Construction employment increased in 139 out of 337 metropolitan areas between December 2011 and December 2012, declined in 131 and was stagnant in 65, according to a new analysis of federal employment data recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that growing private-sector demand for new construction projects boosted employment in a slight plurality of metro areas.
“Private-sector demand for energy, health care, higher education and residential construction is having a positive impact in a growing number of metro areas,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Unfortunately, construction employment in almost as many metro areas appears to be suffering from declining public-sector demand and a private-sector market that is still well below peak levels.”