Texas and Missouri Top Lists of 12-Month Gains, While California and Alaska Have Worst Job Losses; Ohio and Delaware Lead Monthly Gainers; Nevada Has Largest Monthly Decline
Construction employment increased in 33 states and the District of Columbia between March 2025 and March 2026, while 31 states and D.C. added construction jobs between February and March, according to an analysis of new federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that while hiring has become more cautious in recent months, many contractors continue to struggle to find qualified workers for specialized projects and urged federal officials to invest in workforce development and career training programs.
“March construction employment data show the industry continues to add jobs in many parts of the country, but hiring momentum has moderated compared to the rapid expansion seen over the past several years,” said Macrina Wilkins, Director of Market Insights for the Associated General Contractors of America. “Taken alongside the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey released Tuesday, the data suggest contractors are continuing to retain existing workers while taking a more cautious approach to expanding headcount.”
Between March 2025 and March 2026, 33 states and D.C. added construction jobs, 16 states lost jobs, and employment was unchanged in Wyoming. Texas added the most construction jobs over the year (21,600 jobs or 2.4 percent), followed by North Carolina (11,300 jobs, 4.1 percent), Ohio (11,200 jobs, 4.4 percent), Missouri (7,700 jobs, 5.2 percent), and Louisiana (6,900 jobs, 4.9 percent). Missouri had the largest percentage gain over 12 months (5.2 percent, 7,700 jobs), followed by Louisiana and Nebraska (both 4.9 percent), West Virginia (4.9 percent, 1,700 jobs), and Wisconsin (4.5 percent, 6,600 jobs).
California lost the most construction jobs from March 2025 to March 2026 (-9,400 jobs, -1.0 percent), followed by Florida (-8,700 jobs, -1.3 percent), New York (-7,100 jobs, -1.8 percent), New Jersey (-3,600 jobs, -2.2 percent), and Arizona (-2,900 jobs, -1.3 percent). Alaska experienced the largest percentage decline (-6.5 percent, -1,300 jobs), followed by New Mexico (-4.9 percent, -2,700 jobs), New Jersey, New York, and Mississippi (-1.7 percent, -900 jobs).
For the month, industry employment increased in 31 states and D.C., declined in 14 states, and was unchanged in Alaska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Wyoming. Ohio added the most construction jobs between February and March (5,300 jobs or 2.0 percent), followed by Louisiana (2,900 jobs, 2.0 percent), Florida (2,600 jobs, 0.4 percent), Virginia (2,100 jobs, 0.9 percent), and California, Maryland, and Massachusetts (2,000 jobs each). Delaware experienced the largest percentage gain for the month (4.2 percent, 1,000 jobs), followed by Louisiana and Ohio (both 2.0 percent), Nebraska (1.5 percent, 1,000 jobs), and Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Vermont (all 1.2 percent).
Nevada experienced the largest monthly decline in construction employment between February and March (-2,600 jobs, -2.3 percent). Other states with significant numerical losses include Wisconsin (-1,800 jobs, -1.2 percent), Indiana (-1,300 jobs, -0.7 percent), Georgia (-1,200 jobs, -0.5 percent), and New Mexico (-800 jobs, -1.5 percent). Nevada also had the largest percentage decline for the month, followed by New Mexico, Mississippi (-1.3 percent, -700 jobs), Wisconsin, and Hawaii (-1.2 percent, -500 jobs).
Association officials said the latest employment data suggest contractors are becoming more cautious about expanding payrolls as project demand and financing conditions remain uneven. They added that maintaining a stable construction workforce will require continued investment in workforce development, career training, and policies that support long-term project certainty.
“Contractors appear focused on retaining their current workforce while hiring more selectively for essential projects,” said Jeffrey D. Shoaf, chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America. “Providing greater certainty around infrastructure investment, energy policy, and workforce development will help firms plan, invest, and continue adding workers where demand remains strong.”
View March 2026 state employment data and 1-month, 12-month rankings.