Construction job growth rose sharply in March by 37,000 for the month and 301,000 for the year, while construction spending in February logged a solid year-over-year increase despite a dip compared with January, according to an analysis of US Department of Labor data released by the Associated General Contractors of America.

Association officials said the new jobs and spending indicate the industry is steadily expanding to meet growing demand.

“These two reports confirm that demand for construction is robust and well-balanced among residential, private nonresidential and public segments,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Compared with the same month a year ago, the industry is adding workers at more than double the rate of the overall economy, and construction spending continues to rise at a double-digit pace.”

Construction employment totaled 6.67 million in March, the most since December 2008, and is up 4.7% from a year ago. That rate of increase was more than double the 2.0 percent rise in total nonfarm payroll employment since March 2015. Residential construction — comprising residential building and specialty trade contractors — increased by 13,400 jobs in March and by 166,000, or 6.8%, compared to a year ago. Nonresidential construction — building, specialty trades, and heavy and civil engineering construction firms — added 23,900 jobs for the month and 134,800 jobs compared to March 2015, a 3.4% increase.

The number of unemployed jobseekers in March who last worked in construction totaled 768,000, the lowest March total since 2001. The unemployment rate for such workers was 8.7%, a 10-year low for March.

“Construction firms are finding a way to add staff to keep pace with growing demand for their services,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s CEO.  “But the pool of available experienced labor is small and getting smaller, which is why we will continue to push for measures to expand recruiting and training opportunities for future workers.”