Construction employment increased in 245 out of 358 metro areas between March 2017 and March 2018, declined in 67 and stagnated in 46, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that the new figures come amid questions about how a possible trade war and long-term infrastructure funding shortfalls will impact the construction sector.
"While firms in many parts of the country continue to expand, there is a growing number of threats that could undermine future employment growth in the sector," said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. "Among the top threats to future construction growth are the risk of a trade war and long-term infrastructure funding challenges."
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas added the most construction jobs during the past year (10,700 jobs, 5%), followed by Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz. (9,500 jobs, 9%); Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas (7,800 jobs, 6%) and Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif. (7,200 jobs, 8%). The largest percentage gains occurred in the Weirton-Steubenville, W.Va.-Ohio metro area (29%, 400 jobs), followed by Merced, Calif. (26%, 600 jobs); Wenatchee, Wash. (26%, 600 jobs) and Midland, Texas (23%, 6,000 jobs).
The largest job losses from March 2017 to March 2018 were in Baton Rouge, La. (-3,200 jobs, -6%), followed by Columbia, S.C. (-2,200 jobs, -11%); Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minn.-Wisc. (-1,700 jobs, -2%); Newark, N.J.-Pa. (-1,700 jobs, -4%) and Montgomery County-Bucks County-Chester County, Pa. (-1,600 jobs, -3%). The largest percentage decreases for the year were in Auburn-Opelika, Ala. (-34%, -1,300 jobs), followed by Monroe, Mich. (-17%, -400 jobs); Portland-South Portland, Maine (-11%, -1,000 jobs) and Columbia, S.C. (-11%, -2,200 jobs).
Association officials said that trade disputes that could arise from the President's newly-imposed tariffs and long-term infrastructure funding shortfalls could threaten future construction employment growth. They noted that many construction firms have already experienced significant increases in what they pay for steel products. Meanwhile, long-term funding shortfalls for infrastructure improvements could undermine demand for many firms' services.
"The biggest threats to future construction growth are man-made: trade wars and funding shortfalls," said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. "Fortunately, Washington officials can help ensure future economic growth by avoiding a trade war and enacting long-term infrastructure funding."
View the metro employment data by rank and state. View metro employment map.
Related Stories
Senior Living Design | May 9, 2017
Designing for a future of limited mobility
There is an accessibility challenge facing the U.S. An estimated 1 in 5 people will be aged 65 or older by 2040.
Industry Research | May 4, 2017
How your AEC firm can go from the shortlist to winning new business
Here are four key lessons to help you close more business.
Engineers | May 3, 2017
At first buoyed by Trump election, U.S. engineers now less optimistic about markets, new survey shows
The first quarter 2017 (Q1/17) of ACEC’s Engineering Business Index (EBI) dipped slightly (0.5 points) to 66.0.
Market Data | May 2, 2017
Nonresidential Spending loses steam after strong start to year
Spending in the segment totaled $708.6 billion on a seasonally adjusted, annualized basis.
Market Data | May 1, 2017
Nonresidential Fixed Investment surges despite sluggish economic in first quarter
Real gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 0.7 percent on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate during the first three months of the year.
Industry Research | Apr 28, 2017
A/E Industry lacks planning, but still spending large on hiring
The average 200-person A/E Firm is spending $200,000 on hiring, and not budgeting at all.
Market Data | Apr 19, 2017
Architecture Billings Index continues to strengthen
Balanced growth results in billings gains in all regions.
Market Data | Apr 13, 2017
2016’s top 10 states for commercial development
Three new states creep into the top 10 while first and second place remain unchanged.
Market Data | Apr 6, 2017
Architecture marketing: 5 tools to measure success
We’ve identified five architecture marketing tools that will help your firm evaluate if it’s on the track to more leads, higher growth, and broader brand visibility.
Market Data | Apr 3, 2017
Public nonresidential construction spending rebounds; overall spending unchanged in February
The segment totaled $701.9 billion on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate for the month, marking the seventh consecutive month in which nonresidential spending sat above the $700 billion threshold.
