Author: agcnews
Construction firms added 22,000 jobs in August and the industry’s unemployment fell to an all-time low of 3.1% according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government data released today. Association officials cautioned, however, that results of its latest workforce survey finds contractors struggling to fill openings amid surging demand for data center construction and a crackdown on immigration. “The boom in data center construction, along with advanced manufacturing and power projects, is supporting a strong upturn in industry employment and wages despite weakness in homebuilding and other project types,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s…
Construction employment increased in fewer than half—173, or 48%, out of 360—of metro areas between July 2025 and July 2026, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials said that despite the widespread job losses, contractors that are building data centers and advanced manufacturing facilities are still struggling to find qualified workers to hire. “Demand for workers is currently very unbalanced,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Contractors that are building data centers, power projects and advanced manufacturing plants can’t find enough skilled workers, while firms in a majority…
Construction spending declined by 0.5% from June to July and by 3.8% compared to a year ago, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of a new government report released today. Association officials noted that demand for new data centers, power projects and highways is propping up much of the industry, but all three segments are at risk. “Only three categories are propping up construction spending: data centers, power and highway projects,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. Unfortunately, all of these segments face risks of cooling or shrinking due to worker shortages, political pushback,…
Apply by October 31, 2026! AGC of America is proud to announce the launch of the 2027 AGC Awards competitions! The Baldwin Group Build America Awards (including the Marvin M. Black Partnering Excellence category) and AGC in the Community competitions recognize the nation’s most impressive construction projects ranging across the building, highway and transportation, utility infrastructure, and federal and heavy divisions; those contractors excelling in their partnering and collaborative endeavors; and the charitable contractors and chapters giving back to their communities. The Culture of CARE Impact Awards celebrate construction companies that are transforming their culture to create environments where every individual feels safe,…
The producer price index for inputs to new nonresidential construction rose 7.1 percent from July 2025 to July 2026 as numerous input prices accelerated to multi-year highs, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials called for reduced and stable tariffs for construction inputs, along with prompt enactment of a highway and transit funding bill. See more.
Construction firms added 22,000 jobs in July and 82,000 over 12 months, as pay for craft workers climbed faster than for production workers overall, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government data released today. Association officials cautioned, however, that politics threaten to undermine two of the strongest performing construction sectors, public infrastructure and data center work. “The job gains in construction last month were the most since March, as firms continue to pay a premium to hire qualified workers.” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But any interruption in funding for highways…
Construction spending edged down 0.1 percent in June from the previous month and declined 3.2 percent compared to a year ago, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of a new government report released today. Association officials cautioned that weakness is spreading across much of the construction market and urged federal officials to avoid policies that would further increase costs or discourage private investment. “We’re beginning to see weakness spread across much of the construction market,” said Macrina Wilkins, the association’s director of market insights. “While data centers and a handful of other segments remain bright…
Construction employment increased in fewer than half—165 out of 360—of metro areas between June 2025 and June 2026, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted that construction is either stagnant or declining in more than half of the nation’s metro areas amid uncertainties about materials prices, data center approvals, labor availability and future transportation funding. “Resistance to new data centers, uncertainty about future federal transportation funding, the loss of workers involved in the Temporary Protected Status program and volatile materials prices are all making it hard for firms…
Construction employment increased in 33 states and the District of Columbia from June 2025 to June 2026, while 28 states and D.C. added jobs between May and June, according to an analysis of new federal data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned, however, that several policy developments, including uncertainty surrounding tariffs, highway funding, and data center development, could undermine future construction demand. “Construction employment gains were more widespread in June, with more states adding jobs than losing them over both the month and the year,” said Macrina Wilkins, the association’s director of market insights.…
The producer price index for inputs to new nonresidential construction climbed 7.1 percent from June 2025 to June 2026 despite dipping 0.5 percent last month, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. The 7.1 percent annual increase in construction input prices was roughly double the 3.5 percent increase in contractors’ bid prices for new nonresidential buildings, suggesting contractors continue to absorb much of the increase in materials costs. “Although fuel prices dropped in June, they remained far higher than a year earlier,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “In addition,…