Twenty-eight states added construction jobs in November 2023 as contractors continued to struggle to fill open positions, according to Associated General Contractors of America. Thirty-four states and Washington, D.C., added construction jobs during the past year.
“The number of states with construction job gains has been shrinking as apartment and office projects wind down,” said Ken Simonson, AGC’s chief economist. “But contractors are optimistic about demand for infrastructure and federal projects in 2024, while homebuilding is starting to revive in many states.”
Texas added the most construction jobs from October 2023 to November 2023—9,200—and Oklahoma had the largest percentage increase of construction jobs for the month—2.7%. During the past 12 months, Texas added the most construction jobs—35,700—and Kentucky had the largest percentage increase—14.5%.
New York lost the largest number of construction jobs (-5,200) for the month and Ohio and New Jersey had the largest percentage decline (-1.5%). During the past 12 months, New York lost the most construction jobs (-6,300) and North Dakota had the largest percentage decline (-8.2%).
