State-Level Analysis of Construction Sector Employment for April

A closer look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) April nonfarm payroll report, with a focus on state-by-state construction employment and additional analysis provided by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), reveals that across the 48 states which reported construction sector jobs data (both residential and nonresidential), 28 states reported month-over-month employment gains, while 19 states and the District of Columbia lost construction sector jobs. The remaining three states—Mississippi, Rhode Island, and South Carolina—reported no change.

Overall, the construction industry added a net 9,000 jobs in April. Michigan led the way with 4,200 new construction jobs, while Ohio reported losing 7,600 jobs. In percentage terms, Michigan reported the highest increases at 2.1%, while Iowa reported the largest decline at 3.5%.

Year-over-year, US construction sector jobs increased by 258,000, or a 3.2% increase. Texas led the way, adding 30,500 jobs, while New York State posted a 7,100-loss. In percentage terms, Alaska had the highest annual growth rate, increasing by 18.0%, while over the Maryland reported the largest decline of 4.0%.