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 228 out of 358 Metro Areas

Words: Angelo MiscelliConstruction employment increased in 228 out of 358 metro areas, was unchanged in 48 and declined in 82 between June 2015 and June 2016, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials urged Congress to act on legislation to reform and increase federal funding for career and technical education to encourage more high school students to pursue high-paying careers in construction.

“Contractors are adding employees in most parts of the country, while construction job losses are primarily in areas that are most affected by the steep decline in oil and gas drilling,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, adding that construction employment hit new peak levels in 32 metro areas. “However, increases in construction employment are becoming less widespread as more contractors run into difficulty finding qualified workers.”

Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, Calif. added the most construction jobs during the past year (12,500 jobs, 14 percent). Other metro areas adding a large number of construction jobs include Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colo. (10,700 jobs, 11 percent); Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz. (9,900 jobs, 10 percent); and Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Fla. (9,500 jobs, 16 percent). The largest percentage gains occurred in Kokomo, Ind. (20 percent, 200 jobs); Boise City, Idaho (19 percent, 3,600 jobs); Brockton-Bridgewater-Eastern, Mass. (17 percent, 800 jobs) and Danville, Ill. (17 percent, 100 jobs).

The largest job losses from June 2015 to June 2016 were in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas (-3,300 jobs, -2 percent), followed by Midland, Texas (-1,400 jobs, -5 percent); Odessa, Texas (-1,300 jobs, -8 percent); and New Orleans-Metairie, La. (-1,200 jobs, -4 percent). The largest percentage declines for the past year were in Bloomington, Ill. (-19 percent, -600 jobs); Rocky Mount, N.C. (-13 percent, -300 jobs); Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, Ala. (-11 percent, -100 jobs) and Grants Pass, Ore. (-11 percent, -100 jobs).

Association officials said the latest employment figures underscore the need to reinvigorate high school-level training programs to encourage more students to pursue construction careers. They added that the House Education and Workforce Committee has passed legislation that includes many of the reforms, and some of the funding increases, the association has called for to rebuild the once vocational education system in this country. They urged members of the House and Senate to pass the measure as quickly as possible.

“It makes no sense that there are thousands of young people who can’t find a job while we have hundreds of members who can’t find enough workers,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Congress can help fix this mismatch by passing legislation that makes it easier for schools to prepare students with the skills they need to find high-paying jobs in careers like 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