Twenty-nine states and Washington, D.C., added construction jobs in July as contractors continued to face worker shortages, according to Associated General Contractors of America. Thirty-nine states added construction jobs during the past year.
“Construction employment gains remain widespread, thanks to steady or increasing demand for data centers, manufacturing plants, energy and infrastructure projects,” said Ken Simonson, AGC’s chief economist. “But further job growth may be hindered by a lack of training programs for construction careers.”
Florida added the most construction jobs from June to July—6,300—and Tennessee had the largest percentage increase of construction jobs for the month—3.3%. During the past 12 months, Florida added the most construction jobs—36,700—and Alaska had the largest percentage increase—19.9%.
New York lost the largest number of construction jobs (-3,800) for the month and Arkansas had the largest percentage decline (-1.2%). During the past 12 months, New York lost the most construction jobs (-8,100) and Maine had the largest percentage decline (-4.1%).
