Economists at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) have determined from the 2013 American Community Survey that the average age of U. S. construction workers is 42, one year older than the overall work force average, according to what constructiondive tells MHProNews.

States with the highest median age of 45 are Connecticut, Maine and New Hampshire, while those with the youngest median age are Utah (36) and North Dakota (38), the latter likely due to the rigors of working in the oilfields.

The younger median ages tend to be laborers and helpers, while the older ages are in more supervisory and equipment operator positions.

Although statistics indicate 31,000 jobs were added in October and 46,000 in November, so many construction workers left during the recession for lack of work and moved to other fields that the industry will have to attract new workers. The Associated General Contractors of America has warned of this problem for sometime, and advocates for more technical school education. ##

(Photo credit: FlickreviewR–construction workers)

Article submitted by Matthew J. Silver to Daily Business News-MHProNews.