Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Report: Columbia losing more construction jobs

Staff Report //June 27, 2018//

Report: Columbia losing more construction jobs

Staff Report //June 27, 2018//

Listen to this article

Construction jobs continue to fall in Columbia, according to the latest report from the Associated General Contractors of America.

The May 2018 report shows a 10% decrease in jobs compared to May 2017 in the Columbia metropolitan statistical area, equating to close to 100 jobs overall. Columbia finished 357 out of 358 metropolitan cities in percent change from 2017 to 2018.

Nationally, construction employment increased in 263 metropolitan cities from 2017 to 2018.

Charleston-North Charleston experienced 7% growth compared to May 2017, adding 1,400 jobs during the last year. Spartanburg also experienced 7% growth, adding 500 jobs. Greenville-Mauldin-Anderson experienced a 2% increase with 300 additional jobs.

“The growth of industry employment in so many locations is good news, but it also highlights the challenge contractors face in finding qualified workers,” Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist, said in a news release. “As more cities hit new highs in construction employment and new lows in unemployment, the risk is growing that some projects will be delayed for lack of workers.”