Construction employment decreased in 241, or 67%, out of 358 metro areas between August 2019 and last month, according to an analysis of new government data that the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials urged Congress to pass new coronavirus relief measures before leaving town.
“Although residential construction is picking up in many areas, public and nonresidential construction are shrinking,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Project cancellations are spreading, and fewer new projects are starting up. That combination makes further employment declines inevitable unless the federal government steps up support for infrastructure.”
Simonson noted that construction employment was stagnant in 29 metro areas and increased in only 88 areas (25%) over the past 12 months. Nineteen metros had all-time lows for August construction employment, while 33 areas had record highs for August, in data going back to 1990 for most areas.
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas lost the most construction jobs over 12 months (-22,800 jobs, -10%), followed by New York City (-21,700 jobs, -13 percent). Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, Mass. had the largest percentage decline (-38 percent, -2,200 jobs), followed by Johnstown, Pa. (-34 percent, -1,000 jobs).
Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, Ind. added the most construction jobs from August 2019 to August 2020 (4,800 jobs, 9%), followed by Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, Md. (4,300 jobs, 5%). Niles-Benton Harbor, Mich. had the highest percentage increase (16%, 400 jobs), followed by Fond du Lac, Wisc. (15%, 500 jobs) and Walla Walla, Wash. (15%, 100 jobs).
Association officials urged Congressional leaders to not leave town until after the election without passing much-needed new coronavirus relief measures. In particular, the construction officials called on Congress to pass new liability protections for firms that are taking steps to protect workers from the coronavirus. They also urged Congressional leaders to boost investments in infrastructure and pass measures designed to preserve payrolls.
“The coronavirus and efforts to mitigate its spread have left our economy deeply wounded, depressing demand for many types of commercial construction projects,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Congress can end the downward economic slide and help create needed new construction jobs by passing measures to boost demand and protect honest employers.”
View the metro employment 12-month data, rankings, top 10, and map.
Related Stories
Market Data | Apr 9, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: April 9, 2020
Urine could be the key to building in outer space and how to turn a high school into a patient care center in just over two weeks.
Market Data | Apr 8, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: April 8, 2020
Stantec discusses how hospitals can adapt buildings to address worst-case scenarios and FXCollaborative Architects tells us why cities will survive the pandemic.
Market Data | Apr 7, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: April 7, 2020
Leo A Daly's Hotel2Hospital prototype takes shape, while the number of delayed projects reaches 2,550 in the U.S. amid coronavirus pandemic.
Market Data | Apr 3, 2020
COVID-19 cuts nonresidential construction employment in March
The construction unemployment rate was 6.9% in March, up 1.7 percentage points from the same time one year ago.
Market Data | Apr 1, 2020
February’s construction spending decline indicates what’s to come
Private nonresidential spending declined 2% on a monthly basis and is down 0.7% compared to February 2019.
Market Data | Mar 26, 2020
Architects taking action to support COVID-19 response
New AIA task force will offer insights for adapting buildings into healthcare facilities.
Market Data | Mar 26, 2020
Senate coronavirus relief bill's tax and lending provisions will help construction firms, but industry needs additional measures
Construction officials say measure will help firms cope with immediate cash flow crunch, but industry needs compensation for losses.
Market Data | Mar 25, 2020
Engineering and construction materials prices fall for first time in 40 months on coronavirus impacts, IHS Markit says
Survey respondents reported falling prices for five out of the 12 components within the materials and equipment sub-index.
Market Data | Mar 23, 2020
Coronavirus will reshape UAE construction
The impact of the virus has been felt in the UAE, where precautionary measures have been implemented to combat the spread of the virus through social distancing.
