Construction jobs in demand: 5 good signs — including higher wages — for skilled workers

Development projects in the Dayton region added 1,100 more construction jobs in 2016 than were created the previous year, and industry expectations for this year are higher, according to a survey released in January by The Associated General Contractors of America (AGCA).

Other signs illustrate the rebound locally in construction jobs and wages:

Workers scarce: About two-thirds of construction firms nationwide reported trouble filling positions for skilled tradesmen. In Ohio, 78 percent of construction firms say they're having trouble filling some hourly craft positions, with carpenters and dry-wall installers noted as the hardest positions to fill, according to the survey.

Bigger projects, bigger money: Ohio firms taking part in the survey released this year expected higher-dollar volume for water and sewer projects, highway work, private office construction, as well as work on manufacturing sites, higher education and health care facilities.

Major projects, such as Dayton Children’s Hospital’s newly-opened eight-story patient tower, a Cincinnati Children’s Hospital addition in Liberty Twp. and a Love Truck Stop in Springfield have kept workers going across the region.

Booming downtown: A slew of new housing developments and a soon-to-open new main Dayton Metro Library contributed to an estimated $370 million in private and public sector investment in downtown Dayton, according to officials.

Manufacturing uptick: Another major project just getting off the ground is the $18 million U.S. headquarters for Hematite Inc. in Englewood. The Canadian auto parts manufacturer is building a 106,000-square-foot facility off Lau Parkway to serve Toyota, Ford, Fiat Chrysler and the company hopes Honda in the future.

Bonuses, increased pay: Construction activity is snapping up workers fast, according to the Greater Dayton Home Builders Association. To cope, contractors have offered bonuses, raised wages and offered other financial incentives to attract and retain skilled workers.

In Ohio, 53 percent of construction firms said they increased pay, benefits or both for hourly craft or salaried personnel in the last year because of difficulty in filling positions, according to the AGCA survey.

Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data showed carpenters and electricians earning more than $40,000 and $50,000 a year, respectively.