Forty-two states added construction jobs between June 2018 and June 2019, while construction employment increased in 30 states from May to June, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.
“Construction demand remains robust across most states, and contractors continue to add workers when they can find them,” said chief economist Ken Simonson. “But contractors are struggling to find all the workers they need in many states, as shown the historically high number job openings at the end of May.”
California added the most construction jobs over the year (40,300 jobs, 4.7 percent), followed by Texas (39,500 jobs, 5.4 percent), and Florida (25,800 jobs, 4.8 percent). West Virginia added the highest percentage of construction jobs over 12 months (19.8 percent, 8,100 jobs), followed by Wyoming (14.1 percent, 2,800 jobs), and Arizona and Alaska (10.3 percent, 1,600 jobs).
Eight states lost construction jobs over the last 12 months, while employment was unchanged in the District of Columbia. Louisiana lost the largest number and percentage of construction jobs (-12,300 jobs, -8.0 percent). Other states include Massachusetts (-3,400 jobs, -2.1 percent), Maryland (-2,200 jobs, -1.4 percent), and Connecticut (-1,000 jobs, -1.7 percent).
California also added the most construction jobs between May and June (11,900 jobs, 1.3 percent) followed by Texas (6,100 jobs, 0.8 percent), and Georgia (2,000 jobs, 1.0 percent).
Nevada lost the largest number and percentage of construction jobs for the month (-4,200 jobs, -4.1 percent), followed by Louisiana (-1,800 jobs, -1.3 percent), and Connecticut (-1,100 jobs, -1.9 percent).
Source: AGC
