The U.S. construction sector added 15,000 jobs in June as rising wages helped attract workers despite economic uncertainty, according to a new analysis of federal data released Monday by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).

Industry employment totaled 8.32 million on a seasonally adjusted basis, up 121,000 jobs—or 1.5 percent—over the past 12 months, outpacing the 1.1 percent growth rate of total nonfarm employment nationwide.

“Today’s construction employment numbers show firms are eager to find and hire workers even amid broader market uncertainty,” said Macrina Wilkins, senior research analyst with the association. “Hiring is holding up better than expected, especially with upward revisions to prior months’ data, as persistent labor shortages prompt firms to hire when they can.”

Find out more at Chicago Construction News