AGC: Construction Unemployment at New February Low

Total construction employment climbed to 7,646,800, the highest level since July 2007, with gains in both residential and nonresidential employment. The 3.0 percent growth in construction employment between February 2019 and February 2020 was nearly double the 1.6 percent increase in total nonfarm payroll employment. Average hourly earnings in construction – a measure of all wages and salaries – increased 3.0 percent over the year to $31.35. That figure was 9.9 percent higher than the private-sector average of $28.52.

Employment data was collected in mid-February before the novel coronavirus began to affect some industries. There have been no reports of construction sites being affected or of projects being deferred or canceled due to the virus, said Simonson. Association officials said it is hard to estimate whether the spreading coronavirus will have a significant impact on future demand for construction or the sector’s employment levels.

“The industry clearly benefitted from strong demand in February, but it is unclear whether and how the coronavirus might impact construction employment,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Passing new infrastructure measures will support needed fixes to our transportation network while adding a new level of stability in what are likely to be uncertain times.”