); Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale (8,100 jobs, 8%); and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, Ga. (7,700 jobs, 7%). The largest percentage gains occurred in Monroe, Mich. (30%, 700 jobs); Honolulu, Hawaii (20%, 4,900 jobs); Boise City, Idaho (19%, 3,500 jobs); Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine and Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall, Fla. (17%, 6,800 jobs).
Association officials said that the new employment figures reinforce the need for Congress to act on a number of short- and long-term infrastructure measures.
For complete details and commentary, visit AGC of America’s website.