April Construction Employment Rose in 42 States YOY

Washington, DC, May 23, 2023-Seasonally adjusted construction employment rose from April 2022 to April 2023 in 42 states and the District of Columbia, declined in seven states, and held steady in Hawaii, according to Associated General Contractors’ analysis of data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Texas added the most (28,000 jobs, 3.6%), followed by New York (13,400, 3.5%), Indiana (11,200, 7.3%), and Florida (8,600, 1.4%). Arkansas had the largest percentage increase (9.8%, 5,500 jobs), followed by Rhode Island (7.6%, 1,600), Indiana, and Nebraska (6.8%, 3,900). California lost the most jobs (-5,100 jobs, -0.6%), followed by Connecticut (-1,900 jobs, -3.1%), and West Virginia (-1,200 jobs, -3.7%). West Virginia had the largest percentage loss, followed by Connecticut and Alaska (-2.5%, -400 jobs). 

For the month, construction employment increased in 24 states and D.C. and declined in 26 states. Washington added the most jobs over the month (4,300 jobs, 1.8%), followed by Illinois (2,700, 1.2%), Wisconsin (2,600, 2.0%), and California (2,100, 0.2%). The largest percentage gain occurred in South Dakota (2.7%, 700 jobs), followed by Wisconsin, Washington, and Arkansas (1.8%, 1,100 jobs).  Texas lost the most construction jobs in April (-8,500 jobs, -1.1%), followed by New York (-4,000, -1.0%). Alaska had the largest percentage loss for the month (-4.2%, -700 jobs), followed by Rhode Island (-3.4%, -800).