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Construction Employment Increases in 248 Metro Areas Between January 2017 & 2018 as New Metals Tariffs Threaten Future Sector Job Gains

Construction employment increased in 263 (73 percent) out of 358 metro areas between May 2017 and May 2018, declined in 47 (13 percent) and was unchanged in 48, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials warned that the supply of qualified workers is dwindling and urged members of Congress to support proposed legislation to reform, and increase funding for, the federal career and technical education program.

“The growth of industry employment in so many locations is good news, but it also highlights the challenge contractors face in finding qualified workers,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “As more cities hit new highs in construction employment and new lows in unemployment, the risk is growing that some projects will be delayed for lack of workers.”

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