Construction jobs rose in 34 states over the past year, AGC says
Over the 12 months ending in September 2026, construction payrolls grew in 34 states plus the District of Columbia, the Associated General Contractors of America said Oct. 20, but only 25 states added jobs from August to September. Louisiana led the year with 18,800 new jobs, up 13.9%.
AGC's analysis of federal data shows 14 states lost construction jobs over the 12 months, and Kentucky and Vermont held flat. After Louisiana, the largest gains were in North Carolina (15,900 jobs, 5.7%), Ohio (15,100, 5.8%), Texas (15,000, 1.7%) and Illinois (14,300, 6.0%). Wyoming (8.4%) and Nebraska (7.6%) also posted big percentage increases.
Georgia lost the most jobs, 4,900 or 2.1%, followed by California (4,800), Virginia (3,200), New Jersey (3,100) and Michigan (3,000). Alaska had the steepest percentage drop at 5.3%, ahead of West Virginia at 4.0%.
The month-to-month numbers were weaker. From August to September, 21 states shed jobs, while Connecticut, Delaware, Kansas, Maine and D.C. were unchanged. Oregon added the most, 2,000 jobs. Wisconsin lost 3,300, Ohio 3,100 and Texas 2,400. Chief economist Ken Simonson said data center work still drives strong demand in some states, while demand elsewhere is softer.
AGC pointed to material prices that keep rising amid tariff announcements and Middle East conflicts, along with political uncertainty over the next surface transportation bill and moves to limit data center building. CEO Jeffrey Shoaf called on officials to pass new highway and transit legislation and resolve the trade disputes behind many of the tariffs.
Why it matters: Most states still employ more construction workers than a year ago, so crews stay hard to hire even where new work is slowing. Check your state's monthly and yearly rankings on AGC's site before you price labor-heavy bids for 2027.
Sources
- Construction Employment Increases in September From a Year Ago in 34 States; But Only 25 States Add Jobs From August to September Amid Price and Funding QuestionsAssociated General Contractors of America, Oct 20
- Construction Employment Increases in September from a Year Ago in 34 States Amid Price and Funding QuestionsConstructConnect News, Oct 27