Construction Spending Dips in October but Maintains Year-Over-Year Gains; Association Urges Action on Infrastructure Investment as Spending Stalls

Construction spending inched lower in October from September levels but increased from the October 2017 total, according to an analysis of new Census data by the Associated General Contractors of America. However, investment in public infrastructure posted declines from recent peaks, and association officials urged the White House and Congress to act promptly on comprehensive infrastructure legislation.

Construction Employment Increases in 281 Metros from October 2017 to October 2018 but 43 Metros Experience Year-Over-Year Decreases

Construction employment grew in 281, or 78 percent, out of 358 metro areas between October 2017 and October 2018, declined in 43 and was unchanged in 34, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned that such widespread employment gains might not continue without policy changes to increase the supply of qualified workers.

New Congress Has Unique Opportunity to Work Together to Improve Infrastructure, Develop the Workforce, and Reform Immigration

“We congratulate all the winners from tonight’s election and look forward to having the opportunity to educate newly elected members about the construction industry’s many contributions to our broader economic prosperity.

Construction Employment Rises by 30,000 Jobs in October and 330,000 for the Year; Hourly Pay Jumps 3.9 Percent and Industry Employment Rate Falls to 3.6 Percent

Construction employment increased by 30,000 jobs in October and by 330,000 jobs over the past year, topping 7.3 million for the first time since April 2008, while the industry’s average pay jumped and unemployment decreased to a historic low, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America.

Construction Spending Increases to Record High of 1.329 Trillion, Most Public and Private Segments Show Healthy Growth

Construction spending hit a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.329 trillion and grew 5.5 percent for nine months of 2018 combined, with continued year-to-date gains for major public and private categories, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that while demand for construction should remain strong for the next several months, the construction sector could be impacted by new trade tariffs, continues workforce shortages and higher interest rates.

Construction Employment Rises in 278 Metros Between September 2017 & 2018 as Firms Expand to Keep Pace with Growing Demand for New Projects

Construction employment increased in 278 out of 358 metro areas between September 2017 and September 2018, declined in 42 and was unchanged in 38, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that construction employment is growing in most parts of the country as firms expand to keep pace with growing demand for construction.

Construction Material Costs Increase 7.4 Percent, As Contractors Continue to be Squeezed by Tariffs and Rising Fuel Prices

The cost of many products used in construction climbed 7.4 percent over the past year due to double digit increases in commonly-used construction materials, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new Labor Department data.

Construction Employment Rises by 23,000 Jobs in September and 315,000 for the Year; Hourly Pay Exceeds $30 in an Increasingly Tight Labor Market

Construction employment increased by 23,000 jobs in September and by 315,000 jobs over the past year, reaching a 10-year high, while the industry’s unemployment rate decreased more than half-a-percentage point to 4.1 percent from a year earlier, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America.

Subscribe to