Twenty-seven states added construction jobs in October even as many companies are struggling to hire workers, according to www.agc.org.
New York added the most construction jobs from September to October—4,500—and North Dakota had the largest percentage increase of construction jobs for the month—2%.
Pennsylvania lost the largest number of construction jobs (-3,500) for the month, and Louisiana had the largest percentage decline (-2.7%).
Associated General Contractors of America officials said many more contractors would have added employees if qualified applicants were available.
“Although barely half of states added workers in October, government data on job openings and hires show contractors were eager to add employees,” said AGC Chief Economist Ken Simonson. “The shortfall in available workers is undermining job gains and causing delays and higher costs for many projects.”
