The unemployment rate for the construction industry edged down to 17 percent in August compared to 17.3 percent a month earlier, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

In contrast, the nonresidential building construction sector lost 200 jobs last month and has lost 31,900 jobs, or 7.4 percent, over the past year. Nonresidential building construction employment now stands at 682,400 jobs.

While nonresidential building construction employment was down in August, two other nonresidential-related construction sectors posted increases for the month. Heavy and civil engineering construction gained 10,600 jobs in August, the largest increase since March 2007.

During the past 12 months, the sector has lost 10,000 jobs or 1.2 percent of employment. Nonresidential specialty trade contractors gained 18,200 jobs in August, the largest monthly increase since October 2007. However, employment in that sector is still down 123,700 jobs, or 5.8 percent, since August 2009.

The residential building construction sector lost 2,600 jobs for the month and has lost 45,700, or 7.4 percent of available employment over the past 12 months.

The overall construction industry gained 19,000 jobs in August following three consecutive months of job declines. Year-over-year, the construction industry has lost 274,000 jobs or 4.7 percent of total employment.