Construction employment saw growth in 31 states and the District of Columbia from February of last year to February this year, with 27 states along with D.C. adding jobs between January and February, according to analysis from the Associated General Contractors of America. The analysis, based on federal employment data, indicates a decline in the number of states adding construction jobs compared to the previous year due to market uncertainties.
Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, stated, “Contractors in a majority of states added workers in February compared to the previous month and a year ago,” although he noted that the increases are becoming less widespread. Concerns are rising over potential effects of tariffs and the cancellation of work authorizations for certain foreign workers.
From February 2024 to February 2025, construction employment rose in 31 states and D.C., while 17 states saw reductions. Texas led with an addition of 21,700 jobs, equivalent to a 2.6 percent increase, followed by Florida, Ohio, Idaho, and North Carolina. New Mexico had the largest percentage rise at 12.2 percent, gaining 6,500 jobs, with Idaho, Mississippi, Wyoming, and Washington D.C. also showing notable growth.
Conversely, California recorded the largest drop in construction jobs, losing 14,900 positions, representing a 1.6 percent decrease. Washington, Arizona, New York, and Massachusetts also experienced significant declines. Montana saw the largest percentage reduction at 6.4 percent.
For month-to-month changes, Ohio topped the list by gaining 8,200 construction jobs, an increase of 3.3 percent, followed by Florida, Texas, Virginia, and Maryland. The most significant percentage increase occurred in West Virginia, with a 4.5 percent rise. Washington reported the steepest decline, with a loss of 9,600 jobs, or 4.3 percent, whereas Montana experienced the second most severe percentage loss.
The association emphasized its commitment to keeping its members informed about changes in tariff and immigration policies, encouraging the administration to enhance investment in domestic construction education and training and permit lawful entry for foreign workers.
Jeffrey Shoaf, the association’s chief executive officer, remarked, “The administration has done a good job securing the border, and now we are eager to work with them to secure the future workforce.” He added, “We want to work together with the administration to expand opportunities to recruit more people into high-paying construction careers.”
Further details can be viewed regarding January 2025 state employment data and rankings over one-month, twelve-month comparisons.
