Commercial construction
Employment in the construction industry increased in most states over the last year and in a majority of states between April and May. According to a report from The Associated General Contractors of America, 40 states gained jobs over the year and 30 in the last month. Washington, D.C., also saw growth both throughout the year and in May.
Between April and May, Minnesota added the most jobs, with 3,800 people in the sector going back to work. While Wyoming gained only 900 construction positions, it experienced the highest percentage growth, at 4.1 percent.
Over the year, Nevada saw the biggest employment boost by percentage, adding 7,000 jobs, or 12.5 percent of its total. Minnesota also posted strong gains, with an addition of 9,700 positions, or 9.7 percent growth. California’s addition of 37,700 jobs, while only representing a 5.8 percent growth, was the largest number of new positions. Wyoming was not among the most active job creators for the year.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that some of the over-the-month gains were offset by losses in other states. Actual growth in the sector was only an increase of about 6,000 jobs. However, that was still enough to significantly shrink the unemployment rate, which fell from 9.4 percent to 8.6 percent.