First quarter is typified by seasonal losses due to weather. This first quarter’s losses, down 2785, were less than usual, due in part to the mild winter, the strength of the economy and SIC changes. Heavy Construction (16) reported the largest sector decline, down 1509 employees. Losses were less than normal due to a number of large projects being undertaken mainly outside the Denver Metro Area. General Building (15) employment fell by 1077. Losses of 476 in Residential Building and 535 in Nonresidential Building were fairly typical. Employment losses in Special Trade (17) were atypical dropping by only 198. Normal losses at this time of year are usually at least 2000. Seasonal losses in Painting down 450, Concrete Work down 559 and Misc Special Trade down 627 were offset by unusual gains in Masonry, Stonework, Tile Setting & Plastering. Masonry, Stonework, Tile Setting & Plastering is not as seasonal as other sectors and can show minor growth or loss, but many drywall projects this quarter pushed employment up by 863. ANNUAL
Annually, the Construction industry claimed the second largest employment gain up 15,878 employees and the largest over the year percent change at 11.9%. The apparent health of the economy continues to affect building activity in Colorado causing substantial employment gains. Increases in Special Trade (17) constituted more than three quarters of the industry’s growth having added 12,241 employees. Electric Work reported the largest subsector gain up 2596 employees. Other subsectors with increases of more than 2000 employees were Plumbing, Heating & Air-Conditioning up 2311, Misc Special Trade Contractors up 2095 and Masonry, Stonework, Tile Setting & Plastering up 2034. General Building (15) grew by 2606 employees. Residential building reflected the largest share of the gain with 1818 employees. Heavy Construction (16) reported an annual gain of 1031 employees. Its strength came from work dealing with laying power and communication lines
1999 SIC CHANGES Construction added approximately 516 employees and $5,278,505 in quarterly payroll as a result of reclassification.
Colorado Employment and Wages (ES202) First Quarter 2000
