PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island ranked No. 2 in the nation for highest seasonally adjusted, year-over-year percent growth in construction employment in October at 12 percent, according to the Associated General Contractors of America Friday.
Rhode Island added 2,200 construction jobs year over year to a total of 20,500. The Ocean State’s construction employment growth percentage was the highest in New England as well. Rhode Island construction employment decreased 200 jobs from September, a decline of 1 percent.
Nevada ranked No. 1 in the nation with 13.6 percent construction employment growth year over year in October, while Iowa ranked last with a 6.6 percent decline.
Other New England state construction employment data:
- New Hampshire ranked No. 2 in New England behind Rhode Island, and No. 4 in the nation for year-over-year construction employment growth percentage in October at 9.7 percent. New Hampshire construction employment increased 2,500 jobs year over year to 28,300.
- Massachusetts ranked No. 3 in New England and tied for No. 15 in the nation for highest percent change in construction employment year over year in October at 4.7 percent, adding 6,900 jobs year over year to a total of 152,300.
- Maine ranked No. 4 in New England and No. 24 in the nation with a 3.7 percent growth in construction employment in October year over year. Maine construction employment added 1,000 jobs year over year to a total of 28,200.
- Vermont ranked No. 5 in New England and No. 33 in the nation for highest percent change in construction employment in October year over year at 2 percent, an increase of 300 jobs year over year to 15,500.
- Connecticut ranked last in New England and tied for No. 40 in the nation with a 0.2 percent increase year over year in construction employment growth in October. Connecticut added 100 jobs year over year to a total of 58,700.
Chris Bergenheim is the PBN web editor.
