Construction employment trailed pre-pandemic levels in 15 states in July, according to analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
“Although demand for projects is strong, there are too many states where contractors can’t find enough workers,” says AGC chief economist Ken Simonson. “The high level of openings and low unemployment rate among experienced construction workers shows the industry needs more workers.”
New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Louisiana, and Maryland have experienced the largest number of lost construction jobs since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020. New York, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Louisiana lost the largest percentage of construction jobs since the pandemic.
Among the 33 states with July employment levels above February 2020 levels, Florida, Utah, and Tennessee have added the most industry jobs since the pandemic. Utah, South Dakota, and Idaho have experienced the largest percentage increase in industry jobs.
The AGC said there is “plenty of demand” for construction, but said the difficulty in sponsoring qualified foreign-born workers and insufficient training and education programs are contributing to the worker shortage.
“All levels of government must invest more in career and technical education and training to provide individuals with the skills needed to qualify for rewarding, well-paying careers in construction,” says Stephen Sandherr, CEO of the AGC.
