Construction employment increased in 32 states and the District of Columbia between April 2025 and April 2026, with a similar number of states adding jobs from March to April, according to a May 22 release by the Associated General Contractors of America. The association said these gains are positive but warned that future construction employment could be affected if Congress does not pass a new highway and transit bill before the current legislation expires at the end of September.
The report matters because construction jobs are closely tied to infrastructure funding, which supports economic activity in many communities. Association officials said that delays in federal funding decisions could make it difficult for state and local leaders to plan necessary transportation projects.
Ken Simonson, chief economist for the association, said, “It’s encouraging to see construction employment increasing in many parts of the country.” He added, “But many states will struggle to maintain current employment levels later this year if Congress fails to renew federal legislation to fund highway and transit construction after the current law expires on September 30.”
From April 2025 through April 2026, Texas saw the largest increase with an addition of 18,700 jobs (2.1 percent), followed by North Carolina (13,600 jobs), Ohio (13,500 jobs), Louisiana (8,000 jobs), Illinois (7,300 jobs) and Missouri (7,300 jobs). Louisiana had the highest percentage gain at 5.8 percent over twelve months. In contrast, California lost the most construction positions (-14,500 jobs or -1.6 percent), while Alaska experienced the steepest percentage loss at -5.6 percent.
In monthly figures from March to April this year, Florida led job growth with an increase of 6,000 positions (0.9 percent). New Jersey recorded both significant losses over twelve months (-4,900 jobs) and from March to April (-1,500 jobs). Maine had the sharpest monthly decline by percentage (-1.9 percent).
Association officials explained that most funding for roadways and transit comes from federal surface transportation bills—a key source supporting both builders directly involved in transportation projects as well as broader economic activity across all sectors.
Jeffrey D. Shoaf, chief executive officer for the association said: “Improving our transportation system is the best way to boost economic activity and sustain these recent job gains.”
The Nevada Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America represents general and specialty contractors throughout Nevada; it advocates for industry interests through civic engagement and legislative action under its charter according to its official website.
