Construction Employment Increases in 190 of 358 Metros in November, Year Over Year

Words: Dan KamysConstruction employment increased in 190 out of 358 metro areas, was unchanged in 64 and declined in 104 between November 2014 and November 2015, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the number of metro areas experiencing construction job growth continues to grow as firms appear to be having an easier time finding workers to hire steady amid reports of worker shortages. "Construction employment is expanding in more parts of the country now that firms appear to be having more success finding workers to hire," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. "Firms may not be able to continue expanding their headcounts as rapidly unless public officials increase investments in career and technical education programs." New York City, N.Y. (9,200 jobs, 7 percent) added the most construction jobs during the past year. Other metro areas adding a large number of construction jobs include Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colo. (8,300 jobs, 9 percent); Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, Calif. (8,200 jobs, 10 percent) and Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz. (7,900 jobs, 8 percent). The largest percentage gains occurred in Weirton-Steubenville, W.Va.-Ohio (50 percent, 800 jobs); Boise, Idaho (19 percent, 3,300 jobs); Coeur d'Alene (18 percent, 700 jobs) and Huntsville, Ala. (18 percent, 1,400 jobs). The largest job losses from November 2014 to November 2015 were in Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas (-5,400 jobs, -7 percent); followed by Raleigh, N.C. (-1,800 jobs, -5 percent); Bergen-Hudson-Passaic, N.J. (-1,500 jobs, -5 percent); Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, Miss. (-1,400 jobs, -16 percent) and New Orleans-Metairie, La. (-1,400 jobs, -5 percent). The largest percentage decline for the past year was in Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula; followed by Bloomington, Ill. (-14 percent, -400 jobs); Kankakee, Ill. (-14 percent, -200 jobs); Fort Smith, Ark. (-13 percent, -900 jobs) and Walla Walla, Wash. (-13 percent, -100 jobs). Association officials said that while it is encouraging that more firms appear to be finding qualified workers to hire, many parts of the country still lack for career and technical training programs, especially at the secondary school level. They said if public officials would act on the measures outlined in the association'sWorkforce Development Plan then more students and young adults would have an opportunity to begin high-paying careers in construction. "It will only take a few modest investments in career and technical education to give thousands of young people a chance to earn a good living working in construction," said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. "Without more programs to expose students and young adults to basic construction skills, the industry will continue to struggle with worker shortages for years to come." View the employment data by rank and state. View employment map
Monadnock Building
August 2026

Chicago’s Monadnock Building doesn’t dominate the skyline the way it once did. Surrounded by steel-and-glass towers, the dark brick structure can seem almost understated. But for anyone in the masonry industry, it remains one of the most important buildin

Cass Stern
American Treasure
Brick Clay Brick
Read More
Britt Stokes, Acme Brick’s Director of Marketing, Retires.
August 2026

Fort Worth, Texas – After faithfully serving Acme Brick Company for 40 years, Britt has chosen to retire – although he will still be involved with Acme on various projects. Britt began his career with Acme as staff photographer and through dedicati

Industry News
Read More
Why SkillsUSA is the Keystone to MCAA’s Outreach
August 2026

When I stepped into the role of the MCAA’s first Director of Youth Outreach and Education, I knew we had a massive job ahead of us. I am a fourth-generation brick mason, and I have spent over two decades teaching the trade, from working with apprentices a

Robert Melgaard
Outreach Outlook
Read More
The First Paycheck
August 2026

Several years ago, Huntley Brothers hired a young apprentice. It was his first real job, and he had never had a paycheck before. Friday rolled around, and he got paid just like everyone else. Later that day, one of the guys told me something I have never

Kent Huntley
Chairman’s Message
Read More