Construction job gains uneven across US metros as funding deadline nears

A slight majority of U.S. metro areas added construction jobs over the past year, but industry officials warn growth could stall if federal transportation funding is not renewed.

Construction employment increased in 187 of 360 metro areas, or 52%, between February 2025 and February 2026, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America using federal data. Employment declined in 135 metro areas and was unchanged in 38.

“Although a majority of metro areas added construction jobs in the latest 12-month period, it will become increasingly difficult to sustain job gains unless policymakers in Washington renew the highway and transit spending bill by September 30,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist.

Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, Texas, added the most jobs, with 11,200 positions, a 4% increase. Other large gains occurred in St. Louis, Missouri-Illinois, and Austin-Round Rock, Texas, each adding 4,700 jobs. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, North Carolina-South Carolina, added 4,500 jobs, while the Fort Worth-Arlington-Grapevine, Texas, metro division added 3,500.

Eau Claire, Wisconsin, recorded the largest percentage increase at 17%, followed by Bloomington, Indiana, and Bloomington, Illinois, each at 16%.

Job losses were concentrated in several large metros. New York City lost 6,600 construction jobs, a 5% decline, while the Jersey City-White Plains, New York-New Jersey, metro division lost 5,200 jobs, or 8%. The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale division and Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, California, also posted declines.

The steepest percentage drop occurred in Lawton, Oklahoma, where employment fell 18%.

Industry officials said uncertainty around federal transportation funding could affect future hiring. The current highway and transit funding law is set to expire later this year.

“If federal funding lapses, many good-paying jobs will disappear. Getting those workers back will be a major challenge,” Simonson said.

The association is launching a national campaign to promote the benefits of transportation funding and urge Congress to pass a new bill. The effort includes digital and social media outreach and could cost up to $2 million.

“Delaying the transportation measure will only make it harder for many regions to add high-paying construction jobs,” said Jeffrey D. Shoaf, the group’s chief executive officer.