Construction Sector Adds 25,000 Employees in January as Firms Raise Pay Faster Than Private Sector
Industry employment hits new record amid strong demand, but firms would have hired even more workers as construction officials call for measures to enable more people to work in the industry
Construction firms added 25,000 employees in January and raised wages for hourly workers more steeply than other sectors, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government data. Association officials said the industry was benefitting from relatively strong demand for construction projects, as firms struggle to fill available positions in the sector.
“Construction employment and pay gains outpaced the economy as a whole in the past year, showing that demand for projects remains strong,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “In fact, most contractors would like to hire even more workers and are raising pay in an effort to attract them.”