Upcoming Event
Free Newsletter
Photo courtesy of Robby Brown + Sundt Construction.
Photo courtesy of Robby Brown + Sundt Construction.
Construction jobs rise in fewer than half of US metros
ColoradoBiz Staff //July 29, 2026//
In Brief:
- Houston metro added 15,000 construction jobs
- Baton Rouge led with 22% job growth
- Riverside-San Bernardino saw largest job decline
- AGC urges federal highway and transit bill approval
Construction employment increased in 165 of 360 U.S. metropolitan areas from June 2025 to June 2026, according to an analysis of federal employment data by the Associated General Contractors of America.
Employment declined in 131 metro areas and remained unchanged in 64. The association cited uncertainty involving material prices, data center approvals, labor availability and federal transportation funding.
“Unless they are quickly resolved, those market uncertainties will likely lead to restrained hiring for the foreseeable future,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist.
The Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands area added the most construction jobs during the 12-month period, gaining 15,000 jobs, or 6%. It was followed by St. Louis with 12,600 jobs (16%) and Baton Rouge with 10,200 jobs (22%).
Baton Rouge recorded the largest percentage increase, followed by St. Louis and Mobile, Alabama, which added 2,000 jobs, or 14%.
The Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario area in California reported the largest decline, losing 5,300 jobs, or 5%. Portland, Oregon, lost 5,100 jobs, or 6%, while the Atlanta metro division lost 4,300 jobs, or 4%.
Lawton, Oklahoma, recorded the steepest percentage decline, losing 12% of its jobs, or 200 jobs.
The association called on federal officials to approve a highway and transit bill before the current law expires at the end of September. It also urged policymakers to address construction labor shortages, trade disputes and uncertainty surrounding data center development.
t
