State-Level Construction Employment Data for December

A closer look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) December 2025 nonfarm payroll report, with analysis by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), shows that construction sector employment—including both residential and nonresidential—rose in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Meanwhile, 26 states reported job losses, and four states saw no change.

Overall, the construction industry shed a net 11,000 jobs in December. Arizona posted the largest gain, adding 3,900 construction jobs, while Minnesota recorded the largest loss, shedding 9,900. On a percentage basis, Montana led with a 3.0% increase, while Minnesota experienced the steepest decline at 6.6%.

Compared to a year ago, US construction employment rose by 14,000 jobs, a 0.2% increase. Texas saw the largest year-over-year gain, adding 15,700 jobs, while California posted the largest loss, down 19,800. Hawaii led all states in percentage growth, with construction employment rising 8.7%, while Nevada had the sharpest percentage decline at 9.3%.