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Articles by Ken Simonson
AGC's Data DIGest: November 2-6, 2026
Construction employment in October totaled 8,367,000, seasonally adjusted, 3,000 less than in September but up by 124,000 (1.5%) year-over-year (y/y), according to AGC’s analysis of data the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posted today. Nonresidential construction employment climbed by 23,300 for the month. The number of people actively looking for work who had recent construction experience totaled 363,000 last month, the lowest October figure since 2018.
Construction Employment Stalls as Pool of Unemployed Workers Dries Up, Raises Rise Sharply
| Employment Accelerates Among Nonresidential Contractors, While Homebuilders Shrink Headcount; Association Urges Policy Makers to Act Promptly to Expand Supply of Needed Workers, Keep Highway Funds Flowing By KEN SIMONSON WASHINGTON, D.C. – Construction stalled last month as the industry’s unemployment rate tied a record low for October, despite wage increases that outpaced other sectors, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government data.
AGC's Data DIGest: October 19-23, 2026
Seasonally adjusted construction employment rose from August to September in 25 states, fell in 21 states and was flat in Connecticut, Delaware, Kansas, Maine and the District of Columbia, according to AGC’s analysis of BLS data posted on Tuesday. Oregon added the most construction jobs (2,000 jobs, 1.8%), followed by Colorado (1,900, 1.0%), Washington (1,500, 0.7%), Illinois (1,300, 0.5%) and South Carolina (1,300, 1.0%).
Employment Rises in 25 States in September, Construction Starts Slip Slightly
| By KEN SIMONSON WASHINGTON, D.C. – Seasonally adjusted construction employment rose from August to September in 25 states, fell in 21 states and was flat in Connecticut, Delaware, Kansas, Maine and the District of Columbia. This information comes from AGC’s analysis of BLS data. Oregon added the most construction jobs (2,000 jobs, 1.8 percent), followed by Colorado (1,900, 1.0 percent), Washington (1,500, 0.7 percent), Illinois (1,300, 0.5 percent) and South Carolina (1,300, 1.0 percent).
Construction Input Costs Rise 11.9%, Price Spikes on Fuel, Metals, Deliveries
| By KEN SIMONSON WASHINGTON, D.C. – The producer price index for inputs to new nonresidential construction jumped 11.9 percent from September 2025 to September 2026, the most in four years. This information is according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. Association officials say construction firms appear to be absorbing most of the cost increases amid relatively soft demand for construction projects, with the exception of data centers.
AGC's Data DIGest: Oct. 12-16, 2026
Input prices for new nonresidential construction jumped 11.9% year-over-year (y/y) from September 2025 to September 2026, the most in four years, according to producer price index (PPI) data the Bureau of Labor Statistics posted on Thursday. The PPI for new nonresidential building construction, a measure of what contractors report they would charge to construct five types of buildings, rose 5.4% y/y.
AGC's Data DIGest: October 2-9, 2026
Contractors are reporting allocations, lengthening lead times and price increases for structural steel. Two readers reported their “firm orders” had been reduced, in one case by more than 75%, with no firm rolling date and other mills unwilling to accept new customers. One reader reported being told that any project requiring more than 300 tons of fabricated product has lead times of 6-8 months, with one letter stating 46-52 weeks for delivery.
AGC's Data DIGest: Sept. 28-Oct. 2, 2026
Construction employment in September totaled 8,364,000, seasonally adjusted, up by 11,000 from August and by 109,000 (1.3%) year-over-year (y/y), according to AGC’s analysis of data the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posted today. Nonresidential construction employment climbed by 16,100 for the month and 142,000 (2.9%) y/y. Residential construction employment declined by 4,900 in September and by 32,800 (-1.0%) y/y.
Only Half of Metro Areas Add Construction Jobs Over Past 12 Months
By KEN SIMONSON WASHINGTON, D.C. – Construction employment increased in just under half – 177, or 49 percent, out of 360 – of metro areas between August 2025 and August 2026, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted that only a few types of construction projects, including data centers, are driving much of the industry’s job growth, helping propel gains in areas where those projects are being built.
