By Kristena Hansen | Phoenix Business Journal
Construction jobs throughout Arizona jumped 7.3 percent last month from a year ago — the fourth biggest gain in the nation and way ahead of the national upward trend, according the latest report from the Associated General Contractors of America.
That percentage increase accounted for 8,300 new construction jobs statewide — the fifth highest in the nation in terms of actual numbers — bringing the Grand Canyon State’s construction workforce to 121,700 in February, according to the report, which analyzes data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Alaska ranked No. 1 for year-over-year employment gains at 13.3 percent, followed by Hawaii’s 8 percent and Texas’s 7.5 percent.
Arizona was among 29 states that saw their local construction industries grow between February 2012 and February 2013. Only one state, Delaware, posted no improvement while the remaining 20 states saw employment declines.
Month-to-month employment gains were even more encouraging for the industry.
The AGCA noted that 35 states posted increases in construction jobs from January to February, adding 48,000 nationwide — the largest one-month gain in almost six years.
Arizona ranked in the No. 14 spot for monthly gains with its 1.6 percent increase, or 1,900 jobs.
