National – Construction employment increased in nearly two out of three U.S. metro areas between November 2020 and November 2021, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials said the job gains were welcome news for the industry but cautioned that it will be difficult for construction levels to return to pre-pandemic levels amid tight labor market conditions.
Construction employment increased in 237 or 66% of 358 metro areas over the last 12 months. Sacramento, Calif.; Roseville, Calif.; Arden, Calif.; and Arcade, Calif. added the most construction jobs (7,300 jobs, 10%), followed by Seattle, Wash.; Bellevue, Wash.; and Everett, Wash. (7,000 jobs, 7%); Chicago; Naperville, Ill.; and Arlington Heights, Ill. (6,500 jobs, 5%); Boston; Cambridge, Mass.; and Newton, Mass. (6,200 jobs, 8%); and Minneapolis, Minn.; St. Paul, Minn.; and Bloomington, Minn.-Wis. (6,100 jobs, 7%). Sioux Falls, S.D. had the highest percentage increase, 19% (2,000 jobs). It was followed by three metros with 16% increases: Beaumont, Texas; Port Arthur, Texas (3,200 jobs); Atlantic City. N.J.; Hammonton, N.J. (800 jobs) and Waterbury, Conn. (500 jobs).
Construction employment declined from a year earlier in 74 metros and was flat in 47. Nassau County, N.Y.; Suffolk County, N.Y. lost the most jobs (-6,300 or -8%), followed by Orange County, N.Y.; Rockland County, N.Y.; and Westchester County, N.Y. (-3,900 jobs, -9%); Calvert County, Md.; Charles County, Md.; Prince George’s County, Md. (-2,700 jobs, -8%); Houston; The Woodlands, Texas; and Sugar Land, Texas (-2,600 jobs, -1%); and Nashville, Tenn.; Davidson, Tenn.; Murfreesboro, Tenn.; and Franklin, Tenn. (-2,600 jobs, -5%). The largest percentage declines were in Evansville, Ind.-Ky. (-18%, -1,800 jobs); Leominster, Mass.; Gardner, Mass. (-14%, -300 jobs); Anchorage, Alaska (-11%, -1,100 jobs); Altoona, Pa. (-10%, -300 jobs); and Florence, Ala.; and Muscle Shoals, Ala. (-10%, -400 jobs).