April State-Level Employment Analysis

Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 36 states in April compared to March, while 14 states and the District of Columbia lost jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 253,000 in April, following a gain of 165,000 jobs in March.

On a month-over-month basis, employment data were strongest in California, which added 67,000 jobs, followed by Texas (33,300) and Florida (21,200). Fourteen states and the District of Columbia lost a total of 39,000 jobs. In percentage terms, employment in Indiana increased by 0.5%, while Rhode Island reported a 0.8% decline between March and April.

Across the 48 states that reported construction sector jobs data — which includes both residential and non-residential construction — 24 states reported an increase in April compared to March, while 24 states lost construction sector jobs. Washington added 4,300 construction jobs, while Texas lost 8,500 jobs. Overall, the construction industry added a net 15,000 jobs in April compared to the previous month.

Year over year, construction sector jobs in the U.S. increased by 205,000 — a 2.7% increase compared to April 2022.

Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, NAHB assistant vice president for forecasting and analysis, provides more in this Eye on Housing post.