AGC's Data DIGest: September 21-25, 2026
The latest releases on construction starts from ConstructConnect and Dodge Construction Data again show divergent patterns. For the first eight months of 2026 combined compared to January-August 2025, the value of construction starts climbed 12% year-to-date (YTD), including a 9.1% increase (not seasonally adjusted) from July to August, ConstructConnect reported on Wednesday.
Constructconnect, Dodge Differ On Starts Trends, Worker Tenure Declines
| By KEN SIMONSON WASHINGTON, D.C. – The latest releases on construction starts from ConstructConnect and Dodge Construction Data again show divergent patterns. For the first eight months of 2026 combined compared to January-August 2025, the value of construction starts climbed 12 percent year-to-date, including a 9.1 percent increase (not seasonally adjusted) from July to August, according to ConstructConnect.
AGC's Data DIGest: Sept. 14-18, 2026
Seasonally adjusted construction employment rose from July to August in 31 states, fell in 16 states and the District of Columbia and was flat in Delaware, North Dakota and Vermont, according to AGC’s analysis of BLS data posted today. Ohio added the most construction jobs (4,600 jobs, 1.7%), followed by Wisconsin (2,800, 1.3%), Virginia (2,400, 1.1%), Missouri (2,200, 1.4%) and North Carolina (2,100, 0.7%).
AGC's Data DIGest: August 17-28, 2026
Seasonally adjusted construction employment rose from June to July in 28 states, fell in 18 states and the District of Columbia and was flat in Oregon, North Dakota, Delaware and Nebraska, according to AGC’s analysis of BLS data posted on Aug. 21. Illinois added the most construction jobs (3,200, 1.3%), followed by Ohio (3,000, 1.1%), California (2,900, 0.3%), Florida (2,900, 0.4%) and Louisiana (2,300, 1.5%).
Tariffs, War Push Up Costs, AI Drives Warehouse Demand
| By KEN SIMONSON WASHINGTON, D.C. – Input prices for new nonresidential construction climbed 7.1 percent year-over-year from July 2025 to July 2026, despite being unchanged from June, according to producer price index data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Strong global demand and tight supplies resulting from the Middle East conflicts drove the PPI for diesel fuel up 44 percent y/y and liquid asphalt up 45 percent.
AGC's Data DIGest: August 10-14, 2026
Input prices for new nonresidential construction climbed 7.1% year-over-year (y/y) from July 2025 to July 2026, despite being unchanged from June, according to producer price index (PPI) data the Bureau of Labor Statistics posted on Thursday. AGC posted tables of construction-related PPIs. Prices used to calculate PPIs are collected on the 13th of each month.
AGC's Data DIGest: July 27-31, 2026
Construction employment, not seasonally adjusted, rose year-over-year (y/y) from June 2025 to June 2026 in 165 (46%) of the 360 metro areas (including divisions of larger metros) for which the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posts construction employment data, fell in 131 (36%), and was unchanged in 64, according to an analysis AGC released on Wednesday.
AGC's Data DIGest: July 20-24, 2026
Seasonally adjusted construction employment rose from May to June in 28 states and the District of Columbia, fell in 20 states and was flat in South Carolina and West Virginia, according to AGC’s analysis of BLS data posted on Tuesday. Texas added the most construction jobs (5,200, 0.6%), followed by Ohio (3,900, 1.5%), Massachusetts (3,700, 2.2%), North Carolina (2,900, 1.0%) and Louisiana (2,000, 1.4%).
Construction Employment Increases in 33 States, D.C. From June 2025 - June 2026
| By KEN SIMONSON WASHINGTON, D.C. – Construction employment increased in 33 states and the District of Columbia from June 2025 to June 2026, while 28 states and D.C. added jobs between May and June, according to an analysis of new federal data released by the Associated General Contractors of America.
AGC's Data DIGest: July 11-17, 2026
Input prices for new nonresidential construction declined 0.5% in June, pulled down by an 18% plunge in diesel fuel prices, according to producer price index (PPI) data the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posted on Wednesday. AGC posted tables and charts of construction-related PPIs. Prices used to calculate PPIs are collected on the 13th of each month. Despite the one-month decreases, the PPI for diesel fuel was 66% higher than in June 2025 and the inputs PPI was up 8.4%.
Construction Input Costs Remain Sharply Higher Than A Year Ago, Aluminum, Copper, Steel Prices Continue To Climb
| Construction Association Officials Warn Rising Input Costs Continue to Outpace Bid Prices While Trade Policy Uncertainty Complicates Project Planning By KEN SIMONSON WASHINGTON, D.C. – The producer price index for inputs to new nonresidential construction climbed 7.1 percent from June 2025 to June 2026 despite dipping 0.5 percent last month, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data.
Construction Employment Increases by 64,000 Over 12 Months
| By KEN SIMONSON WASHINGTON, D.C. – Construction firms added 11,000 jobs in June and 64,000 over 12 months, as pay for craft workers climbed faster than for production workers overall, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government data. Association officials cautioned, however, that future construction job gains are at risk unless Congress acts quickly to pass new highway and transit legislation before the current law expires on Sept. 30.
AGC's Data DIGest: July 1-10, 2026
Construction employment in June totaled 8,331,000, seasonally adjusted, up by 11,000 from May and by 64,000 (0.8%) year-over-year (y/y), according to AGC’s analysis of data the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posted on July 2. Nonresidential construction employment climbed by 19,000 for the month (up by 3,200 at building firms, 14,100 at specialty trade contractors, and 2,600 at heavy and civil engineering construction firms) and 98,600 (2.0%) y/y.
Only 42 Percent Of Metros Add Construction Jobs In May; Year-To-Date Starts Rise 6 Percent
| By KEN SIMONSON Construction employment, not seasonally adjusted, rose year-over-year (y/y) from May 2025 to May 2026 in 152 (42 percent) of the 360 metro areas – including divisions of larger metros for which the Bureau of Labor Statistics posts construction employment data – fell in 161 (45 percent) and was unchanged in 47, according to an analysis AGC released July 2.
AGC's Data DIGest: June 24-30, 2026
Construction employment, not seasonally adjusted, rose year-over-year (y/y) from May 2025 to May 2026 in 152 (42%) of the 360 metro areas (including divisions of larger metros) for which the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posts construction employment data, fell in 161 (45%), and was unchanged in 47, according to an analysis AGC released on Thursday.
AGC's Data DIGest: June 15-23, 2026
Seasonally adjusted construction employment rose from April to May in 23 states and the District of Columbia, fell in 22 states and was flat in five states, according to AGC’s analysis of BLS data posted today. Texas added the most construction jobs (3,600 jobs or 0.4%), followed by Wisconsin (2,900, 1.9%), Alabama (2,800, 2.5%), Minnesota (2,100, 1.4%) and Idaho (2,000, 2.6%).
Construction Workers Earning Well Above the National Median, Home Builders Association Says
| By KEN SIMONSON WASHINGTON, D.C. – The median wage of payroll workers in construction was $61,370 in 2025, with the top 25 percent earning at least $83,480, according to the National Association of Home Builders in a June 4 report. In comparison, the U.S. median annual wage was $50,980, while workers in the top quartile (the highest paid 25 percent) earned at least $80,520.
AGC's Data DIGest: June 8-12, 2026
Input prices for new nonresidential construction rose 1.8% in May and 8.4% year-over-year (y/y), the largest y/y increase since November 2022, according to producer price index (PPI) data the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posted on Thursday. The increase far outpaced the 3.5% y/y rise in the PPI for new nonresidential building construction, a measure of what contractors say they would charge.
Construction Employment Increases by 17,000 In May, Hourly Pay Rises By 5% for the Year
| By KEN SIMONSON WASHINGTON, D.C. – Construction firms added 17,000 jobs in May, as pay for craft workers climbed faster than for production workers overall, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that demand for new data centers and other nonresidential projects has enabled contractors to add workers and boost pay faster than employers overall.
AGC's Data DIGest: June 1-5, 2026
Construction employment in May totaled 8,337,000, seasonally adjusted, up by 17,000 from April and by 68,000 (0.6%) year-over-year (y/y), according to AGC’s analysis of data the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posted today. Nonresidential construction employment climbed by 15,700 for the month (up by 1,700 at building firms, 11,400 at specialty trade contractors and 2,600 at heavy and civil engineering construction firms) and 101,500 (2.1%) y/y.
AGC's Data DIGest: May 25-June 1, 2026
Construction spending (not adjusted for inflation) totaled $2.17 trillion in April, up 0.4% from a downwardly revised March total and up 0.9% year-over-year (y/y), the Census Bureau reported today. Private residential construction rose 0.8% for the month and 1.7% y/y, with single-family down 2.9% y/y, multifamily up 1.1% and residential improvements up 7.5%.
Construction Employment Climbs in 32 States in April
| By KEN SIMONSON Seasonally adjusted construction employment rose from March to April in 32 states, fell in 15 states and was flat in New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Dakota and the District of Columbia, according to AGC’s latest analysis of BLS data. Florida added the most construction jobs (6,000 jobs or 0.9 percent), followed by Texas (3,500, 0.4 percent), Massachusetts (3,100, 1.8 percent), North Carolina (2,700, 0.9 percent), and New Mexico (2,600, 4.9 percent).
AGC's Data DIGest: May 18-22, 2026
Seasonally adjusted construction employment rose from March to April in 32 states, fell in 15 states and was flat in New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Dakota and the District of Columbia, according to AGC’s analysis of BLS data posted today. Florida added the most construction jobs (6,000 jobs or 0.9%), followed by Texas (3,500, 0.4%), Massachusetts (3,100, 1.8%), North Carolina (2,700, 0.9%), and New Mexico (2,600, 4.9%).
AGC's Data DIGest: May 4-15, 2026
Construction employment in April totaled 8,321,000, seasonally adjusted, up by 9,000 from a downwardly revised March total and up by 50,000 (0.6%) year-over-year (y/y), according to AGC’s analysis of data the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posted on May 8. Nonresidential construction employment climbed by 19,000 for the month (up by 5,600 at building firms, 12,600 at specialty trade contractors, and 800 at heavy and civil engineering construction firms) and 98,600 (2.0%) y/y.
Construction Employment Rises by 9,000, Nonresidential Hiring Offsets Residential Declines
By KEN SIMONSON Construction employment rose by 9,000 jobs in April, as gains in nonresidential construction offset declines in residential activity, according to an analysis of new government data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the latest employment figures align with federal job openings data showing contractors continue to retain workers and hire selectively despite broader economic uncertainty.
Construction Jobs Increase in 52 Percent of Metro Areas, Housing Starts Rebound, Pay Cools
| By KEN SIMONSON WASHINGTON, D.C. – Construction employment, not seasonally adjusted, rose year-over-year from February 2025 to February 2026 in 187 (52 percent) of 360 U.S. metropolitan areas. Construction employment fell in 135 (38 percent) of U.S. metro areas and was unchanged in 38, according to an Associated General Contractors of America analysis. Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, Texas added the most construction jobs (11,200 jobs or 4 percent), followed by St. Louis, Mo.-Ill.
AGC's Data DIGest: April 27-May 1, 2026
Construction employment, not seasonally adjusted, rose year-over-year (y/y) from February 2025 to February 2026 in 187 (52%) of the 360 metro areas (including divisions of larger metros) for which the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posts construction employment data, fell in 135 (38%), and was unchanged in 38, according to an analysis AGC released on Wednesday.
AGC's Data DIGest: April 20-24, 2026
Seasonally adjusted construction employment rose from January to February in 22 states, fell in 27 states and the District of Columbia, and was flat in South Dakota, according to AGC’s analysis of BLS data posted on Wednesday. Florida added the most construction jobs (1,100 jobs or 0.2%), followed by 1,000-job gains in Colorado (0.2%), Nevada (0.9%), and Ohio (0.4%). The largest percentage gain occurred in Montana (1.3%, 500 jobs), followed by 0.9% gains in Nevada and Idaho (700 jobs).
AGC's Data DIGest: April 6-10, 2026
Input prices accelerate; 57% of metros added jobs in January; Beige Book finds mixed economy Ken Simonson | April 17, 2026 Input prices for new nonresidential construction rose 1.7% in March and 4.4% year over year (y/y), the largest one-month increase in four years, driven by a near-record jump in the price of diesel fuel and ongoing increases in metals prices, according to producer price index (PPI) data the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posted on Wednesday.
AGC's Data DIGest: April 6-10, 2026
The announced ceasefire in the Middle East war has had little effect so far on construction costs, supply chains, and investment decisions. While crude-oil futures initially dropped 17%, they have partially rebounded. The national average retail price of diesel fuel was $5.68 on Thursday, up $2.07 (57%) from a year ago, AAA reported today.
AGC's Data DIGest: March 30-April 3, 2026
Construction employment in March totaled 8,330,000, seasonally adjusted, a gain of 26,000 from February and 57,000 (0.7%) year-over-year (y/y), according to AGC’s analysis of data the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posted today. Residential construction employment rose by 14,300 in March (up by 3.100 at residential building firms and 11,200 at specialty contractors) but declined by 29,300 (-0.9%) y/y.
AGC's Data DIGest: March 23-27, 2026
The impact of the Middle East war on construction costs, supply chains, and investment decisions is growing. Some energy company executives “say price gyrations and the uncertainty hanging over the conflict make it all but impossible to plan investments—and that the disruption is already far-reaching,” the Wall Street Journal reported today.
AGC's Data DIGest: Mar 16-20, 2026
Input prices for new nonresidential construction rose 0.1% in February and 3.1% year over year (y/y), according to producer price index (PPI) data the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posted on Wednesday.
AGC's Data DIGest: March 9-13, 2026
The Middle East war is already affecting construction costs, with the impacts likely to increase sharply the longer the war continues. The national average price of on-highway diesel fuel as reported by AAA was $4.89 per gallon on Thursday, an increase of 56 cents (13%) from a week earlier and $1.27 (35%) year-over-year (y/y).
AGC's Data DIGest: March 2-6, 2026
Construction employment in February totaled 8,309,000, seasonally adjusted, a decrease of 11,000 from January but an increase of 42,000 (0.5%) year-over-year (y/y), according to AGC’s analysis of data the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posted today. The monthly gain in January was revised up from 33,000 to 48,000, the most since February 2022.
AGC's Data DIGest: Feb. 23-27, 2026
Input prices for new nonresidential construction rose 0.7% in January and 2.9% year over year (y/y), according to producer price index (PPI) data the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posted today. AGC posted tables and charts of construction-related PPIs. The y/y increase reflects sharp price gains for several key construction materials, including aluminum mill shapes (up 33.0%), steel mill products (up 20.7%), and copper and brass mill shapes (up 15.7%).
AGC's Data DIGest: February 16-20, 2026
The Supreme Court ruled today that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorize the President to impose broad tariffs. As a result, tariffs on goods from multiple countries imposed under that law are no longer in effect, although the Court did not establish a refund process for duties already paid. Tariffs on key construction inputs including steel, aluminum, copper and softwood lumber remain in place because they were imposed under separate trade laws.
AGC's Data DIGest: Feb. 9-13, 2026
Construction employment totaled 8,328,000, seasonally adjusted, in January, an increase of 33,000 from December and 44,000 (0.5%) year-over-year (y/y), according to AGC’s analysis of data the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posted on Wednesday. BLS made routine and one-time adjustments to data for 2025 and earlier years. The December total was revised down by 25,000 and the y/y change in 2025 reduced from 14,000 to -4,000 (-0.05%).
AGC's Data DIGest: Feb. 2-6, 2026
Construction employment, not seasonally adjusted, rose year-over-year (y/y) from December 2024 to December 2025 in 176 (49%) of the 360 metro areas (including divisions of larger metros) for which the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posts construction employment data, fell in 129 (36%), and was unchanged in 55, according to an analysis AGC released on Thursday.
AGC's Data DIGest: January 26-30, 2026
Input prices for new nonresidential construction dipped 0.3% in December but rose 3.3% year over year (y/y), according to producer price index (PPI) data the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posted on Friday. AGC posted tables and charts of construction-related PPIs. The y/y increase reflects sharp price gains for several key construction materials, including aluminum mill shapes (up 30.5%), steel mill products (up 17%), and copper and brass mill shapes (up 11.8%).
Worth Repeating | NAIOP | Commercial Real Estate Development Association
Sound bites from NAIOP’s CRE.Converge, held September 27-29 in Miami Beach, Florida: “ All the markets we’re in, we’re seeing increasing rent growth, and that’s helping us offset increasing construction costs, which I think has been a major issue in our industry.” — Jon Paul Pérez, president, Related Group “ In this day and age, a public space is only as good as its utilization.” — Mike Morris, principal, Cana Development “ All of these companies now have a lot of data but either they aren’t...
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