National – According to a new analysis of federal employment data recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America, only 16 states and D.C. have added construction jobs since just before the start of the pandemic in February 2020.
From February 2020 to last month, construction employment decreased in 33 states, stalled in Hawaii, and increased in only 16 states and D.C.. Texas shed the most construction jobs over the period (-46,400 jobs or -5.9%), followed by New York (-42,800 jobs, -10.5%) and California (-21,300 jobs, -2.3%). The largest percentage losses were in Wyoming (-14.0%, -3,200 jobs), New York, and Vermont (-9.8%, -1,500 jobs),
Utah added the most construction jobs since February 2020 (8,200 jobs, 7.2%), followed by North Carolina (7,700 jobs, 3.3%), Washington (4,900 jobs, 2.2%), and Idaho (4,900 jobs, 8.9 ). The largest percentage gains were in South Dakota (10.5%, 2,500 jobs), Idaho, and Utah.
From September to October construction employment decreased in 14 states, increased in 34 states and D.C., and was unchanged in Alabama and Virginia. South Carolina lost the most construction jobs over the month (-1,900 jobs, -1.7%), followed by Missouri (-1,500 jobs, -1.2%). The largest percentage decline was in New Hampshire (-2.2%, -600 jobs), followed by Vermont (-2.1%, -300 jobs).
Louisiana added the largest number and percentage of construction jobs between September and October (8,200 jobs, 7.1%). California was second in construction job gains (7,500 jobs, 0.8%), while West Virginia had the second-highest percentage increase (2.3%, 700 jobs).
