State-Level Analysis of Construction Sector Employment in September

A closer look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) September 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 which reported construction sector jobs data (both residential and non-residential construction), 27 states reported month-over-month employment gains in September, while 20 states lost construction sector jobs. New Hampshire reported no change on a month-over-month basis.

Oregon led the way with 3,200 new construction jobs, while Virginia reported losing 3,800 jobs. Overall, the construction industry added a net 11,000 jobs month-over-month in September. In percentage terms, Rhode Island increased by 2.8%, while Alaska reported a 3.5% decline.

Year-over-year, construction sector jobs increased by 217,000, a 2.8% increase compared to September 2022. Again, Texas led the way, adding 19,100 jobs, while Missouri posted a 6,500 loss. In percentage terms, Wyoming had the highest annual growth rate in the construction sector with 11.1%, while North Dakota recorded a 5.4% decline over the same period.