• Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • A&D
  • INSTALLATION
  • MARKETS
  • AWARDS
  • EDUCATION
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MEDIA
  • EMAGAZINE
  • SIGN UP
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • NEWS
  • Breaking Flooring News
  • eNewsletters
  • PRODUCTS
  • Carpet & Area Rugs
  • Hardwood
  • Installation Products
  • Installation Tools & Equipment
  • Laminate
  • Resilient
  • Specialty
  • Tile & Stone
  • MARKETS
  • Commercial
  • Residential
  • AWARDS
  • Installation Awards
  • Top Flooring Products
  • EDUCATION
  • Continuing Education
  • Webinars
  • MEDIA
  • FLOOR Podcast
  • Videos
  • TISE 2025 Videos
  • Product Spotlights
  • eBooks
  • EMAGAZINE
  • eMagazine
  • Archive Issues
  • Contact
  • Advertise
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
    • Breaking Flooring News
    • eNewsletters
  • PRODUCTS
    • Carpet & Area Rugs
    • Hardwood
    • Installation Products
    • Installation Tools & Equipment
    • Laminate
    • Resilient
    • Specialty
    • Tile & Stone
  • A&D
  • INSTALLATION
  • MARKETS
    • Commercial
    • Residential
  • AWARDS
    • Installation Awards
    • Top Flooring Products
  • EDUCATION
    • Continuing Education
    • Webinars
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MEDIA
    • FLOOR Podcast
    • Videos
    • TISE 2025 Videos
    • Product Spotlights
    • eBooks
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
Breaking Flooring News

Construction Employment Ticks Up in 39 States, AGC Urges Government to Invest in Workforce Development

By FLOOR Trends & Installation Editors
AGC Construction Employment

Between May 2023 and May 2024, 39 states added construction jobs, and ten states and the District of Columbia shed jobs, and employment remained unchanged in New Mexico. Photo: Canva. 

June 27, 2024

Construction employment increased in 39 states in May from a year earlier, while 26 states added construction jobs between April and May, according to an analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Association officials noted that construction labor shortages remain acute even as demand for construction remains varied by project type.

“Although some project types are slowing, there is unrelenting competition for workers for data centers, manufacturing plants, power and infrastructure projects in much of the country,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “The industry’s 'war for talent' is driving up labor-related costs faster than in other industries.”

Between May 2023 and May 2024, 39 states added construction jobs, and ten states and the District of Columbia shed jobs, and employment remained unchanged in New Mexico. Texas added the most construction employees (35,000 jobs, 4.3 percent), followed by Florida (27,700 jobs, 4.4 percent), California (17,000 jobs, 1.9 percent), and Michigan (15,900 jobs, 8.4 percent). Alaska had the largest percentage increase over 12 months (20.4 percent, 3,400 jobs), followed by Hawaii (10.0 percent, 3,800 jobs), Michigan, Nevada (8.1 percent, 9,000 jobs), and Arkansas (7.3 percent, 4,600 jobs).

Maryland lost the most construction jobs during the past 12 months (-5,000 jobs, -3.1 percent), followed by Washington (-3,900 jobs, -1.7 percent), Pennsylvania (-3,000 jobs, -1.2 percent), and Colorado (-2,300 jobs, -1.2 percent). The largest percentage loss was in D.C. (-3.3 percent, -500 jobs), followed by Maryland, Washington, and Oregon (-1.5 percent, -1,700 jobs).

For the month, industry employment increased in 26 states, declined in 22 states and D.C., and was unchanged in Rhode Island and North Dakota. Ohio added the largest number and percentage of jobs over the month (7,000 jobs, 3.0 percent). Other states with large monthly increases include Florida (5,500 jobs, 0.8 percent), Texas (5,500 jobs, 0.6 percent), and New York (5,200 jobs, 5.2 percent). Other states with large percentage gains include Alaska (1.5 percent, 300 jobs), New York, Hawaii (500 jobs, 1.2 percent), and South Carolina (0.9 percent, 1,000 jobs).

