Construction Firms Add 25,000 Jobs in May as Sector’s Unemployment Falls To Second Lowest May Rate While Pay Levels Jump 6 Percent
The construction sector added 25,000 jobs in May while the sector’s unemployment rate fell to its second lowest rate for the month and pay levels in the industry continued to rise, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials said construction firms are boosting pay and taking other steps to recruit workers amid tight labor conditions.
“Demand for construction workers remains strong, outside of homebuilding,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Contractors continue to report their primary challenge is finding qualified workers, not finding projects or most materials.”
Construction employment in May totaled 7,928,000, seasonally adjusted, an addition of 25,000 or 0.3 percent from the month prior. The sector has added 192,000 jobs during the past 12 months, an increase of 2.5 percent. Nonresidential construction firms—nonresidential building and specialty trade contractors along with heavy and civil engineering construction firms—added 22,100 employees in May. Meanwhile, employment at residential building and specialty trade contractors only grew by 2,500 or 0.1 percent.