Employment levels among construction workers increased in 248 metro areas, was flat in 43 and dropped in 72 according to the latest analysis of employment figures by the Associated General Contractors of America.

"Demand in most parts of the country is robust and construction employment is growing in more than two-thirds of all metro areas," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. "However, the downturn in energy prices appears to be having a significant impact on construction demand in a number of formerly strong markets."