State-By-State Construction Sector Employment Analysis for June

A closer look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) June Nonfarm Payroll report with a focus on state-by-state construction sector employment, and additional analysis provided by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), reveals that in the 48 states that report construction sector job data (both residential and nonresidential construction), 33 states reported an increase in June compared to May, while 14 states reported construction sector job losses.

Overall, the construction industry added a net 23,000 jobs in June compared to May. Massachusetts reported no change on a month-over-month basis. Texas added 11,000 construction jobs, while Virginia shed 3,200 jobs. In percentage terms, South Dakota increased by 4.3%, while Iowa reported a 2.0% decline between May and June.

On a year-over-year basis, construction jobs in the US increased by 198,000, or 2.6%. Texas added 30,500 jobs, which was the largest gain of any state, while Missouri lost 1,800 construction jobs. In percentage terms, Arkansas had the highest annual growth rate in construction, up 11.8%. During the same period, Vermont reported a 1.9% decline.