Construction Employment Up in Metro Areas From April 2015 to 2016

According to analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment increased between April 2015 and April 2016 in two-thirds of the nation's metro areas. Meanwhile, spending on most types of structures increased for the year despite a drop in the latest month. Many parts of the country continue to benefit from strong demand for construction services, per the association.

Construction employment gains in the past year were seen in 235 out of 358 metro areas, losses in 67 areas, and no change in 56. Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, Calif. added the most construction jobs (14,900 jobs, 17 percent), followed by Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Fla. (8,800 jobs, 15 percent); New York City (7,800 jobs, 6 percent); and Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz. (7,200 jobs, 7 percent).

The largest job losses year-over-year were in Midland, Texas (-2,200 jobs, -8 percent), followed by Odessa, Texas (-1,900 jobs, -11 percent) and Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa (-1,800 jobs, -7 percent).

Construction spending was up 4.5 percent y-o-y, despite a drop of 1.8 percent from March to April. Private residential spending increased 8.0 percent over the year; private nonresidential spending climbed 3.4 percent; and public construction spending rose 1.2 percent.

For complete details and commentary, visit AGC of America's website, www.agc.org.