Only 14 states and the District of Columbia have added construction jobs since just before the start of the pandemic in February 2020, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that widespread supply chain disruptions amid and the lack of a much-needed federal infrastructure bill have impeded the sector’s recovery.
“Construction employment remains below pre-pandemic levels in more than two-thirds of the states,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Supply problems have slowed down many projects and forced contractors to hold down employment, while the lack of an infrastructure bill is leading some to delay hiring.”
From February 2020—the month before the pandemic caused project shutdowns and cancellations—to last month, construction employment increased in only 14 states and D.C., decreased in 35 states, and stalled in Connecticut. Texas shed the most construction jobs over the period (-48,000 jobs or -6.1%), followed by New York (-47,300 jobs, -11.6%) and California (-32,600 jobs, -3.6%). The largest percentage losses were in Louisiana (-16.1%, -22,000 jobs), Wyoming (-15.7%, -3,600 jobs) and New York.
Utah added the most construction jobs since February 2020 (9,400 jobs, 8.2%), followed by Washington (6,300 jobs, 2.8%), North Carolina (5,300 jobs, 2.2%), and Idaho (5,100 jobs, 9.3%). The largest percentage gains were in Idaho, Utah, and South Dakota (7.9%, 1,900 jobs).
From August to September construction employment decreased in 16 states, increased in 32 states and D.C., and was unchanged in Iowa and Kansas. The largest decline over the month occurred in Tennessee, which lost 2,800 construction jobs or 2.1%, followed by Missouri (-1,600 jobs, -1.3%). The largest percentage decline was in Alaska (-800 jobs, -4.9%), followed by Tennessee and Montana (-400 jobs, -1.4%).
Texas added the most construction jobs between August and September (8,900 jobs, 1.2%), followed by Florida (6,900 jobs, 1.2%) and Washington (3,600 jobs, 1.6%). Connecticut had the largest percentage gain (3.0%, 1,700 jobs), followed by Delaware (2.9%, 700 jobs) and West Virginia (2.3%, 700 jobs).
Association officials continued to urge the Biden administration to remove tariffs on a host of key construction materials, including steel and aluminum, and to do more to relieve shipping bottlenecks that are crippling many parts of the distribution network. They also urged House officials to quickly pass a Senate-backed infrastructure bill to increase investments in the nation’s transportation and water systems.
“The latest state employment figures show that gridlock in our ports and on Capitol Hill is retarding construction employment as well as the broader economy,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Even as the administration looks for ways to unclog domestic supply chains, the President should urge the House to pass the infrastructure bill, on its own, as quickly as possible.”
View state February 2020-September 2021 data and rankings, 1-month rankings.
Related Stories
Market Data | Jul 20, 2020
Construction employment rises from May to June in 31 states, slips in 18
Recent data from Procore on jobsite workers’ hours indicates employment may have leveled off.
Market Data | Jul 20, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 20, 2020
Never waste a crisis and robotic parking systems help developers optimize parking amenities.
Market Data | Jul 17, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 17, 2020
Kennedy Middle School's new Administration/Family Center and Tips to make optimal use of salvaged materials.
Market Data | Jul 16, 2020
Final NEPA rule will make it easier to rebuild infrastructure, reinvigorate the economy, and continue protecting the environment
Administration’s final reforms to the federal environmental review process fix problems with prior process, maintain environmental rigor, and accelerate needed infrastructure improvements.
Market Data | Jul 16, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 16, 2020
1928 hotel reimagined as a new resiential and cultural hub and Walgreens plans hundreds of doctor's offices at its stores.
Market Data | Jul 10, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 10, 2020
The world's tallest hybrid timber tower and the Florida Gators have a new $65 million ballpark.
Market Data | Jul 9, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 9, 2020
The world's most sustainable furniture factory and what will construction look like when COVID-19 ends?
Market Data | Jul 8, 2020
North America’s construction output to fall by 6.5% in 2020, says GlobalData
Even though all construction activities have been allowed to continue in most parts of the US and Canada since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many projects in the bidding or final planning stages have been delayed or canceled.
Market Data | Jul 8, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 8, 2020
AEMSEN develops concept for sustainable urban living and nonresidential construction has recovered 56% of jobs lost since March.
Market Data | Jul 7, 2020
Nonresidential construction has recovered 56% of jobs lost since March employment report
Nonresidential construction employment added 74,700 jobs on net in June.