Just over half of U.S. metropolitan areas saw an increase in construction jobs between November 2024 and November 2025, according to new government data analyzed by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). The findings align with a recent AGC survey indicating that contractors are less optimistic about growth for most project types than they were a year ago.
“Construction hiring has slowed in many parts of the country as owners have put projects on hold,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “While a majority of contractors expect to add workers in 2026, there are likely to be fewer markets than a year ago with expanding opportunities.”
During this period, 188 metro areas—or 53 percent—added construction employees. Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, Texas led with an increase of 5,700 jobs (2 percent), followed by Washington, D.C.-Md. (5,600 jobs, 11 percent), Kansas City, Mo.-Kans. (5,200 jobs, 8 percent), and Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minn.-Wis. (5,000 jobs, 5 percent). Kankakee, Ill., and Owensboro, Ky., recorded the largest percentage gains at 12 percent each.
Conversely, construction employment declined in 122 metro areas and remained unchanged in 50 others. New York City experienced the largest job loss with a reduction of 8,600 positions (-6 percent), while Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif., lost 8,500 jobs (-7 percent). Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, Nev., saw both one of the largest absolute losses (-7,000 jobs) and the highest percentage decrease (-9 percent).
The AGC’s “2026 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook Survey,” conducted with Sage, found that 63 percent of contractors expect to expand their workforce in 2026—a drop from last year’s figure of 69 percent expecting expansion for 2025. Meanwhile, those anticipating headcount reductions rose from 10 to 15 percent.
The association is urging Congress to pass new highway and transit legislation this year and address ongoing workforce shortages by streamlining federal reviews and permitting processes.
“Federal officials have an opportunity to support construction demand while making needed enhancements to the overall economy,” said Jeffrey D. Shoaf, the association’s chief executive officer. “That is why we will be busy advocating for measures to boost demand and address chronic labor shortages.”
The Associated General Contractors of America Nevada Chapter supports its members through advocacy efforts focused on regulatory matters and workforce development initiatives within Nevada’s construction industry. The chapter also promotes ethical standards and safety practices among its members through awards programs such as the PINNACLE Awards for excellence in construction and Safety Awards for outstanding safety performance. As part of its role as a statewide trade association chartered in 1939, it provides services including training programs and networking events across Nevada’s contracting community.
For more information about AGC Nevada Chapter’s work supporting contractors—including advocacy efforts and professional development opportunities—visit their official website.
