Construction employment increased in 227 out of 358 metropolitan areas from September 2023 to September 2024, according to a report by the Associated General Contractors of America. The association highlighted that more areas could see job growth if public officials created more opportunities for skill acquisition.
Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, noted, “Every month, more than 60 percent of metro areas record year-over-year increases in construction employment.” He also mentioned that despite offering wages higher than the private sector average, contractors struggle to find qualified workers.
The average hourly earnings for construction craft workers and other production and nonsupervisory employees were $35.92 in September 2024. This figure is over 18 percent higher than the all-private average wage of $30.33 for similar roles.
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas saw the largest increase with an addition of 16,600 jobs or a seven percent rise. Anchorage, Alaska experienced the highest percentage increase at 17 percent with an additional 2,100 jobs.
Conversely, construction employment fell in 63 metro areas and remained unchanged in another 68. New York City recorded the largest decline with a loss of 8,800 jobs or six percent. Bloomington, Illinois faced the steepest percentage drop at -13 percent equating to a loss of 500 jobs.
The association urged public officials to promote career opportunities in construction due to high pay and advancement potential. They pointed out that federal spending on college education significantly outweighs funding for career and technical programs.
Jeffrey D. Shoaf, CEO of the association stated: “The mismatch in funding means that good-paying construction jobs go unfilled while too many college graduates are saddled with high debt and limited career prospects.”
