Twenty-two states added construction jobs in October as contractors continued to struggle to fill open positions, according to Associated General Contractors of America. Forty states and Washington, D.C., added construction jobs during the past year.
“The number of states with construction job gains has been tapering off in recent months,” said Ken Simonson, AGC’s chief economist. “But contractors still report strong demand for workers, suggesting that the slowdown in hiring is due to a lack of qualified workers, not a weakened demand for projects.”
Ohio added the most construction jobs September to October—6,000—and Kentucky had the largest percentage increase of construction jobs for the month—2.6%. During the past 12 months, California added the most construction jobs—21,000—and Kentucky had the largest percentage increase—14.9%
Tennessee lost the largest number of construction jobs (-2,900) for the month and Rhode Island had the largest percentage decline (-4.5%). During the past 12 months, Colorado lost the most construction jobs (-7,200) and North Dakota had the largest percentage decline (-8.5%).
