More than 66% of the nation’s metro areas saw an increase in construction employment this past November over November of 2020, according to a new analysis.
Compiled by the Associated General Contractors of America, the numbers show South Falls, South Dakota with the highest increase at 19%, followed by the Beaumont-Port Arthur metro area at 16%.
The Atlantic City metro area and Westbury, Connecticut, both also saw a 16% job increase.
In a statement, Ken Simonson, chief economist with the AGC, said, “It’s not surprising that construction employment has picked up in most metros over the past year, given the strong economic rebound most of the country has experienced.”
Simonson added, however, “With record job openings in construction, it’s clear that even more metros should be in the plus column if contractors could find the workers they need and get materials delivered on schedule.”
Of the 25 top job growth metro areas, nine were in the West. The Sierra Vista-Douglas metro area in Arizona was up by 15% over November 2020, as was metro Midland, Texas.
Albuquerque enjoyed a 12% jump between November 2020 and November 2021.
By Garry Boulard
