State-Level Analysis of Construction Sector Employment for March

A closer look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) March total nonfarm payroll report, with a focus on state-by-state construction employment from analysis provided by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), reveals that across the 48 states that report construction sector jobs data (both residential and non-residential construction), 36 states and the District of Columbia saw month-over-month gains in March. Conversely, 13 states lost construction sector jobs. Rhode Island reported no change.

Overall, the construction industry added a net 39,000 jobs in March. New York led the way with 9,500 new jobs, while Oregon reported a loss of 2,300. In percentage terms, New York reported the highest increase at 2.5%, while Oregon reported the largest decline at 2.0%.

Year-over-year, construction sector jobs have increased by 270,000—a 3.4% increase. California led the way, adding 33,900 construction jobs, while New York State posted a loss of 9,700. In percentage terms, Alaska had the highest annual growth rate in the, increasing 16.2%, while Washington reported the largest decline of 3.6%.