Construction Jobs Increase for the September, Unemployment Rates Rise

A total of 5,000 construction jobs were added nationwide in September resulting in 5.523 million employed for the month, an improvement from the 5.518 million employed in August, according to data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Despite September’s employment gain, the month recorded an unemployment rate of 11.9 percent and was 5,000 lower than a year ago in September 2011. Construction employers have hired 2.2 million fewer people than it did six years ago.

"Despite the slight uptick in construction employment for the past month, the industry is a bit smaller than it was one year ago," says Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's CEO. "It appears that for every rebounding market segment, there is another one that is shrinking."

Both sectors of construction saw an increase in new hires during September. Residential building contractors added 1,100 jobs in September and have gained 3,200 for the year. The residential sector also increased by adding 2,300 jobs in September and 19,700 for the year.