As we enter the new year, a big question comes into play, what is the status of American construction jobs? We all know that 2020 was a rough year, especially with some construction projects put on hold or even completely canceled. Luckily, not every state saw a huge impact, but a handful did report negative numbers across the construction industry.
Construction Employment Numbers
New numbers reported by the Associated General Contractor of America Employment Data show that 35 states saw low employment levels in the first three quarters of 2020. These states include New York, Texas, Vermont, and North Dakota, who were all hit hard with the loss of construction jobs. However, these states also enforced strict lockdowns during the pandemic.
The good news? Utah and Arizona were among the few states who actually added construction jobs in the first three quarters of 2020.
The Last Quarter of 2020
Official numbers are not in yet for the final quarter of 2020, but some had high hopes that the construction industry would quickly bounce back. Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Texas did see an increase in construction jobs. But it doesn’t appear to be good news for every state. Nevada, California, and New Jersey all saw drops in construction jobs in the last quarter.
2021 Prediction
With a new year comes the hope that positive news will come. Most construction projects have resumed, but some are still fighting to stay afloat. Many think it is time for the government to step in to offer assistance. Some states are lucky and not seeing such an impact, but there are states across the country that will need help.
If you are involved in a construction project and unsure about the future, consider speaking with an Arizona construction lawyer. Their knowledge of the industry will put your mind at ease.