State-Level Construction Employment Data for March

A closer look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) March nonfarm payroll report, with analysis from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), shows that 30 states added construction jobs in March—including both residential and nonresidential sectors—compared to February. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia saw declines, while three states reported no change.

Nationally, the construction industry added a net 13,000 jobs in March. On a percentage basis, Kentucky posted the largest monthly gain at 3.6%, while Mississippi recorded the sharpest decline at 3.4%.

Year-over-year, construction employment across the US rose by 143,000 jobs, a 1.8% increase. Texas led all states with a gain of 28,700 jobs, while California saw the largest loss, shedding 23,400. New Mexico posted the strongest annual growth rate at 12.0%, while Washington recorded the steepest decline at 5.3%.