State-Level US Construction Employment Data for October

An in-depth look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) nonfarm payroll report, with a focus on construction employment and additional analysis provided by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), reveals that jobs in the sector—including both residential and nonresidential—increased in 33 states and the District of Columbia in October. Meanwhile, 13 states lost construction jobs, and four states reported no change.

Overall, the construction industry added a net 8,000 jobs in October compared to the previous month. Louisiana reported the highest increase, adding 3,400 construction jobs, while Florida lost 5,400.  In percentage terms, Louisiana reported the highest increase at 2.5%, and Iowa reported the largest decline at 2.1%.

Year-over-year, construction sector jobs in the US increased by 223,000—a 2.8% increase. Texas added 38,800 jobs, the largest gain of any state, while New York lost 9,200. In percentage terms, Alaska had the highest annual growth rate at 19.1%, and Oregon reported the largest decline at 4.3%.

NAHB notes that Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the damage they caused negatively impacted overall employment, including in construction.