Construction industry employment increased in more markets than it decreased between April 2012 and April 2013, according to new figures from the Associated General Contractors of America.

“Demand for construction continues to grow in many parts of the country amid increasing private sector investments in new residential, energy and supply chain facilities like factories, rail lines and warehouses,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “These private sector gains appear strong enough in many parts of the country to outpace declining public sector investments in infrastructure and buildings.”

Employment levels rose in 170 of 339 metro areas, dropped in 123 and stayed roughly the same in 46, the association said, citing federal employment data.