Construction Employers Add 228,000 Jobs in Past Year

Construction employment increased by 228,000 jobs, or 3.3 percent over the past 12 months, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Construction employment totaled 7,150,000 in March, a dip of 15,000 for the month attributed to weather-related conditions. The unemployment rate for the industry fell to 7.4 percent, the lowest March rate since the series began in 2000.

Residential construction—comprising residential building and specialty trade contractors—shrank by 7,000 jobs in March, but added 114,200 jobs, or 4.3 percent, over the past 12 months. Nonresidential construction (building, specialty trades, and heavy and civil engineering construction) employment also increased by 114,200, or 2.7 percent, over 12 months, despite a drop of 8,200 jobs in March.