While the number of construction jobs increased in August, so did the industry's jobless rate compared to July and year-earlier levels.

While construction's jobless rate rose to 3.6% in June, economists noted that the industry had 396,000 job openings as of the end of May.

After a decline in March, the construction industry added 15,000 positions in April, with the jobless rate falling compared to March and year-earlier levels.

A loss of 13,900 jobs reported by specialty trade contractors outweighed job gains in residential and heavy and civil engineering categories.

All industry segments recorded increases for the month, led by residential specialty trade contractors

Industry's jobless rate is down from October, year-earlier levels.

Gains in buildings construction slightly exceed losses among specialty trade contractors.

But an industry economist sees signs of a continued construction jobs shortage.

Construction's unemployment rate of 4.6% was the lowest ever recorded for the month of April, according to AGC.

Industry employment tops pre-pandemic peak for the first time, BLS says.