Construction employment increased in 170 out of 339 metropolitan areas between April 2012 and April 2013 as demand for construction continues to grow in many parts of the country, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.
A majority of metro areas are adding construction jobs as private sector demand accelerates in many parts of the country, the association said in a report released Wednesday.
Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist, said private sector investments in new residential, energy and "supply chain facilities" like factories, rail lines and warehouses are driving the gains in construction employment.
"These private sector gains appear strong enough in many parts of the country to outpace declining public sector investments in infrastructure and buildings," Simonson said in a statement.
Construction jobs declined in 123 metro areas and was stagnant in 46 others, the association said.
The Syracuse metropolitan area gained 400 construction jobs, going from 11,500 to 11,900. The 3 percent gain ranked the area 128 out of the 339 metro areas.