AGC: Construction headcount continues climb from lofty base

Sources: Associated General Contractors of America, Washington, D.C.; CP staff

Construction employment increased by 52,000 in January and 338,000, or 4.7 percent, over the past year, while the latest reading on project spending showed moderate increases in all major public and private categories, according to an AGC analysis of federal government data. 

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AGC confirms industry headcount at 10-year high

Sources: Associated General Contractors of America, Washington, D.C.; CP staff

Construction employment increased by 13,000 in June and 282,000 over the past year, bringing the total industry payroll to 7.22 million—its highest level since May 2008. “The construction industry continues to add workers faster than the economy as a whole, and is paying premium wages to attract and retain [them],” affirms AGC Chief Economist Ken Simonson. “Employment gains are occurring in both residential and nonresidential construction. However, the industry is having to rely more on workers without construction experience, as the pool of unemployed construction workers has nearly evaporated.”

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