US Construction Employment Increases in Most Metropolitan Areas, Skilled Worker Shortage Looms

According to the Association of General Contractors (AGC), construction employment increased in 306 out of 358 metropolitan areas in the US between January 2022 and January 2023, despite a decline in housebuilding.

The AGC attributed the growth to expected infrastructure, manufacturing, and renewable energy-related projects. However, the AGC warned that companies were facing difficulties finding skilled workers and called on the government to make it easier to hire foreign-born workers.

 The AGC also identified the top 10 metropolitan areas with the most construction jobs added and lost. Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas, added the most construction jobs, while Sacramento-Arden-Arcade, California, saw the largest decline in jobs. AGC officials cautioned that if contractors cannot find enough skilled workers, many of these projects could stall or be cancelled. AGC CEO Stephen E. Sandherr urged Congress to pass immigration reform and invest in construction-focused training and education programs to address the shortage of skilled workers.