Construction employment increases over previous year
Construction employment expanded in 195 metro areas, declined in 90, and was stagnant in 54 between January 2013 and January 2014, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted, however, that despite the gains construction employment remained below peak levels in all but 21 metro areas.
“It is a sign of the continued strengthening of the construction industry that nearly 60% of metros added construction jobs from a year earlier despite the severe winter conditions in much of the country this January,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Nevertheless, the industry’s recovery has a long way to go with only a smattering of metro areas exceeding their previous peak January level of employment.”