A recent analysis of federal employment data indicates that the construction industry continues to hum along, but future gains will depend largely on overall economic growth and new investment in our aging infrastructure.
The survey by the Associated General Contractors of America found that construction employment expanded in 211 metro areas, declined in 67 areas and remained the same in 61 areas. The biggest gainer was the Fargo, N.D., area, where construction employment increased 24 percent (about 1,900 jobs) between November 2012 and November 2013. (No reason was given for the increase.) The biggest loser on a percentage basis was Modesto, Calif., which experienced a 24 percent decline, or 1,500 jobs.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington area saw an 8 percent increase, totaling 5,100 construction jobs.
Steven Sandherr, AGC's chief executive officer, said that, despite an expansion of jobs, "it will take many more months of strong economic growth and new investments in public infrastructure before many places experience construction employment levels close to their prior peaks."
