State-Level Analysis of Construction Sector Employment for August

A closer look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) August total nonfarm payroll report, with a focus on state-by-state construction jobs and additional analysis provided by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), reveals that across the 48 states reporting construction sector jobs data (both residential and non-residential construction), 31 states reported month-over-month employment gains in August, while 14 states lost construction sector jobs. Montana, Oklahoma, and Utah each reported no change on a month-over-month basis.

California led the way with 4,700 new construction jobs, while Tennessee reported losing 2,400 jobs. Overall, the construction industry added a net 22,000 jobs month-over-month in August. In percentage terms, Wyoming increased by 3.5%, while Tennessee reported a 1.6% decline.

Year-over-year, construction sector jobs increased by 212,000—a 2.7% increase. Texas led the way, adding 21,100 construction sector jobs, while Missouri posted a 2,700-construction sector job loss. In percentage terms, Wyoming had the highest annual growth rate in the construction sector, 13.0%, while North Dakota recorded a 3.8% decline over the same time period.