It’s hardly a surprise that the COVID-19 pandemic heavily impacted the construction industry. Like many other industries worldwide , construction suffered significant losses in March of 2020, which led to widespread layoffs among construction workers.
However, the good news is that the construction industry is making a comeback, which means more jobs for more people. The Bureau of Labor Statistics released figures in October that showed gains in the industry’s residential and commercial sectors totaling more than 22,000 jobs.
While the overall numbers were still below the industry’s peak in February 2020, that gap continues to shrink as more projects progress. Residential construction is up 2.7% over February 2020, and while commercial jobs are still down about 6% from that date, the recent addition of 11,400 jobs is widely seen as a positive development.
More Encouraging Signs
Another point that some analysts are making suggests that the number of open positions combined with the rise in wages may be a positive sign for the industry. While continued job growth is always a good indicator of an industry’s health, many companies might be displaying a desire to keep their workers in the fold.
Many companies ask their current contractor employees to remain with them for longer periods, taking advantage of their familiarity with each employee and their skill set to better predict cost and working time, ultimately saving money while producing a superior product.
Average Wages are Increasing
In addition to more jobs, workers are also noticing a significant bump in their average wages. On the whole, salaries for construction workers have risen by 7.2% since September 2020, and when supervisor wages are removed from the equation, that percentage increases to 10.2%.
This growth is a positive development for construction workers. Beyond bringing home more money, it also indicates an increased demand for skilled labor, which bodes well for those with a contractor’s license. These workers are especially well-positioned to take advantage of the continued job growth.
Taking Advantage of the Opportunity
There are some lingering issues related to the pandemic, most notably the continued delays and disruptions in the supply chain, causing problems for almost all industries.
However, the number of opportunities for trained construction professionals continues to grow, and getting your contractor’s license is a key step to reaping the full benefit of these jobs.
At RocketCert, we have the study materials you need to pass your licensing test, no matter what state you’re in. You’ll get lifetime access to the course materials, as well as 24/7 technical support and instructor assistance to help make sure you’re ready for your exam.
With RocketCert’s No Pass No Pay guarantee, we’re confident that you’ll be satisfied with your results.
RocketCert also offers online continuing education courses for contractors looking to keep their licensing current. Whether you’re just starting or you’re looking to recertify, RocketCert is here to help. Contact our experts today so we can answer any questions you might have.