Construction Firms Add 11,000 Employees in October

Construction demand in the private sector is driving increases in construction employment and offsetting declines in public sector jobs, said the Associated General Contractors of America in their November press release.  Residential construction employment grew 5.4 percent year-over-year in October while nonresidential construction jobs grew 1.4 percent. AGC notes that public construction needs the support of local, state and federal officials to build and repair aging infrastructure. Heavy and civil engineering employment in the public construction sector declined by 1,200 jobs in the past year. The latest report by AGC follows:

AGC, Nov. 4, 2016 – Construction employers added 11,000 jobs in October as employment in the sector is at the highest level since December 2008 despite declines in public sector investments in construction projects, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that average hourly earnings for construction workers increased by 3.2 percent compared to 12 months ago as firms continue to expand amid shortages of available qualified workers.