36,400 New Jobs in Specialty Construction in February

March 10, 2017

Contact:  Jack Jacobson
                jack.jacobson@constructionemployersofamerica.com    
                202-637- 6820 (w); 202-251- 7644 (c)

Washington, DC – The Bureau of Labor Statistics today released its February jobs report, marking another month of growth in construction employment. Of the 235,000 jobs created in February, 25% were in the construction industry. The specialty construction trades drove the increase in construction employment, accounting for over 62% of the job growth in the construction industry.

“The specialty construction sector continues to demonstrate the vital role it plays in America’s economic resurgence and is once again leading employment gains in the construction industry,” said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for the Construction Employers of America. “The skilled, blue collar jobs created in the specialty construction industry are exactly what’s needed to spur sustained economic growth across the country.”

Over the past twelve months, construction employment overall has grown by 3.3%, putting 219,000 construction employees to work. Construction employment nationally now accounts for 6.88 million jobs, 4.4 million of which are in specialty trade construction. Specialty trade contractors have added 165,600 jobs in the past twelve months (seasonally adjusted), a healthy growth rate given the low level of unemployment nationally.

CEA’s seven employer associations include FCA International, International Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Mechanical Contractors Association of America, National Electrical Contractors Association, Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors National Association, Signatory Wall and Ceiling Contractors Alliance, and The Association of Union Constructors. Our impact on the American economy is significant. We represent over 15,000 employers and 1.4 million employees nationwide. More information about CEA and our issues can be found online at www.constructionemployersofamerica.com.

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