Construction employment saw an increase in 32 states and the District of Columbia from April 2024 to April 2025, according to data analyzed by the Associated General Contractors of America. However, only 24 states reported job growth between March and April this year. The association attributed limited growth to uncertainties regarding tariffs and market conditions.
Macrina Wilkins, a senior research analyst with the association, noted that while construction employment expanded in several regions, "uncertainties about the impacts of tariffs and the direction of the economy appear to be affecting hiring in many other places." She added that it remains unclear whether these issues are temporary or indicative of a longer-term trend.
Texas led the nation in construction job additions over the past year with 32,000 new positions, marking a 3.8 percent increase. Ohio followed with an addition of 20,500 jobs at an 8.4 percent growth rate. New Mexico experienced the largest percentage gain at 14.6 percent with an addition of 7,700 jobs.
Conversely, Washington state faced significant losses over the same period, shedding 15,000 jobs—a decrease of 6.6 percent—while California lost 13,300 jobs.
On a monthly basis from March to April this year, California saw an increase of 6,300 construction jobs (0.7 percent), leading other states in job gains for that period. Virginia recorded a notable percentage gain at 1.9 percent with an addition of 4,300 jobs.
Washington also experienced substantial monthly declines in construction employment from March to April with a loss of -3,300 jobs (-1.5 percent). Alaska had the highest percentage drop at -3.1 percent after losing -600 positions.
Jeffrey Shoaf, CEO of the association, commented on recent trade developments: “Federal officials can help ensure continued strong demand for construction by boosting investments in construction education and training.” He emphasized that allowing more lawful entry into the country for work and clarifying future tax rates could further stabilize demand.