The U.S. construction industry continues to grow, but that growth is uneven, according to a new analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America.
Citing figures from the Labor Department, the AGC said 41 states added construction jobs between October 2016 and October of this year. California and Florida added the most positions — 44,400 and 35,600, respectively.
Figures would likely be better if more qualified workers were available, association officials added.
"Although construction employment has risen over the past year, many contractors report difficulty finding workers with the right skills," said AGC chief economist Ken Simonson. "Last month, construction employment increased in only half the states, a total that would probably have been higher if workers were available."