Exactly half of U.S. metro areas saw an increase in construction jobs from June 2024 to June 2025, according to a new analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) based on government employment data. The report highlights a stagnant trend in construction demand, with industry activity largely unchanged across many regions.
“Construction activity is in a holding pattern in much of the nation,” said Ken Simonson, AGC’s chief economist. “As a result, fewer metro areas are experiencing gains in construction employment compared to a year ago.” Simonson noted that only 180 out of 360 tracked metro areas added construction jobs over the past year, which is about 35 fewer than the previous year.
For the fourth consecutive month, Arlington-Alexandria-Reston, Va.-W.Va. led all metro areas by adding 9,100 construction jobs—a 10 percent increase—between June 2024 and June 2025. Cincinnati, Ohio-Ky.-Ind., followed with an addition of 5,400 jobs (11 percent). Other leading metros included Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall, Fla. (4,800 jobs; 8 percent), Washington D.C.-Md. (4,700 jobs; 10 percent), and Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg, Ill. (4,500 jobs; 38 percent). Las Cruces, N.M., recorded the highest percentage gain at 16 percent or an additional 700 jobs.
Meanwhile, job losses were reported in several major markets. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif., experienced the largest decline with a loss of 5,200 positions (-4 percent). Nassau County-Suffolk County, N.Y., lost 4,000 jobs (-5 percent), while Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, Calif.; Seattle-Bellevue-Kent, Wash.; and Baton Rouge La., each saw decreases of around 3,800 positions. Niles Mich., had the steepest percentage drop at -17 percent (-400 jobs).
According to AGC officials higher interest rates and uncertainty over tariffs and labor policy are contributing factors to stalled economic activity within parts of the country. They called on federal policymakers for more stable trade arrangements regarding tariff rates and recommended that immigration enforcement focus on undocumented workers involved in criminal activities.
“Uncertainty about tariff rates and labor availability are holding back private sector demand for construction,” said Jeffrey D. Shoaf, AGC’s chief executive officer. “Creating more certainty and avoiding measures that needlessly tighten the labor market should help stimulate new construction demand.”
A full breakdown of metro employment data by state and rankings can be found through AGC resources online.