Association survey finds that most contractors expect to increase headcount in 2025 amid optimism about expanding opportunities for nearly all project types, but they are worried about workforce and tariffs
Construction-sector employment increased by 8,000 positions in December as the industry’s headcount and wages in 2024 both rose faster than in the broader economy, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released on Jan. 10.
New industry outlook shows that firms are worried about the impacts of President-elect Trump’s trade and immigration policies, even as they increase investments in artificial intelligence and other technologies to boost productivity
Construction contractors are optimistic about certain private-sector segments and have high hopes for most types of public-sector work, according to survey results the Associated General Contractors of America and Sage released on Jan. 8.
The Architecture Billings Index from the American Institute of Architects rose above 50 in October for the first time in 20 months, indicating an increase in billings. “Billings finally stabilized this month, and firms are feeling more optimistic about revenue projections for 2025,” said Kermit Baker, chief economist at the AIA.
Hurricane Milton’s destructive winds caused significant structural damage across Florida, particularly in Tampa and St. Petersburg. A construction crane collapsed into the Tampa Bay Times building, leaving a gaping hole in its side, while winds also tore off Tropicana Field’s roof.
Average construction pay hits $35.92 an hour, topping the private sector total by 18 percent, but a low unemployment rate and high level of job openings show that contractors seek to hire even more workers
Construction sector employment rose by 25,000 jobs in September as both nonresidential and residential contractors added workers at a faster clip than other industries, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released Oct. 4.
The Federal Reserve’s 0.5-percentage-point rate cut was welcomed across the construction industry as a likely harbinger of further cuts to encourage more projects. It will take time for the easier interest-rate environment to manifest in lower loan rates, but developers are expected to respond heading into the new year, industry professionals agree.
Ninety-four percent of construction firms report having a hard time finding workers to hire, undermining efforts to build infrastructure and other projects as the industry calls for better federal workforce policies
The nation’s failure to invest in construction workforce education and training programs is having a real, measurable impact on the country’s ability to build infrastructure and other construction projects, according to the results of a workforce survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and Arcoro, the leading HR technology company supporting the construction industry.
Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, top list of job gains and Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas, has the largest loss as Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Binghamton, New York; and Orange-Rockland-Westchester, New York, have the worst percentage decline
Construction employment increased in 224 of 358 metro areas between December 2022 and December 2023, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data.
Simformotion has introduced Cat Simulators Collaborative Worksite Training, which lets as many as nine users simultaneously operate virtual excavators, dozers and trucks. The program aims to enhance teamwork and efficiency on job sites by letting operators practice without the risk of injury or equipment damage.