Construction Employment Rose in 42 States in May YOY

Washington, DC, June 19, 2023-Seasonally adjusted construction employment rose from May 2022 to May 2023 in 42 states and the District of Columbia, declined in seven states, and held steady in Vermont, according to Associated General Contractor’s analysis of data the Bureau of Labor Statistics posted. 

Texas added the most jobs (21,100, 2.7%), followed by New York (12,900, 3.3%), Ohio (8,400, 3.6%), and Oregon (8,000, 7.0%). Arkansas had the largest percentage gain (10.2%, 5,800 jobs), followed by Nebraska (7.8%, 4,400) and Oregon. Colorado lost the most jobs (-1,800, -1.0%), followed by Connecticut (-1,600, -2.6%). 

Connecticut had the largest percentage loss, followed by South Dakota (-1.6%, -400 jobs). 

For the month, construction employment increased in 24 states, declined in 22, and was flat in four states and D.C. California added the most jobs (6,500 jobs, 0.7%), followed by Virginia (2,600, 1.2%), Georgia (1,800, 0.8%), and Louisiana (1,700, 1.3%). The largest percentage gain was in Louisiana, followed by Virginia, and Arkansas (1.1%, 700 jobs). Indiana lost the most construction jobs in May (-2,500 jobs, -1.5%), followed by Illinois (-2,400, -1.0%) and North Carolina (-2,400 -0.9%). Rhode Island had the largest percentage loss for the month (-4.9%, -1,100 jobs), followed by South Dakota -2.7%, -700).