State-Level Analysis of Construction Sector Employment in October

A closer look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) October 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 that report construction sector jobs data (both residential and non-residential construction), 22 states saw month-over-month employment gains in October. Meanwhile, 24 states lost construction sector jobs. New Jersey and Vermont reported no change.

Overall, the construction industry added a net 23,000 jobs month-over-month in October. Ohio led the way with 6,000 new construction jobs, while Tennessee lost 2,900 jobs. In percentage terms, Kentucky increased by 2.6%, while Rhode Island reported a 4.5% decline.

Year-over-year, US construction jobs increased by 219,000, a 2.8% increase. California led the way, adding 21,000 positions, while Colorado posted a 7,200 loss. In percentage terms, Kentucky had the highest annual growth rate, increasing by 14.9%, while North Dakota recorded an 8.5% decline over the same period.