Construction employment increased in 32 states and the District of Columbia between April 2025 and April 2026, while 32 states also added construction jobs from March to April, according to an analysis of new federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the gains reflect continued demand for construction activity across much of the country but warned that future hiring could slow if Congress does not approve a new federal highway and transit funding bill before the current legislation expires at the end of September.
“It’s encouraging to see construction employment growing in many regions,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “However, uncertainty surrounding future federal transportation funding could make it difficult for many states to sustain current employment levels later this year.”
Over the past 12 months, Texas added the largest number of construction jobs, gaining 18,700 positions, followed by North Carolina, Ohio, Louisiana, Illinois, and Missouri. Louisiana recorded the strongest percentage increase in construction employment, rising 5.8 percent, followed closely by West Virginia, North Carolina, Missouri, and Nebraska.
Meanwhile, California experienced the largest decline in construction employment over the year, losing 14,500 jobs, followed by New Jersey, Washington, Arizona, Georgia, and Mississippi. Alaska posted the steepest percentage decline, followed by Mississippi, New Jersey, and Arkansas.
On a monthly basis, Florida added the most construction jobs between March and April, followed by Texas, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and New Mexico. New Mexico recorded the largest percentage gain for the month, ahead of Kansas, Massachusetts, and Montana.
At the same time, New Jersey lost the most construction jobs during the month, followed by Washington, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Arkansas. Maine recorded the largest percentage decline, followed by Vermont, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.
Association officials noted that the federal surface transportation program provides critical funding for state and local infrastructure improvements, including roads, bridges, and transit systems. They added that these investments not only support transportation contractors but also stimulate broader economic activity throughout the construction industry.
“Investing in transportation infrastructure remains one of the most effective ways to support economic growth and maintain construction employment momentum,” said Jeffrey D. Shoaf, the association’s chief executive officer.
View April 2026 state employment data, 1-month and 12-month rankings.
