The construction industry added a net 11,000 jobs in June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Nonresidential construction accounted for most of the growth, adding 19,900 jobs. Nonresidential specialty trade contractors led the increase with 14,100 new positions, followed by nonresidential building construction with 3,200 jobs and heavy and civil engineering with 2,600.
On a year-over-year basis, construction employment increased by 64,000 jobs, or 0.8%.
The construction unemployment rate rose to 4.7% in June, while the overall U.S. unemployment rate declined to 4.2%. ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu said the higher unemployment rate and slower wage growth could indicate improving labor availability as contractors continue hiring.
