More than two dozen states added construction jobs from July to August, though many firms continue to struggle with a shortage of talent.
During the two-month period, 24 states gained construction jobs, Construction Dive reported. Michigan had the highest gains, adding 2,600 positions, while Wyoming posted the highest percentage growth, with its construction workforce growing by 2.4 percent.
Over the year, 36 states have added jobs in construction, with California gaining the most of any state, at 29,300 positions.
Although these gains are encouraging, many construction firms report facing a shortage of talent, the source noted.
“Despite some slowing in public construction, apartments and manufacturing projects, contractors in many states say they would be hiring more employees if they could find enough qualified workers,” said AGC Chief Economist Ken Simonson in a press release.
The National Association of Homebuilders estimates that there are 200,000 unfilled construction jobs in the U.S., up 81 percent from two years ago, Reuters reported.
The shortage is putting a strain on the number of projects construction companies can take on. Since 2007, the average cost of building a single family home has jumped 13.7 percent, even though the total cost of building, marketing and selling a house has gone up only 2.9 percent during the same time frame, Reuters explained.
