More Than 200,000 Construction Jobs Added Since November 2021
Year over year, construction sector jobs in the United States increased by 248,000 — a 3.3% increase compared to the November 2021 level. California added 37,200 jobs, which was the largest gain of any state, while South Carolina lost 4,700 construction sector jobs. In percentage terms, North Dakota had the highest annual growth rate in the construction sector by 15.6%. Over this period, South Carolina reported a decline of 4.5%.
Year over year ending in November, 4.9 million total jobs have been added, marking a more than full recovery of the labor market from the COVID-19 pandemic-induced recession. All the states and District of Columbia added jobs compared to a year ago. Texas reported the highest increase by 5.1%, while Mississippi was essentially unchanged (0.1%) compared to a year ago.
On a month-over-month basis, nationwide total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 263,000 in November, following a gain of 284,000 jobs in October, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 43 states and the District of Columbia in November compared to the previous month. Texas added 33,600 jobs, followed by Florida (28,100) and California (26,800). Seven states lost a total of 9,000 jobs.
Across the 48 states that reported construction sector jobs data — which includes both residential as well as non-residential construction — 36 states reported an increase in November compared to October, while eight lost construction sector jobs. Four states — Arkansas, Arizona, Maine and Tennessee — reported no change.
Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, NAHB assistant vice president for forecasting and analysis, provides more in this Eye on Housing post.
Latest from NAHBNow
Economics
Feb 13, 2026
Existing Home Sales in January Plunged to Lowest Level Since 2024Existing home sales in January fell to lowest level since August 2024 as tight inventory continued to push home prices higher and winter weather weighed on sales activity.
Economics
Feb 12, 2026
The Biggest Challenges Expected by Home Builders in 2026According to the latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, 84% of home builders felt the most significant challenge builders faced in 2025 was high interest rates and 65% anticipate interest rates will remain a problem in 2026.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Feb 13, 2026
Inflation Eased in JanuaryInflation eased to an eight-month low in January, confirming a continued downward trend. Though most Consumer Price Index (CPI) components have resolved shutdown-related distortions from last fall, the shelter index will remain affected through April due to the imputation method used for housing costs. The shelter index is likely to show larger increases in the coming months.
Economics
Feb 12, 2026
Existing Home Sales Retreat Amid Low InventoryExisting home sales fell in January to a more than two-year low after December’s strong rebound, as tight inventory continued to push home prices higher and winter storms weighed on activity. Despite mortgage rates trending lower and wage growth outpacing price gains, limited resale supply kept many buyers on the sidelines.
Economics
Feb 12, 2026
Residential Building Worker Wages Slow in 2025 Amid Cooling Housing ActivityWage growth for residential building workers moderated notably in 2025, reflecting a broader cooling in housing activity and construction labor demand. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), both nominal and real wages remained modest during the fourth quarter, signaling a shift from the rapid post-pandemic expansion to a slower-growth phase.