by Brianna Crandall — September 10, 2010—Construction employment declined in 276 out of 337 metropolitan areas between July 2009 and July 2010, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released August 31 by the Associated General Contractors of America. The employment figures demonstrate the widespread decline in demand for construction services that continues to outpace stimulus-funded work and is likely to persist well into 2011, say association officials.
According to AGC, the Chicago-Joliet-Naperville area lost more construction jobs (32,900 jobs, 23 percent) than any other metro area, reflecting a construction strike that has since ended. Flagstaff, Arizona (700 jobs, 32 percent) lost the highest percentage. Other areas experiencing large declines in construction employment included Las Vegas (14,800 jobs, 24 percent); Houston (14,700 jobs, 8 percent); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale (10,700 jobs, 9 percent); and Seattle-Bellevue-Everett (10,400 jobs, 14 percent).
The analysis showed that 31 metro areas added construction jobs over the past 12 months, while another 30 areas experienced no change in construction employment. Calvert-Charles-Prince George’s Counties in Maryland added more construction jobs (2,800, 8 percent) than any other metro area while Eau Claire, WI added the highest percentage (16 percent, 500 jobs). Other areas adding jobs included Kansas City, KS (1,700 jobs, 9 percent); Pittsburgh, PA (1,500 jobs, 3 percent); Columbus, OH (1,000 jobs, 3 percent); and Chattanooga, TN (700 jobs, 8 percent).
The AGC Web site offers construction employment figures by metro area or by rank, as well as updated state-by-state fact sheets about the current state of the construction market.
