By Mike Sunnucks | Rose Law Group Reporter
Phoenix has added the second most construction jobs among U.S. metro areas over the past 12 months, according to the latest numbers from the Associated General Contractors.
Metro Phoenix added 11,000 construction jobs between August 2018 and August 2019, according to the industry group.
Only Dallas (12,400 new jobs) added more construction positions during the same time frame.
Phoenix added more construction jobs in the 12-month period than the likes of Los Angeles (9,600) and Atlanta (6,100). Those markets also ranked among the top construction job gainers along with St. Louis, Orlando, Long Island, San Diego and Sacramento.
Metro Phoenix had 126,000 construction workers in August 2018. It had 137,000 jobs in the industry in August 2019.
The Valley has seen continued apartment construction as well as a strong regional housing market especially in the West Valley. There is also new commercial construction happening in submarkets such as Mesa, downtown Phoenix, Tempe and on the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community.
Charlotte saw the biggest year-over-year decline in construction job losing 2,900 workers, according to AGC. Baton Rouge has the second most losses (2,600).
AGC CEO Stephen Sandherr said there is a still a national shortage of construction and trades workers. Home builders and contractors in metro Phoenix also face worker shortages including for lot improvements and landscapers, according to industry officials.
