Thirty-two states added construction jobs in December 2023 as contractors continued to struggle to fill open positions, according to Associated General Contractors of America. Thirty-five states added construction jobs during the past year.
“Construction demand remains strong in many parts of the country, especially for infrastructure, manufacturing and data center projects,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, AGC’s CEO. “But a paucity of qualified workers is holding back further employment gains and impacting project schedules and budgets.”
New Jersey added the most construction jobs from November 2023 to December 2023—3,800—and South Dakota had the largest percentage increase of construction jobs for the month—4.1%. During the past 12 months, Texas added the most construction jobs—32,800—and South Dakota had the largest percentage increase—20.8%.
Ohio lost the largest number of construction jobs (-4,100) for the month and Washington, D.C., had the largest percentage decline (-1.9%). During the past 12 months, New York lost the most construction jobs (-15,600) and had the largest percentage decline (-3.9%).
