R.I. among top 5 states for construction job growth in January

THE ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF AMERICA said Rhode Island ranked fourth highest in the nation in January for its year-over-year 8.9 percent construction job gain. / COURTESY ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF AMERICA
THE ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF AMERICA said Rhode Island ranked fourth highest in the nation in January for its year-over-year 8.9 percent construction job gain. / COURTESY ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF AMERICA

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island ranked fourth highest in the nation in January for its year-over-year 8.9 percent construction job gain, the Associated General Contractors of America said Monday.
The Ocean State saw construction employment grow to 19,500 jobs, compared with 17,900 jobs in January 2016, an increase of 1,600 jobs. Rhode Island was the highest-ranking New England state for construction job growth in January.
Oregon led the nation with an 11.5 percent gain in construction jobs, followed by Idaho at 11.3 percent, and Nevada, 10.2 percent. Florida had the fifth-highest percentage gain at 7.9 percent. Alaska was last on the list for a 10.1 percent decline in construction employment over the year. Connecticut ranked lowest among the New England states, coming in 46th for its 1.5 percent construction job decline over the year.
Thirty-nine states added construction jobs between January 2016 and January 2017, and 11 states and Washington, D.C., lost construction jobs during that same period.
Florida added the most construction jobs, 36,400 jobs, during the past year, while Mississippi lost the highest number of construction jobs, at 2,200 jobs.
“The growth in construction demand is outstripping the growth in the supply of qualified construction workers,” Stephen E. Sandherr, CEO for the association, said. “Federal officials have a great opportunity to attract and prepare even more people for high-paying careers in construction that will cut unemployment and boost the economy.”

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