Construction employment increases amid milder winter weather

Construction employment increased in 141 out of 337 metropolitan areas between February 2010 and February 2011, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that the relatively positive figures were likely affected by significantly improved winter weather in February, combined with the benefits of ongoing stimulus and other temporary federal construction programs.

Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas, added more construction jobs (7,500 jobs, 8 percent) than any other metro area during the past year, while Battle Creek, Mich. added the highest percentage (27 percent, 300 jobs). Other areas adding a large number of jobs included Northern Virginia (5,400 jobs, 9 percent); Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, Mich. (3,300 jobs, 12 percent); Philadelphia (3,200 jobs, 6 percent); and Richmond, Va. (2,700 jobs, 9 percent). Construction employment was unchanged in 49 metro areas.

Atlanta-Sandy Spring-Marietta, Ga., had the largest job loss (-9,400 jobs, -10 percent) of the 147 metro areas that lost construction jobs during the past 12 months. Steubenville-Weirton, Ohio-W.Va., (-32 percent, -1,300 jobs) lost the highest percentage. Other areas experiencing large declines in construction employment included New York City (-9,000 jobs, -8 percent); Las Vegas-Paradise, Nev., (-5,500 jobs, -12 percent); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, Calif., (-5,100 jobs, -5 percent); and San Antonio-New Braunfels, Texas, (-4,100 jobs, -9 percent), according to an April 5 AGC of America report.

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