FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
World of Concrete 2026 Registration Is Open ↗

Construction employment increases in 243 out of 358 metro areas

Words: Angelo MiscelliConstruction employment increased in 243 out of 358 metro areas, was unchanged in 43 and declined in 72 between January 2015 and January 2016, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that many of the metro areas experiencing drops in construction employment were in energy-producing metro areas.

“Demand in most parts of the country is robust and construction employment is growing in more than two-thirds of all metro areas,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “However, the downturn in energy prices appears to be having a significant impact on construction demand in a number of formerly strong markets.”

Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, Calif. added the most construction jobs during the past year (12,400 jobs, 15 percent). Other metro areas adding a large number of construction jobs include Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas (11,060 jobs, 6 percent); Orange-Rockland-Westchester, N.Y. (7,700 jobs, 22 percent) and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, Ga. (7,600 jobs, 7 percent). The largest percentage gains occurred in El Centro, Calif. (61 percent, 1,100 jobs); Weirton-Steubenville, W.Va.-Ohio (33 percent, 500 jobs); Monroe, Mich. (30 percent, 600 jobs); Haverhill-Newburyport-Amesbury Town, Mass.-N.H. (22 percent, 800 jobs) and Orange-Rockland-Westchester, N.Y.

The largest job losses from January 2015 to January 2016 were in Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas (-4,700 jobs, -6 percent); followed by Odessa, Texas (-3,800 jobs, -19 percent); Midland, Texas (-3,500 jobs, -12 percent) and Greeley, Colo. (-3,100 jobs, -16 percent). The largest percentage declines for the past year were in Odessa; Greeley; Victoria, Texas (-14 percent, -900 jobs) and Huntington-Ashland, W.V.-Ky.-Ohio (-14 percent, -1,100 jobs).

“The top markets are very diverse economically and geographically,” Simonson noted. “Even Houston added an impressive number of jobs despite the oil-drilling slump because of strong demand for office, medical, residential and infrastructure projects.”

Association officials said the new data is consistent with other economic figures, including recent spending data, and the association’s own Outlook, that show growing demand for construction services in most parts of the country. This means many construction firms will continue to have a hard time finding enough qualified workers, which is why the association continues to push for the measures outlined in its Workforce Development Plan.

“The construction industry continues to expand at a faster rate than other sectors of the economy,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “The question is whether firms will be able to continue hiring despite the challenge of finding experienced workers interested in pursuing careers in construction.”
 0
Construction Robotics Upgrades to Gold in the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program
December 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is delighted to share that Construction Robotics will upgrade their Silver partnership to a Gold partnership in the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program.

Industry News
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 34 Recap: Major Ogilvie, CEO at Ogilvie Strategies, LLC
December 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Major Ogilvie joins the set to talk about his days playing football in college, how his journey started, and how he's seen the masonry industry change over the years.

Justin Stengel
The MASONRY STRONG Podcast
Read More
Building the Future of the Trades: STABILA’s International Social Media Day and Verified Social Channels Are Inspiring the Next Generation
December 2025

In an era when social media often shapes public perception more than traditional media, even the most time-honored trades are finding new ways to connect, educate, and inspire. STABILA, a global name synonymous with precision measurement tools is trusted

Elsa Bueno
MAP Partner
Read More
Brickworks Supply Joins the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program as a Gold Partner
December 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is proud to share that Brickworks Supply will join the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program as a Gold Partner.

Industry News
Read More