ConDig (05-May-17). The US construction industry added 5,000 new jobs in April to reach its highest level in more than nine years amid strong activity levels across the sector, according to the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
Construction employment totaled 6.87 million in April, which was up 5,000 from the March total and an increase of 173,000, or 2.6%, from the same period last year.
The sector’s unemployment rate is now 6.3%, up slightly from 6% a year ago, as more former construction workers attempt to return to the industry.
Despite the positive numbers, the AGC said that a shortage of available qualified workers likely limited the number of new jobs added last month.
“Construction firms continued adding new jobs at a faster rate than the broader economy during the past year as demand for their services remains strong,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, AGC chief executive officer.
“But many firms would likely have added even more new workers if only they could find enough qualified people to bring on board.”
Residential construction—comprising residential building and specialty trade contractors—added 900 jobs in April and was up by 109,300 in April, or 4.2%, compared with a year ago.
Employment in the non-residential construction sector rose by 3,200 employees in April and 63,500 employees, or 1.5% from a year earlier. But employment among nonresidential specialty trade contractors dipped by 5,100 during the month.
The AGC noted that the average construction hourly earnings are up 2.1% compared to a year ago, with construction workers now earning an average of $28.55 per hour.
Officials at AGC reiterated calls for more government investment in career and technical education programs to help bridge the widening skills shortage gap facing the construction industry.
“It is time for our elected officials to start signaling to students that high-paying construction jobs should be on the menu of possible career choices,” said Sandherr. “The best way to send that signal is to provide the funding and flexibility to set up programs that expose more students to the opportunities that exist in construction careers.”