Construction Employment Tops February Peaks in Just Eight States

Seasonally adjusted industry employment has remained lower than pre-pandemic levels in 42 states across the country.

By Vincent Salandro

Eight states and the District of Columbia have recouped pandemic-induced losses of construction jobs from the spring, according to an analysis of government employment data by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Seasonally adjusted construction employment in September remained lower than pre-pandemic levels in February in 42 states.

According to the AGC, new spikes in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and ongoing pandemic-related costs and revenue losses are causing delays and project cancellations. The single-family home building construction sector remains strong and resilient, however nonresidential construction and multifamily construction activity has stalled, according to AGC chief economist Ken Simonson.