Construction employment rises in 30 states

Construction employment increased in 30 states and the District of Columbia from May 2025 to May 2026, while 23 states and D.C. added construction jobs from April to May, according to an analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America.

The association said growth has been uneven, with gains in some sectors offset by weaker demand in others. It also warned that political opposition to data center development and uncertainty surrounding federal transportation funding could affect future construction activity.

“State construction employment has been closely balanced between gains and losses in recent months,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Strong data center demand and investments in infrastructure are at times being offset by waning demand for other types of projects.”

Over the past 12 months, Texas added the most construction jobs, gaining 18,700 positions, a 2.1% increase. North Carolina added 13,600 jobs, followed by Wisconsin with 9,000, Minnesota with 8,500 and Illinois with 8,100. Wisconsin posted the largest percentage increase at 6.2%, followed by Minnesota at 6.0%, Alabama at 5.7% and Nebraska at 5.6%.

California recorded the largest annual decline, losing 13,100 construction jobs, a 1.5% decrease. Georgia lost 4,300 jobs, New Jersey lost 3,800, Michigan lost 3,700 and Virginia lost 3,400. New Mexico posted the steepest percentage decline at 3.1%, followed by Alaska at 2.6%, New Hampshire at 2.5% and New Jersey at 2.3%.

From April to May, construction employment increased in 23 states and D.C., declined in 22 states and remained unchanged in five states.

Texas added the most jobs during the month, gaining 3,600 positions. Wisconsin added 2,900 jobs, Alabama added 2,800, Minnesota added 2,100 and Idaho added 2,000. Idaho posted the largest percentage increase at 2.6%, followed by Alabama at 2.5%, South Dakota at 2.3%, Kansas at 2.0% and Wisconsin at 1.9%.

Massachusetts experienced the largest monthly decline, losing 4,200 jobs, a 2.5% decrease. Virginia lost 2,300 jobs, Montana lost 1,900, while New Mexico and Pennsylvania each lost 1,700. Montana posted the largest percentage decline at 4.9%, followed by New Mexico at 3.1%, West Virginia at 2.9% and Massachusetts at 2.5%.

AGC officials said construction employment could face challenges if opposition to data centers continues to grow and Congress fails to advance a new highway and transit funding bill.

“Politics, instead of economics, poses the bigger threat to future construction job growth at the moment,” said Jeffrey D. Shoaf, the association’s chief executive officer. “Improving technology and transportation infrastructure is the best way to keep the economy competitive and create new, high-paying construction career opportunities.”