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Construction employment rises in 33 states and D.C. led by Texas and Louisiana
ColoradoBiz Staff //July 21, 2026//
Photo courtesy of Robby Brown + Sundt Construction.
Photo courtesy of Robby Brown + Sundt Construction.
Construction employment rises in 33 states and D.C. led by Texas and Louisiana
ColoradoBiz Staff //July 21, 2026//
In Brief:
- Texas adds 24,800 construction jobs, largest increase
- Louisiana posts highest percentage gain at 7.7%
- California loses 15,400 construction jobs annually
- Construction jobs rise in 28 states from May to June
Construction employment increased in 33 states and the District of Columbia from June 2025 to June 2026, according to an Associated General Contractors of America analysis of federal employment data.
Fourteen states lost construction jobs during the 12-month period, while employment was unchanged in Delaware, Mississippi and North Dakota.
Texas recorded the largest increase, adding 24,800 jobs, or 2.7%. It was followed by North Carolina with 15,500 jobs, Ohio with 11,900, Illinois with 10,700 and Louisiana with 10,500.
Louisiana posted the largest percentage increase at 7.7%, followed by the District of Columbia at 6.6% and Minnesota at 6.3%.
California recorded the largest annual decline, losing 15,400 construction jobs, or 1.7%. New Hampshire had the largest percentage decrease at 2.5%.
From May to June, construction employment increased in 28 states and D.C., declined in 20 states and remained unchanged in South Carolina and West Virginia. Texas added the most jobs at 5,200, while New Mexico posted the largest percentage increase at 3.2%.
California had the largest monthly job loss, shedding 4,100 positions. Montana recorded the largest percentage decline at 1.6%.
“Construction employment gains were more widespread in June, with more states adding jobs than losing them over both the month and the year,” said Macrina Wilkins, the association’s director of market insights.
The association said uncertainty involving tariffs, highway funding, power availability and data center development could affect future construction demand.
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