Construction sector employment increased by 19,000 positions in February as all five nonresidential and residential segments of the industry added workers, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials warned that growing market uncertainty caused by tariffs and worsening labor shortages caused by evolving immigration policies could undermine future employment growth in the sector.
“Construction job growth hit a five-month high in February, following several months of lackluster gains,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “However, industry employment and wage growth have been slowing over much of the past year. Uncertainty, especially regarding tariffs and immigration policies, is causing new projects to be paused and may keep construction employment from rising further.”
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