Tennessee lost the most construction jobs from April to May (-1,700 jobs, -1.1 percent), followed by Wisconsin (-1,500 jobs, -1.1 percent) and Oklahoma (-1,100 jobs, -1.3 percent). Maine lost the highest percentage of jobs (-2.1 percent, -700 jobs), followed by Wyoming (-1.7 percent, -400 jobs), Oklahoma (-1.3 percent, -1,100 jobs), and South Dakota (-1.3 percent, -400 jobs).

Association officials noted that a recent report the association released showed the federal government significantly underinvests in workforce development programs needed to expose, and prepare, workers to careers in fields like construction. They urged Congress and the Biden administration to boost funding for construction education and training programs.

“It is hard to recruit people into high paying construction careers when four out of every five federal dollars are being used to urge students to go to college and earn a four-year degree,” Jeffrey D. Shoaf, the association’s chief executive officer, said. “If we want to build the economy of the future, we need to invest in the workforce of today.”

For more AGC news, click here. 

KEYWORDS: construction contractors

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • resilient flooring

    The 7 Types of Resilient Flooring

    The resilient flooring category is comprised of many...
    Resilient Flooring
    By: Resilient Floorcovering Institute
  • QuickDrain USA’s ShowerLine linear drain

    Tips for Curbless Shower Installation Using a Linear Drain

    Consider these four tips when planning for a curbless...
    Installation How-To
    By: Darryl Jones
  • 2024 New Flooring Product Guide

    2024 New Flooring Products Guide

    We explore this year's introductions in area rugs,...
    Floor Coverings
    By: FLOOR Trends & Installation Editors
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Manage My Account
  • eMagazine
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Subscription Customer Service

Takeaways from the 2024 AHSG Convention & Member Outlook for 2025

Takeaways from the 2024 AHSG Convention & Member Outlook for 2025

Shaw Flooring Network Retailers Report Post-Election Sales Surge

Shaw Flooring Network Retailers Report Post-Election Sales Surge

Retailers Share Top Takeaways from Shaw Flooring Network Convention

Retailers Share Top Takeaways from Shaw Flooring Network Convention

What Shaw Flooring Network Dealers are Banking on for 2025

What Shaw Flooring Network Dealers are Banking on for 2025

More Videos

Popular Stories

AHF Products CEO Brent Emore

AHF Products Names Brent Emore CEO

NFM Kansas City Anso Gallery

Nebraska Furniture Mart's Second Anso Gallery Brings Collaborative Retail Model to Kansas City

balancing resource planning and budget control

How to Choose an Outsource Estimating Service That Aligns with Your Flooring Business


Download the Free Moisture Meters Guide

Events

December 1, 2030

Webinar Sponsorship Information

For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Investing in your Business

What's Your Top Business Investment Priority for 2025?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

2025 BNI Interiors Square Foot Costbook

2025 BNI Interiors Square Foot Costbook

See More Products

FLOORtalk podcasts - Listen Now

Related Articles

  • AGCA-logo

    Construction Employment Rises in 35 States

    See More
  • AGC Construction Employment.jpg

    Construction Employment Below Pre-Pandemic Levels In 21 States and D.C.

    See More
  • AGCA-logo

    Construction Jobs Rise in 39 States

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • WoodFlooring_383x497.png

    Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing

  • floordecore.gif

    Black & Decker The Complete Guide To Floor Decor

  • 9781622700158_c-15_.png

    Flooring and Floor Covering License Examination (C-15) - QuickPass Study Tool Book with Online Interactive Software

See More Products
×

We’re rolling out the red carpet of flooring knowledge!

Stay in the know on the latest flooring retail trends.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
    • Breaking Flooring News
    • eNewsletters
  • PRODUCTS
    • Carpet & Area Rugs
    • Hardwood
    • Installation Products
    • Installation Tools & Equipment
    • Laminate
    • Resilient
    • Specialty
    • Tile & Stone
  • A&D
  • INSTALLATION
  • MARKETS
    • Commercial
    • Residential
  • AWARDS
    • Installation Awards
    • Top Flooring Products
  • EDUCATION
    • Continuing Education
    • Webinars
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MEDIA
    • FLOOR Podcast
    • Videos
    • TISE 2025 Videos
    • Product Spotlights
    • eBooks
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP