The construction industry lost 7,000 jobs in August, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has grown by 58,000 jobs, an increase of 0.7%.

Construction input prices increased 0.2% in August compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data. Nonresidential construction input prices also increased 0.2% for the month.

Safety is at the forefront of everything we do, and ensuring our employees go back home to their families at the end of each day continues to be our top priority.  September is the time when we highlight our efforts to keep workers physically and mentally safe.

ABC MA members can receive discounted tickets to the upcoming Bring Back the Trades Skills Expo on October 25th at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough MA.  This all-day event features keynote speakers and interactive demos that will highlight for students the exciting opportunities offered by the construction trades.

National nonresidential construction spending decreased 0.2% in July, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.24 trillion.

The construction industry had 306,000 job openings on the last day of July, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. JOLTS defines a job opening as any unfilled position for which an employer is actively recruiting. Industry job openings increased by 64,000 last month and are up by 77,000 from the same time last year.

Construction input prices increased 0.4% in July compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data. Nonresidential construction input prices also increased 0.4% for the month.

Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to 8.8 months in July, according to an ABC member survey conducted July 24 to Aug. 4. The reading is up 0.4 months since July 2024.

There is still time to enjoy the fleeting summer but before we know it, back to school will soon be upon us. The start of a new school year always brings excitement, new opportunities and continued realization that the construction industry offers competitive family-sustaining wages without the need for long-term debt that is so often associated with a college degree. With that in mind, we are happy to report that in July, our Chapter awarded 10 “Building Our Future Scholarships” to worthy apprentices who attend the Gould Construction Institute (GCI).

The construction industry had 246,000 job openings on the last day of June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. JOLTS defines a job opening as any unfilled position for which an employer is actively recruiting. Industry job openings increased by 14,000 last month but are down by 39,000 from the same time last year.