Texas and 44 other states had more construction jobs in August than they did a year ago, according to an analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
“Construction has been a leading source of employment growth almost universally in the past year,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist, in a statement. “But contractors report needing even more workers as large projects rev up across the country.”
Compared to July, 32 states had more construction employees in August, according to AGC. Employment declined in 15 states.
August job growth compared to 2022
- Texas: 21,100 jobs, up 2.7 percent)
- California: 15,600 jobs, 1.7 percent
- Ohio: 11,600 jobs, 5.0 percent
- Georgia: 10,600 jobs, 5.0 percent
- Wyoming: Up 13.0 percent, 2,700 jobs
- Arkansas: 9.9 percent, 5,800 jobs
- Kentucky: 9.2 percent, 7,700 jobs
- West Virginia: 8.6 percent, 2,600 jobs
- New Mexico: 7.3 percent, 3,600 jobs
- Missouri: -2,700 jobs, -1.9 percent
- Colorado: -2,500 jobs, -1.4 percent
- North Dakota: -1,000 jobs, -3.8 percent
- Vermont: -200 jobs, -1.3 percent
- North Carolina: (-100 jobs, -0.04 percent)
August job growth compared to July
- California 4,700 jobs, 0.5 percent
- Arizona: 3,500 jobs, 1.8 percent
- Pennsylvania: 3,300 jobs, 1.2 percent
- South Carolina: 2,600 jobs, 2.3 percent
- Nevada: 2,600 jobs, 2.3 percent
- Wyoming: 3.5 percent, 2,200 jobs
- Kentucky: 2.5 percent, 2,200 jobs
- Tennessee -2,400 jobs, -1.6 percent
- Virginia: -1,400 jobs, -0.7 percent
- Kansas: -1,000 jobs, -1.5 percent
- Oregon: -1,000 jobs, -0.8 percent
Association officials said many contractors report that one of the biggest challenges they have in adding staff is that many candidates lack the qualifications needed to be employable.
“The good news is construction demand remains strong in many parts of the country,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, CEO. “But until we as a nation do a better job preparing future workers, employers in sectors like construction will continue to struggle to find enough qualified people to hire.”
Source: Associated General Contractors of America
