Construction employment rose in 227, or 63 percent, of 358 metro areas between September 2023 and September 2024, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted that more metros would have construction employment gains if public officials provided more opportunities for individuals to acquire needed skills.
“Every month, more than 60 percent of metro areas record year-over-year increases in construction employment,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But contractors consistently say they can’t find enough qualified workers despite paying wages that far exceed the private sector average.”
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