Construction Jobs Slip Slightly in September

There were some 7.61 million construction jobs in September, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, down 0.2% from August, but up 1% from September, 2006. The unemployment rate nationwide was essentially unchanged at 4.7%. Average hourly earnings during the month were $17.57, up 0.4% from the previous month and up 4.3% from September of last year.