More states, metros add construction jobs; material shortages, price hikes are uneven

Seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment increased in 38 states and the District of Columbia in April and decreased in 12 states, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on May 21. Compared to April 2009, employment rose in North Dakota (2 percent), Alaska and D.C. (1 percent each), but fell in 48 states. Construction employment rose for the month in 29 states, fell in 18 and was unchanged in three plus D.C. Construction employment rose from year-ago levels in North Dakota (8 percent, 1,300 jobs); Kansas (6 percent, 3,800 jobs); Alaska (0.6 percent, 100 jobs); and Arkansas (0.4 percent, 300 jobs). Year-over-year employment fell in 46 states plus D.C., with the largest percentage declines in Nevada, -28 percent; Colorado, -19 percent; Vermont, -17 percent; Washington, Idaho and Maine, -16 percent each. Among 337 metro areas, AGC calculated that construction employment rose compared to April 2009 in 17, held steady in 28, and decreased in 292. The four states and 17 metro areas with increases were the most in more than a year, according to a May 28 Data DIGest report.

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