A survey of Wisconsin contracting firms shows most of them expect to hire in 2016.

Every year, the industry group the Associated General Contractors of America asks its members to forecast hiring in the coming year. According to the latest numbers, 71 percent of companies in the U.S. expect to add more employees in 2016. Kenneth Simonson, the group's chief economist, said the hiring forecast for the 39 Wisconsin companies that participated in the survey is in line with that national average.

Simonson noted that the Wisconsin companies aren't expecting growth in certain segments of the market where other companies do foresee expansion. Those areas include higher education, apartment complexes, and water and sewer systems.

Sign up for daily news! Stay informed with WPR's email newsletter.

Simonson also said that Wisconsin contractors share one problem with most other states: finding qualified workers. That issue was shown to be the greatest concern among respondents both statewide and nationally.

Check out the national survey results here, and the state results here.