Thirty-six states and Washington, D.C., added new construction jobs in October, but construction employment is down in 75% of states since February, according to www.agc.org.
“An increasing number of nonresidential contractors are experiencing cancellations that are forcing them to lay off workers,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America. “Although single-family homebuilding and remodeling contractors are adding workers, most states are likely to have a net loss of construction workers soon, especially from high-paying, nonresidential jobs.”
California added the most construction jobs from September to October—26,300—and Alaska had the largest percentage increase of construction jobs for the month—10.1%. Maryland lost the largest number of construction jobs (-2,600) and the highest percentage of construction jobs (-1.4%) for the month.
Only 13 states and Washington, D.C., added construction jobs from February to October. Virginia added the most—7,100—and South Dakota had the largest percentage increase during that period—9.4%. New York lost the most construction jobs from February to October (-41,600 jobs), and Vermont had the largest percentage decline (-21.8%).
