Construction Employment Up in 3/5 of U.S. Metro Areas, August 2015-2016

Words: Dan Kamys29 September 2016 — According to analysis of federal employment data by the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment increased in three-fifths of U.S. metro areas between August 2015 and August 2016. This was the smallest share in nearly three and a half years, as contractors in many areas report difficulty in finding qualified workers. Association officials said the new data underscores the need to make it easier for school officials to set up programs that teach skills like construction. Construction employment increased in 220 (61%) of 358 metro areas in the past year, held steady in 62 areas, and declined in 76 areas. The number of areas with gains was the smallest since April 2013. Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colo. added the most construction jobs during the past year (11,400 jobs, 12%), followed by Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, Calif.; Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Fla.; Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, Ga. and Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade, Calif. The largest percentage gains occurred in Boise City, Idaho (24%, 4,500 jobs) and Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford. The largest job losses year-over-year were in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas (-3,700 jobs, -2%), followed by Birmingham-Hoover, Ala. and Louisville-Jefferson County, Ky. The largest percentage declines for the past year were in Bloomington, Ill. (-16%, -500 jobs); Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, Ala.; Dothan, Ala.; and Lawton, Okla. Firms in many parts of the country are still having a hard time finding enough workers to hire. "Many firms would be hiring more people if only they could find qualified applicants to bring onboard," said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer, who urged the Senate to act quickly on a House-passed measure to reform and boost funding for career and technical education programs. "Making it easier for school officials to offer programs that prepare students for high-paying careers in construction will certainly help overcome chronic workforce shortages in the industry." For the complete analysis, visit www.agc.org.
Masonry in the Media: Fenway Park, Trim Castle, & More
February 2026

The settings of films influence the atmosphere of a scene and immerse the viewers in their movie-going experience. From Parisienne train stations to Boston baseball parks, these four masonry-made structures set the scene in the films they were featured in

Lily Burger
Masonry in the Media
Read More
2026 Masonry Hall Of Fame Nominations Are Open
February 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Masonry Hall of Fame, brought to you on behalf of the MCAA's Cornerstone Partners. Nominations will close on March 31, 2026.

Dan Kamys
News and Events
Read More
Outreach Outlook: Celebrating CTE Month and the Madness of Masonry
February 2026

As we settle into February, the masonry industry turns its focus to a celebration that lies at the very heart of our mission: National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. For the Outreach & Education Division, this isn't just a date on the calen

Robert Melgaard
Outreach Outlook
Read More
Stop Juggling: The Best Way to Master Your Masonry Job Sites
January 2026

You’re in the business of building structures that will stand for generations. Yet, too often, the process of managing the job site feels built on quicksand. Every construction project manager knows the feeling: the constant, fra

Erin Koets
Technical Talks
Read More