Contractors Added 17K Jobs in May, With More Hiring Expected Ahead
Data center construction continues to fuel hiring
The construction industry boosted hiring by 17,000 positions in May, with nonresidential contractors leading the way with an overall net gain of 15,700 positions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Construction industry hiring kept up the pace in May, with contractors adding an estimated 17,000 positions, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics' June 5 jobs report. That figure was just short of the 18,000 hires that BLS had reported the month prior.
Once again, nonresidential contractors led the way, adding an estimated 15,700 positions during the past month. The vast majority of that figure came from specialty contractors, who collectively filled an estimated 11,400 positions in May. Meanwhile, nonresidential building contractors added an estimated 1,700 workers, and heavy and civil engineering firms boosted employment by 2,600 positions.
In the residential sector, building contractors shed an estimated 1,700 positions, while residential specialty trade contractors added 2,600 workers during May.
Recognizing that contractors "remain broadly optimistic," Associated Builders and Contractors' Chief Economist Anarban Basu said in a press release, "The industry’s recent job growth, driven by insatiable demand for data centers and ongoing growth in publicly funded construction activity, appears set to continue over the coming months."
Noting the "surprising strength of the broader labor market," Basu further commented, "This is an indication of broader economic resilience, albeit one that is not necessarily encouraging for the construction industry," noting that interest rate hikes "are now more likely."
At the Associated General Contractors of America, Chief Economist Ken Simonson commented in a press release, “In contrast to the modest job gains in the broader economy, nonresidential construction firms keep adding workers and boosting pay.
“The sector has strong demand from data centers and related power and manufacturing projects, all of which require highly paid, skilled workers,” Simonson added.
AGC's press release also noted, "If Congress fails to pass a new highway and transit bill by the end of September, construction employment levels are likely to suffer."
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