State-Level Analysis of US Construction Sector Employment in December

A closer look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) December total nonfarm payroll report, with a focus on state-by-state construction employment from 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 construction), 32 states reported month-over-month employment gains, while 16 states and the District of Columbia lost construction sector jobs. Alaska and Indiana both reported no change on a month-over-month basis.

Overall, the construction industry added a net 17,000 jobs month-over-month in December. New Jersey led the way with 3,800 new jobs, while Ohio lost 4,100. In percentage terms, South Dakota increased by 4.1% month-over-month, while the District of Columbia reported a 1.9% decline.

Year-over-year, US construction sector employment increased by 197,000, a 2.5% increase compared to the December 2022 level. Texas led the way, adding 32,800, while New York posted a loss of 15,600. In percentage terms, South Dakota had the highest annual growth rate of 20.8%, while New York recorded a 3.9% decline over the same time period.