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
Market Data | Jan 16, 2019
AIA 2019 Consensus Forecast: Nonresidential construction spending to rise 4.4%
The education, public safety, and office sectors will lead the growth areas this year, but AIA's Kermit Baker offers a cautious outlook for 2020.
Market Data | Dec 19, 2018
Brokers look forward to a commercial real estate market that mirrors 2018’s solid results
Respondents to a recent Transwestern poll expect flat to modest growth for rents and investment in offices, MOBs, and industrial buildings.
Market Data | Dec 19, 2018
When it comes to economic clout, New York will far outpace other U.S. metros for decades to come
But San Jose, Calif., is expected to have the best annual growth rate through 2035, according to Oxford Economics’ latest Global Cities report.
Market Data | Dec 19, 2018
Run of positive billings continues at architecture firms
November marked the fourteenth consecutive month of increasing demand for architectural firm services.
Market Data | Dec 5, 2018
ABC predicts construction sector will remain strong in 2019
Job growth, high backlog and healthy infrastructure investment all spell good news for the industry.
Market Data | Dec 4, 2018
Nonresidential spending rises modestly in October
Thirteen out of 16 subsectors are associated with year-over-year increases.
Market Data | Nov 20, 2018
Construction employment rises from October 2017 to October 2018 in 44 states and D.C.
Texas has biggest annual job increase while New Jersey continues losses; Iowa, Florida and California have largest one-month gains as Mississippi and Louisiana trail.
Market Data | Nov 15, 2018
Architecture firm billings continue to slow, but remain positive in October
Southern region reports decline in billings for the first time since June 2012.
Market Data | Nov 14, 2018
A new Joint Center report finds aging Americans less prepared to afford housing
The study foresees a significant segment of seniors struggling to buy or rent on their own or with other people.
Market Data | Nov 12, 2018
Leading hotel markets in the U.S. construction pipeline
Projects already under construction and those scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months, combined, have a total of 3,782 projects/213,798 rooms and are at cyclical highs.
