State-Level Construction Employment Data for December

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ December nonfarm payroll report, with additional analysis provided by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), shows that construction sector employment (both residential and nonresidential) increased in 26 states compared to November. Conversely, 20 states reported job losses in the sector, while the four remaining states and the District of Columbia reported no change.

Overall, the construction industry added a net 8,000 jobs in December. Washington saw the largest monthly increase, adding 4,000 jobs, while New York had the biggest loss, shedding 4,400. In percentage terms, South Dakota posted the highest gain at 1.9%, while Mississippi recorded the steepest decline at 2.2%.

Year-over-year, US construction employment grew by 196,000 jobs, a 2.4% increase. Texas led with a gain of 31,500 positions, while California saw the largest loss, down 12,400. Alaska had the highest annual growth rate at 18.9%, while West Virginia recorded the sharpest decline at 3.4%.