Employment numbers through the first half of 2015 show that, in areas where the hiring outlook has improved, the construction industry is a key cornerstone. Similarly, regions with higher overall unemployment rates are lagging in construction hiring.
For example, Washington State posted its best employment in seven years in June 2015. The Seattle Times reports statewide unemployment of 5.3%.
"The construction sector played a key role in that, adding 17,700 jobs statewide between June 2014 and June 2015, second only to the professional and business-services sector, which added 20,800," the report says.
Conversely, NJ.com reports losses in construction in New Jersey, and statewide unemployment that remains above 6%.
For construction workers seeking employment opportunities, and who are willing to relocate, keep tabs on the regions with rising employment. Those sectors are fueling more construction jobs -- and construction jobs are fueling the growth in hiring across other fields.