Construction Adds 1,000 Jobs in November

Average weekly hours for all employees in construction increased from 38.7 in November 2018 to 39.1 in November 2019, even though construction employment rose by 2.0 percent over the year, noted Simonson. In contrast, weekly hours for the overall private sector remained flat at 34.4 hours, while total nonfarm employment increased by 1.5 percent. 

“One takeaway from these numbers is that contractors are adding workers faster than other sectors, but they are eager to hire even more people to keep pace with strong demand for projects,” Simonson commented. “To make up for the shortfall, many firms are asking workers to put in more hours.” The construction economist noted that it will be difficult for firms to continue asking existing staff to compensate for labor shortages in the long run. 

Average hourly earnings in construction—a measure of all wages and salaries—increased 2.7 percent over the year to $31.08. That figure was 10.2 percent higher than the private-sector average of $28.29, the association official noted. 

AGC encourages Congress and the Trump administration to pass the JOBs Act, boost funding for career and technical education and enact comprehensive immigration reform measures. The JOBS Act would make it easier for students in short-term credentialing programs that teach skills like construction to qualify for federal Pell Grants.