36,000 construction industry jobs added in January

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 200,000 positions in January while the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1%, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today.

The construction sector added 36,000 jobs in January with 26,000 of those positions being created among specialty trade contractors. Employment in residential building construction continued to trend up over the month, with 5,000 new positions. Over the year, construction employment has increased by 226,000.

Manufacturing has added 186,000 jobs over the past 12 months and remained on an upward trend last month with 15,000 new positions. Durable goods industries added 18,000 jobs in January.

Employment in other industries, including retail and wholesale trade, were flat for the month.  

Average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 9 cents to $26.74, following an 11-cent gain in December. Over the year, average hourly earnings have risen by 75 cents, or 2.9%.